Orange Virus Tune or Pedal Commander?

[Endle55_5earch]

A local vender has advertised an Orange Virus Tune. From what I understand this:

1) frees up 20+ HP
2) changes the throttle response
3) fixes the annoying gear hunting between 4th and 5th gear.

My hope is that I can do this instead of regearing (285/70/17's do what I need them too on my yearly UT/CO roadtrip; however, they've slowed me down just enough where I'm considering a regear).

Should I try this Orange Virus ECU Tune? Should I get a Pedal Commander/Sprint Booster instead? Should I save for the regear even though my intentions are to stay with 285's?

Thanks for your time.

 

[Bmnorm2]

If you want to actually change the tune, produce more power, alter engine behavior, Orange Virus all the way.

Pedal Commander literally just conditions the throttle position sensor signal, nothing more. So, when you throttle at 20%, the commander may send a signal of 30%. Not exactly the same, but you can mostly accommodate for Drive by wire tuning by adjusting your throttle application behavior.

 

[j-dub]

Can you please share more information on the Orange Virus tune and where it is available. On the VF website it is not clear that it is yet available for the 5th Gen 4runner.

My brother has the OV tune on his Tacamoa and really likes it. One thing that I am a bit confused about is that possibly the OV is the interface and then other tuners like KDMax and VF provide tunes via the OV platform.

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy

 

[Bmnorm2]

Can you please share more information on the Orange Virus tune and where it is available. On the VF website it is not clear that it is yet available for the 5th Gen 4runner.

My brother has the OV tune on his Tacamoa and really likes it. One thing that I am a bit confused about is that possibly the OV is the interface and then other tuners like KDMax and VF provide tunes via the OV platform.

Thanks in advance,

Jeremy

4Runner 4.0L Tune Pack | OrangeVirus Tuning

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Do you want to trick your throttle body with a pedal commander or do you want to invest the money in actually tuning your engine to access more power? Really comes down to the cost difference I would think, but they're not really apples to apples in any shape or form

 

[Paragon1]

Do you want to trick your throttle body with a pedal commander or do you want to invest the money in actually tuning your engine to access more power? Really comes down to the cost difference I would think, but they're not really apples to apples in any shape or form

of course not, we're comparing apples to.... oranges.

Sorry, it was too easy.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

Canned tunes aren't all that great either.

 

[Endle55_5earch]

Does anyone know any members who've had this tune?

My main questions:
1) Did it change the gear hunting between 4th and 5th gear?
2) Is the throttle response more responsive?
3) Can you still use regular unleaded?

I just want some real world use and experience with this tune.

 

[Bmnorm2]

Does anyone know any members who've had this tune?

My main questions:
1) Did it change the gear hunting between 4th and 5th gear?
2) Is the throttle response more responsive?
3) Can you still use regular unleaded?

I just want some real world use and experience with this tune.

I hope some people chime in with real experience on their 5th gen. Here's my 2cents based on a lot of tuning experience on other vehicles.

First, this is just a base tune map that you are supposed to take to a tuner/dyno and have them dial in to your setup and wants.

1.) This heavily depends on your rig setup and question 3
2.) Yes, they can tune the Drive By Wire mapping to make the pedal more responsive
3.) Yes, it can be tuned to use regular - however you will not be able to gain much in power without engine mods and naturally this negatively affects question 1. Depending on hardware (knock sensor + octane detection), they may be able to tune for both regular and premium (not sure for 5th gens).

 

[NorthPark]

There's also the Vivid tune, they are local to me and I know a good handful of people with them, but I can't comment on the gear hunting changes my self. I'm kind of under the impression there is no easy work around for actual gears

 

[Bmnorm2]

The "Gear Hunting" is a matter of "gradeability"

Gradeability is a function of Road Load (aero, mass, rolling resistance, grade, speed) and Wheel Torque (Engine torque, gearing, tire diameter).

Your transmission downshifts because it doesn't have enough wheel torque for the given road load.

Increasing engine torque at the engine speeds implied (~1500-2500 rpm for highway cruising) will increase your wheel torque and potentially prevent the need to downshift.

 

[Mattdev]

I had the KDMax tune (91 Octane) done to my 2019 just over two weeks ago. So far I am really impressed with the difference! I tried the Pedal Commander and didn't like it at all and got rid of it after a couple months. The tune is a whole different ballgame and the 4Runner drives more like a refined vehicle than a bloated pig.

I've got 33" Toyo Open Country AT3 E load tires and aftermarket wheels, so all in about 78 lbs. at each corner. I also have a 3" suspension lift, SSO lo pro bumper and winch, and no other armor at this point.

I no longer experience gear hunting on the highway, no more downshifting going up slight grades and then being stuck at 3000+ rpm until the 4Runner decides it can go back to 5th gear. It does occasionally downshift to 4th, but stays in the 2500rpm range when going up grades.

Initial throttle response is definitely improved over stock and much more linear than with the Pedal Commander. Acceleration is improved...You can tell there's a little more power leaving from stop lights and on ramps aren't a chore anymore to get up to speed.

The most surprising benefit of the tune to me was the increased smoothness of the transmission shifts. They are barely perceivable. It's like the truck is always in the power band and power doesn't fall off after an upshift.

I paid $350 for the tune, so a heck of a deal compared to a Pedal Commander or other throttle interface.

 

[4RunnerMurse]

Just got the OV tune about 5 days ago now. I'm regeared to 4.88's on 35's and so far so good! I noticed my MPG's seemed to have improved but I haven't gone through a new tank yet to do any calculations. I will say, acceleration definitely improved and the 4runner now seems to do a better job of putting me in the correct gear when accelerating, especially in acceleration lanes and turning onto on ramps.

I'll have some more updates when I head up the hills into the mountains and do some more highway driving in the coming weeks. As of now, the tune has gotten better the more I drive it and is definitely an improvement around town.

 

[mrkothegigolo]

I had the KDMax tune (91 Octane) done to my 2019 just over two weeks ago. So far I am really impressed with the difference! I tried the Pedal Commander and didn't like it at all and got rid of it after a couple months. The tune is a whole different ballgame and the 4Runner drives more like a refined vehicle than a bloated pig.

I've got 33" Toyo Open Country AT3 E load tires and aftermarket wheels, so all in about 78 lbs. at each corner. I also have a 3" suspension lift, SSO lo pro bumper and winch, and no other armor at this point.

I no longer experience gear hunting on the highway, no more downshifting going up slight grades and then being stuck at 3000+ rpm until the 4Runner decides it can go back to 5th gear. It does occasionally downshift to 4th, but stays in the 2500rpm range when going up grades.

Initial throttle response is definitely improved over stock and much more linear than with the Pedal Commander. Acceleration is improved...You can tell there's a little more power leaving from stop lights and on ramps aren't a chore anymore to get up to speed.

The most surprising benefit of the tune to me was the increased smoothness of the transmission shifts. They are barely perceivable. It's like the truck is always in the power band and power doesn't fall off after an upshift.

I paid $350 for the tune, so a heck of a deal compared to a Pedal Commander or other throttle interface.

You are the only person I can find with anything to say about the KDMAX tune on the 4Runner. I follow them so I can get mine tuned when they crack the 2022 ECU. I wish there was more reviews because all my tacoma buddies absolutely LOVE their tunes.

 

[Jrunr]

Has anyone even been able to crack the 2021 ECU yet? I would love something like this as well!!

 

[j-dub]

I am also waiting for the 2021 model year to become available.

 

[osugsxr]

It looks like the OV and the KDMax tune both use the VF tuner device. OV is that the one listed on the VF Tuner site for $150 but you still need the devcie. As for the KDmax is the same just a custom tune map from someone who created it and is selling it to tuners.

There are few tuners for the kdmax pending your area and it is probably just a person from a forum like this. They most likely bought the VF pro tuner ($1250) device which allows for multiple VIN uses. Website states can purchase credits for the purpose of registering / flashing other vehicles / providing tuning / calibration services. I'll reach out to a kdmax tuner to speak with them about a possible 4runner tune, on the kdmax site it says in beta. Quick read on the taco forums and its favorable for either tune. Remapping throttle responses and some extra HP maybe 25HP but not much, TQ? Its just tuned for better drivability and you may have increase in MPG, not sure of which octane is required though.

updated : quoted $400 for a kdmax tune , taco forums say $300

 

[osugsxr]

I had the KDMax tune (91 Octane) done to my 2019 just over two weeks ago. So far I am really impressed with the difference! I tried the Pedal Commander and didn't like it at all and got rid of it after a couple months. The tune is a whole different ballgame and the 4Runner drives more like a refined vehicle than a bloated pig.

I've got 33" Toyo Open Country AT3 E load tires and aftermarket wheels, so all in about 78 lbs. at each corner. I also have a 3" suspension lift, SSO lo pro bumper and winch, and no other armor at this point.

I no longer experience gear hunting on the highway, no more downshifting going up slight grades and then being stuck at 3000+ rpm until the 4Runner decides it can go back to 5th gear. It does occasionally downshift to 4th, but stays in the 2500rpm range when going up grades.

Initial throttle response is definitely improved over stock and much more linear than with the Pedal Commander. Acceleration is improved...You can tell there's a little more power leaving from stop lights and on ramps aren't a chore anymore to get up to speed.

The most surprising benefit of the tune to me was the increased smoothness of the transmission shifts. They are barely perceivable. It's like the truck is always in the power band and power doesn't fall off after an upshift.

I paid $350 for the tune, so a heck of a deal compared to a Pedal Commander or other throttle interface.

Received quote at $400 but would expect $300-400 range for this tune. Can you give more detail on actual tune map or did the person really know much about it? Detail of the process of the tune? Did tuner give you a step by step as to what he was doing? Debating if its worth buying the vf tuner pro and doing a few tunes myself to help others. I had a ross tech device I used on VW & audi cars to assist others at small fee.

 

[osugsxr]

Received quote at $400 but would expect $300-400 range for this tune. Can you give more detail on actual tune map or did the person really know much about it? Detail of the process of the tune? Did tuner give you a step by step as to what he was doing? Debating if its worth buying the vf tuner pro and doing a few tunes myself to help others. I had a ross tech device I used on VW & audi cars to assist others at small fee.

[MENTION=472520]Mattdev[/MENTION]
follow up on your kdmax tune