Hey Sam! I just stumbled onto your build thread here on T4R. Pretty awesome. Much more information to read about. Your Runner is still coming along very nicely. I'm thinking about installing a tuner for my turbo set up so I was wondering if you ended up doing that. If not, I was curious if you had researched it some and what you thought about some of the different tuners out there. I've been looking at a piggy back like the FIC or the MAPECU3. I've been hesitant with the FIC since it seems like there are so many people that have issues with either the wiring side of it or the tuning side of it, specifically in closed loop. I've thought about going to the MAPECU3 since it is supposed to tune closed loop as well as being able to advance timing and has an EBC. There's a GB going on through TW to get the MAPECU for $500 this month through URD, which was another factor making me lean that way as well. LMK what you think
Mc1337sauce's (Modest) 1997 4Runner Build
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Mc1337sauce
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Hey man, how's it going! Didn't know you were on here!
I never installed any aftermarket ECU in my truck (it has basically become a show-only vehicle at this point, and I'm happy with it at 5 psi) and it's been a while since I researched them with relation to the 2/3RZ motors, but from what I recall the MAPECU3 was considered one of the better choices. I know a lot of people go with the AEM piggyback because there are many more shops that are willing to tune the product, but if you are going to tune yourself then that's a moot point. I don't know if anyone has used one with the 3RZ, but a GReddy e-Manage Blue or Ultimate may also be another great alternative. In the 2JZ world, the e-Manage Ultimate seems to be the easiest and most consistently-performing piggyback ECU available, but I haven't personally played with one so I can't attest to its compatibility with the RZ engines - CustomTacos might have more info on that.
If you're looking for timing control, I believe that the only way you'll get proper timing advance (the piggybacks retard timing fine) is by transitioning to a standalone ECU, as the Toyota ECU will simply pull timing back as the piggyback advances. The standalone is an overall better solution as well in terms of consistency, but if you need to retain OBD-II for inspections then that solution is out the window (which is also why none of my current vehicles have one). If you're just looking for a fairly simple fuel control system for larger injectors to add a bit more power, then I would research the MAPECU3 a bit more because I'm thinking it may be your best bet, especially with the group buy deal going on.
Mc1337sauce
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No mods done to the 4Runner recently, been busy with my Lexus for the past few months and have a ton of parts stocked up for that car, waiting for installation. Lately I've been shooting more cinematic videos of my vehicles as well as those of friends and family showing off some unique builds I've done as well as those of people I know here in AZ. I finally wrapped up a video on my truck which released yesterday - I know a couple people from the forum have seen it in the short time it's been out, but for those who are interested in a bit more in-depth look at my Runner in its most up-to-date, current state, here's the video:
I've been producing videos for years but haven't done too many video presentations of my own, so excuse the...um...lack of enthusiasm in my voice...lol. There's a few more of the "Autos of Arizona" videos on the channel right now, and more in the works. I'm shooting for releasing one video per week, so if you like what you see stay tuned for more, and if not, any suggestions are welcome. If there are any other videos you'd like to see on the 4Runner, let me know and I will try to add them to my production queue.
I've been producing videos for years but haven't done too many video presentations of my own, so excuse the...um...lack of enthusiasm in my voice...lol. There's a few more of the "Autos of Arizona" videos on the channel right now, and more in the works. I'm shooting for releasing one video per week, so if you like what you see stay tuned for more, and if not, any suggestions are welcome. If there are any other videos you'd like to see on the 4Runner, let me know and I will try to add them to my production queue.
Mc1337sauce
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Got a few shots of the truck in motion this weekend.
4x4runner01
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Clean and simple; I like it!
Mc1337sauce
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BrianSD_42
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I'm just getting a chance to read through this. The truck looks great and the amount of work and detailed documentation you put into your build thread is very impressive!
Mc1337sauce
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squishmitten
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This is awesome! I'm in Chandler too, do you ever go out to any of the trails?
Mc1337sauce
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Nah, don't take it off-road beyond a farm road every once in a while. I only drive it a couple thousand miles a year to shows and whatnot these days now that I have a more comfortable daily. I'm sure you'll see me driving around at some point though, especially if you frequent the Sun Lakes area.
squishmitten
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What shows do you go to? Ever make it out to the Pavs? I'd love to check this thing out sometime.
Mc1337sauce
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I'm up at Pavs every once in a while, not really during summer though because even at night its just so darn hot (as you know, lol). I also go to a small, mostly American classic (but some modern and import) show on the SW corner of Ocotillo and Arizona. It's every Friday night, but they take breaks some summers and during part of winter. If you have an Instagram you can follow me (same username as on here) and you'll see when I'm at the shows - I also have tons more pics of the truck and my other cars there too.
Mc1337sauce
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Kotletachka
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nice rig!
Mc1337sauce
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Thank you, I appreciate it!
Spacecowboy
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I also got my spoiler brackets bent up this morning...they came out damn good considering I don't have any proper metal working tools. I used my milling table to rough cut them out of 20g (IIRC) 1020 steel, then filed them to shape and bent them using my vise and some wood blocks. They fit just like the OEM brackets should as far as I can tell. I made a couple changes to the final design, so I will update my drawings and upload them here soon in case anyone needs to make the same brackets in the future. Here's what they look like before any paint...I may need to slightly widen the portion where the bracket is folded over in order to accommodate for the thickness of paint as well as paint protection film I will be applying to the truck, but they are done for the most part.
I should have some more updates coming fairly soon, so stay tuned!
What bolt size did you use? Mine did not came with any bolt. Thank you.
Mc1337sauce
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I believe they are M6 x 1.00, if I recall correctly I used BHCS (button heads), length I am not sure of at this point. Hope that helps!
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