GX470 Power and Torque?

[drodvold]

According to the Lexus website, the GX470 makes 263 HP (compared to 260 on my 2007 4Runner), but produces 323 lb-ft of torque (compared to 306 in the 4Runner). The disclaimer on the Lexus website states "Ratings achieved using the required premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. If premium fuel is not used, performance will decrease."

I live at 6750 feet, and pull a 5000 pound camper, so extra torque would definitely be a good thing! Any ideas on how they get the increased performance in the Lexus? I would suspect they use different timing in the engine control electronics, since the higher octane fuel is specified. I suppose the intake and/or exhaust could be a bit different also.

If there is a Toyota/Lexus mechanic out there, I would be interested in knowing if a simple chip swap would allow me to upgrade my power, assuming I was willing to run premium henceforth...

-Dave

 

[rolla_dink]

I'd vote piggyback computer management. Visit either website.

Underdog

or

Split Sec

Split second has the infamous tuning guide by Gadget.

your other option is I/H/E, although I only think there is only CAT-Backs available for your GX. I'll have to talk to my sister. You can always see if there is a reputable aftermarket intake which will reasonably give you noticeable hp/tq gain, but I still think the best value is tweaking the ECM with a piggyback. As far as I know there are no "Chips" available for Toyota since noone in the aftermarket has figured out the coding, however Jet performance or your dealer may have reflash maps they are willing to upload, but from what I remember those cost a pretty penny, and cannot be programmed on the fly.

 

[beirish]

I believe Gadget is 'URD' racing. You just missed a piggy-back that someone was selling on CustomTaco for cheap. Take a look over there for some good articles on this. Gadget does a lot of cool stuff over there.

 

[drodvold]

Actually I was wondering if I could just plug in the Lexus chip and get a performance increase, or if the engine controller is more vehicle-specific than that.

-Dave

 

[TeCKis300]

Since you are towing, I would suggest against any sort of piggyback or chip.

Piggies and chips make their extra power by increased timing and leaning fuel. Both factors would reduce the safety factor to the motor and allow it to run hotter. Neither is a good quality for a loaded motor.


Also, since all modern cars have tight closed loop feedback and knock sensors, the stock ECU will just negate these adjustments, or worse, run even more reduced timing in harsh conditions.

Some things to consider.


The only good way to make power IMO for high load motors is to increase volumetric efficiency (VE) via intake mods and exhaust mods and at the more extreme end, porting.

 

[OUTRNNR]

The difference lies in the engine tuning inside the ECU. Timing and/or fuel trim has been bumped in the Lexus which warrants the use of premium fuel. I honestly think an ECU swap from a GX would work fine, IF you could get your hands on one.

Until then, your only option is a piggyback controller (with a dyno specific tune). To address the negative perceived issues on the piggybacks, a mild timing and/or air-fuel ratio tune is harmless to the engine. If done correctly, the ECU doesn't even know its there and won't fight the correction by the piggyback, while still maintaining safe exhaust gas temperatures and knock supression (both of which are less of an issue at altitude). Used in conjuntion with intake and exhaust, a tune using a Split Sec controller got me to around 300 crank HP and 340 crank TQ.

See my thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18619&highlight=stage+transformation

 

[Casper]

the difference is a GX-spec 2uz-fe ECU.... I would love to run one in my rig if i could only find one for cheap.