Magnuson Supercharger 3rd Gen Tacoma | Build Guide
Share
Rob Krause
Owner, Battle Born Clothing & Print - Yerington, NV - Published March 11, 2026
TL;DR - V8 Power in a Midsize Truck
The Magnuson TVS1900 supercharger bolts onto a stock 3rd Gen Tacoma 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 and delivers 370+ HP and 330+ ft-lbs at the crank (308 RWHP) - a 32% increase over stock. Full bolt-on, no cutting or welding, weekend DIY install, includes calibration, 3-year warranty, CARB certified for 2016-2021. The TacomaWorld mega-thread has 3,566+ replies and 379,000+ views documenting installs, dyno results, and long-term reliability. This is the most proven forced induction option for the 3rd Gen Tacoma.
The 3rd Gen Tacoma's 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 makes 278 HP from the factory. Respectable for a midsize truck. But if you have ever tried to merge on the highway with 33-inch tires, a full bed, and a rooftop tent, you know that 278 HP disappears fast. And on the trail, the power gap between a stock Tacoma and a V8-powered Tundra or 200 Series Land Cruiser is impossible to ignore.
Enter the Magnuson TVS1900 supercharger. This is not a turbo kit hacked together in a garage. It is a factory-style positive displacement supercharger system engineered specifically for the 2GR-FKS, using Eaton TVS technology - the same platform found in OEM applications on vehicles like the Cadillac CTS-V and Camaro ZL1. Magnuson has been building OEM-level supercharger systems for decades and the Tacoma kit reflects that pedigree.
The result: V8-level power in a midsize package. The truck accelerates like a different vehicle. Highway merging goes from nerve-wracking to effortless. Hill climbs that used to require downshifts are handled in stride. And it all bolts on in a weekend with hand tools.
What the Kit Includes
TVS1900 Supercharger Assembly: Large capacity front-inlet, front-drive positive displacement Roots-type supercharger using Eaton TVS technology. The integrated vacuum bypass provides instant boost response at low engine speeds. The unit is pre-filled and sealed - maintenance free for the life of the engine. No external oil cooler or heater to deal with.
Intercooler System: High-thermal-transfer air-to-water intercooler with waterproof pump. The intercooler cools the compressed air charge before it enters the engine, keeping inlet air temps low for consistent power output. This is critical for sustained performance - especially in Nevada heat or during extended off-road sessions where engine temps climb.
Custom Belt Drive System: Engineered specifically for the Tacoma's engine bay and off-road use case. Designed to prevent belt slip even under the extreme angles and conditions of 4-wheeling. This is not a universal bracket kit - it is a purpose-built drive system.
Magnuson Calibration: A custom ECU calibration is included with the kit. You submit your vehicle details via a calibration form and Magnuson provides a file tailored to your truck's configuration (stock or modified). This means the tuning is handled - you do not need a third-party dyno tune for the base kit.
3-Year Limited Warranty: Magnuson backs the kit with a warranty, which is significant for a supercharger system. It speaks to the reliability engineering behind the product.
Power Numbers at a Glance
| Spec | Stock 2GR-FKS | + Magnuson TVS1900 | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crank HP | 278 HP | 370+ HP | +32% |
| Crank Torque | 265 ft-lbs | 330+ ft-lbs | +25% |
| RWHP | ~230 RWHP | ~308 RWHP | +34% |
| RW Torque | ~220 ft-lbs | ~275 ft-lbs | +25% |
| Boost | N/A | 5-6 PSI | - |
Why a Roots Supercharger Over a Turbo?
The Magnuson TVS1900 is a positive displacement Roots-type supercharger. Unlike a turbo (which uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine), a Roots blower is belt-driven directly off the engine crank. This means boost is available instantly from idle - no turbo lag, no waiting for RPMs to climb before power kicks in.
For a truck used off-road, this is a massive advantage. Rock crawling, hill climbs, and technical trail sections happen at low RPM where a turbo is still spooling. A Roots blower delivers boost immediately, giving you predictable power delivery exactly when you need it. The integrated vacuum bypass means the supercharger is essentially transparent at cruising speeds - it only compresses air when you ask for it.
The Eaton TVS (Twin Vortices Series) technology inside the Magnuson adds four-lobe rotor design with 160-degree twist for higher efficiency and cooler discharge temperatures compared to older Roots designs. This is the same platform used in factory OEM supercharged vehicles from GM, Ford, and others.
Installation Overview
Difficulty: Intermediate. Enthusiasts with basic hand tools and mechanical aptitude can complete the install in a weekend. Experienced installers or shops do it in a day.
Reversibility: Fully reversible. No cutting, welding, or permanent modifications. The truck can be returned to stock by removing the kit and flashing the stock calibration.
The process in broad strokes: Remove the factory intake manifold and throttle body, install the supercharger assembly in its place (bolts directly to the factory mounting points), route the intercooler plumbing and belt drive, install the intercooler pump and reservoir, and flash the Magnuson calibration. The finished result looks OEM - the supercharger sits where the factory intake was and does not stick out of the hood or require modifications to body panels.
The TacomaWorld mega-thread (3,566+ replies, 379,000+ views) is the definitive community resource for DIY install documentation. Dozens of owners have posted step-by-step photos, tips, and lessons learned. If you are doing it yourself, read that thread first.
Supporting Modifications: What You Need (and What You Do Not)
Recommended
Oil catch can: Manages crankcase oil vapor under boost. Keeps intake clean.
Cat-back exhaust: Reduces backpressure for modest additional power and better sound.
Quality air filter: Ensures clean airflow to the supercharger.
Not Needed at Stock Boost
Fuel system upgrades: The stock fuel system handles the base tune without issues.
Transmission upgrades: The stock auto and manual transmissions handle 370 HP.
Engine internals: The 2GR-FKS handles 5-6 PSI on stock internals.
CARB Certification and Warranty Considerations
CARB status: The Magnuson TVS1900 has California Air Resources Board Executive Order certification for 2016-2021 model year Tacomas. This is a big deal - it means the kit is legal for street use in California and all states that follow CARB emissions standards. For 2022-2023 models, certification may be pending or available by the time you read this. Check with Magnuson directly for the latest status on your specific model year.
Toyota warranty: Under the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (coincidentally the same name as the supercharger brand, but unrelated), a dealer cannot blanket-void your entire warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part. They can only deny claims that are directly caused by the modification. In practice, many 3rd Gen owners with the Magnuson kit report that dealers have continued to honor warranty claims on unrelated systems without issue. The Magnuson kit itself comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Supercharged Tacoma Lifestyle Gear
If you are building a supercharged Tacoma, you are already in the top 1% of Tacoma owners who take their trucks seriously. Represent the build with custom apparel that matches the effort you put into the truck. Battle Born prints custom Tacoma club shirts, crew hats, and event apparel for Tacoma groups and individual owners. Check out our custom Tacoma club shirt guide or browse our Toyota hats and apparel collection.
Custom Gear for Your Supercharged Tacoma
Screen printed tees, embroidered hats, DTF decals - we print custom Tacoma apparel for owners, clubs, and events. No minimums. Same-day quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much HP does a supercharged 3rd Gen Tacoma make?
370+ HP and 330+ ft-lbs at the crank. Approximately 308 RWHP and 275 ft-lbs at the wheels. 32% increase over stock. With supporting mods and custom tune, some owners report 400+ crank HP.
How much does the Magnuson Tacoma supercharger cost?
$6,500-$7,500 for the kit. Installation labor (if not DIY) adds $1,000-2,000. Includes supercharger, intercooler, belt drive, hardware, and calibration. 3-year limited warranty.
Can I install the Magnuson supercharger myself?
Yes. Full bolt-on, no cutting/welding. Weekend DIY with basic tools. Day or less for an experienced installer. The TacomaWorld mega-thread (3,566+ replies) has detailed DIY documentation with photos.
Is the Magnuson Tacoma supercharger CARB legal?
CARB certified for 2016-2021 model years. Legal in California and all CARB-following states. For 2022-2023, check with Magnuson for current certification status.
Does the supercharger void the Toyota warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, dealers cannot blanket-void your warranty for an aftermarket part. They can only deny claims directly caused by the modification. Many owners report dealers honoring unrelated warranty claims with the kit installed.
What supporting mods do I need?
The kit bolts onto a stock truck with no required supporting mods. Recommended: oil catch can, cat-back exhaust, quality air filter. Stock fuel system, transmission, and engine internals handle the base tune without issues.
More Tacoma Guides from Battle Born
2GR-FKS Engine Problems →
What every 3rd Gen owner needs to know
Best Lift Kit Comparison →
Bilstein vs Fox vs Icon vs King
Biggest Tires That Fit Tacomas →
The definitive fitment guide
TRD Off-Road vs TRD Pro →
Is the Pro premium worth it?
iForce MAX Hybrid Explained →
The 4th Gen's 326 HP hybrid powertrain
Custom Tacoma Club Shirts →
Screen printed gear for your crew