Engine Management Software...hmmmm

I read with interest the story on the kid with the Tacoma...and I'm not sure this is the best option...though it's an awesome option.

Expound: FreeEMS is exactly that...open source freeware for engine tuning. Whereas the product first linked in the opening post is commercial and already developed, this is still being developed right down to the user interface.

Something like Speedpro or what have you, is already engineered, just ready to have someone tune it. (sounds so simple, right?)

...which leaves me...right here...with nothing...sorta.

The big question in my Monster Energy drink addled mind is...how many ECUs do we have in our truck? I was searching this morning for about an hour and found that we probably have 3 or 4?

- Engine
- Transmission
- Bodymount ECU
- ???

Engine and transmission are run through a single ECU. This is the one that matters, and what people figure you're talking about when you say ECU.

I think there are 10 others, but this also varies some, since the 4WD control systems differ between the SR5/TE and the Ltd, and stuff like specific feature ECUs won't be present if the option isn't on the truck.
 
Speak-English-or-Get-Out.jpg
 
eddiebx is right on the money. I've known people who thought they could figure out tuning only to blow an engine. Not a cheap fix on a newer car...

Ryan, I'm pretty sure the 4Runner has one primary ECU. Some other manufacturers started using a separate TCU to control the transmission.
This sucks when it comes to tuning because you can't change shift points, firmness or torque converter lock/unlock settings in the transmission.

I know I keep saying it, but BullyDog was able to make head way with the Toyota mapping. I just wish they'd work backwards from the current Gen 5 and get the Gen 4 V8 done...
 
Engine and transmission are run through a single ECU. This is the one that matters, and what people figure you're talking about when you say ECU.

I think there are 10 others, but this also varies some, since the 4WD control systems differ between the SR5/TE and the Ltd, and stuff like specific feature ECUs won't be present if the option isn't on the truck.

The concerns I started to ponder include ATRACs integration, ABS, etc etc.

These are all first world problems and probably wouldn't be encountered until after I begin the next phase of my life and settle into a new job / secure current levels of income. Something tells me if I do something stupid like become Texas Highway Patrol that I won't be making as much as I am now and won't have the capital to play around like I want to.
 
eddiebx is right on the money. I've known people who thought they could figure out tuning only to blow an engine. Not a cheap fix on a newer car...

Ryan, I'm pretty sure the 4Runner has one primary ECU. Some other manufacturers started using a separate TCU to control the transmission.
This sucks when it comes to tuning because you can't change shift points, firmness or torque converter lock/unlock settings in the transmission.

I know I keep saying it, but BullyDog was able to make head way with the Toyota mapping. I just wish they'd work backwards from the current Gen 5 and get the Gen 4 V8 done...

A blown engine would only cause me to go completely all in on the project and just go LSX swap.
 

Gee ok. No gym for home, work out floor with 30, but is it for 20 like 30 lb when you no lift it to be for men, for 30 lbs instead? or half is 10 for 20 pounds?

UMM HOW i word this... ok u take 20 lbs no lifting for 30lb if guy, so divide 2 u dont sit, u get 10 but for guy it no 30, so 20 would be for guy if u werent a girl ?
 
A blown engine would only cause me to go completely all in on the project and just go LSX swap.

Hell yeah!

Honestly though, I wonder how an LS or LQ motor would do in the Runner?
A nice 4L80e behind it. Or better yet,6 speed....:love:

Man, I miss my RCSB.
 
Not really. The issue is that a single ECU implementation is both specific engine, engine subtype, transmission, transmission subtype specific. So you'd need to find an ECU for a 1GR-FE dual VVTi with an A750E or F transmission.

This being said, the data is in an EEPROM, and there are ways to both update the software, as well as the "maps" the software reads. I would expect than transmission shift schedules live in the maps as a combination of throttle position, speed, rpm, and some other factors.

So if you want to mess with that, you'd want a separate ECU, so you can throw the original one back in when things go weird. The caveat is that all things on the Toyota CAN bus systems are VIN-number and magic-number synchronized, and since it's a single ECU you'll need to set the VIN, determine the magic number, and then program all your keys into the new ECU, before things will work. This isn't something the ebay TechStream systems can do, you need the real software with the locksmith endorsement. The procedure is in the FSM, and it's not very pleasant, nor cheap.

A possibly better approach is to have a CAN bus client that reads relevant data (like a ScanGauge, but software-readable) and then tap into transmission control input between its bus client/ecu and the actual transmission, and override it from there. Not for the faint of heart, unless you can get both male and female plugs for the transmission interface and re-route select cables. Tapping into the 28ga or smaller cables is an exercise in frustration.

Interestingly enough - it looks like a shop down in San Antonio has the software to flash toyota ECUs.

Diesel Toys -Toyota Diesel Conversions » Tacoma Diesel Conversions

Thinking further - wouldn't a 4.6l 1UR-FE be a better option as it is a Lexus 460 engine?

2010 Toyota Tundra Used Engine - Auto Parts Fair®
 

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