Pedal Commander vs. Sprint Booster

[GNB]

Which is better and why?

Do either trigger the CEL light?

Lastly, seems like a simple approach. Is there an engineering/technical reason Toyota did not program in a better throttle response?


PS: I did a better search and found some discussion on this topic comparing the two devices. However, I think the questions I posted remain relevant. Actually, the following link sheds some light

https://outbackjoe.com/macho-divertissement/macho-articles/sprint-booster-is-it-worth-it/

 

[IanB]

I've been looking into these as well, but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

You need to think of it as the ability to remap your throttle pedal/throttle input relationship from the factory settings, nothing more, nothing less. This has always been the #1 complaint about drive by wire throttle, that it feels disconnected from your foot. It's not that the 4.0L doesn't make good power, it's that it's in the upper rev range and the auto upshifts early so you never get to see it. If the unit only makes the truck think there's more throttle being input than before, then you should only see the benefits of a more responsive, eager engine without having to press the throttle harder (your driving style hasn't changed, your vehicle's response has), and possibly even a better calibrated portion of the trans shift mapping due to the throttle input change. I understand it doesn't "add power", but if it can make the truck drive better, then there's value there for me.

I'm leaning towards the sprint booster, I'd never use the bluetooth app to make settings changes when I could have a switch/display.

 

[Xtremluck]

I can’t believe people actually buy these things. Complete waste of money. I do a good amount of racetrack driving and even in high performance scenarios I disable the pedal/throttle mapping in my car to get maximum pedal modulation. These devices are the digital equivalent of snake oil.


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[ElectroBoy]

There’s been volumes written about the Sprintbooster.
Pull the trigger.
Just get one and try it. You have a 30 day trial period for a full refund.
Then you’ll have the experience to comment further.

 

[Snickel Fritz]

I haven't used one, but given how much I've been on the road lately I have been seriously considering one.
That "outback Joe" dude in the link sounds like a real pompous tw@t though, not sure that I can take his advice when all he does is say that it shouldn't be worth it "because science, you idiot plebes!" without ever trying it, or seeing it in action. I suspect that he's just plain wrong, and his comments to his readers prove that he's at least a moronic man-child.
From the large amount of user input I have seen, it does appear to in fact reduce the throttle lag, which is my major issue. Right now, "feathering" the throttle doesn't work anyway, because it only increases throttle when I press the pedal down in larger increments than a normal throttle should. The ECU supposedly "learns" from being driven, but I don't know why the hell it decided that I never want to get up to 45 mph unless I press the pedal halfway to the floor.
My only hangup is whether or not it causes issues, ie the CEL light.

 

[tjrlcr2k1]

I have the Pedal Commander. It reduces the pedal lag. It definitely feels more responsive. Haven't had any problem s with it at all. Only reason I went with the Pedal Commander is because they have a Bluetooth model you can control with an app, so you can hide it behind the dash if you want.

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[JAXJeremy]

My only hangup is whether or not it causes issues, ie the CEL light.

no CEL as long as you wait about 15 minutes(maybe it's only 5) after you turn your engine off before plugging in the module.

I have the Pedal Commander. It reduces the pedal lag. It definitely feels more responsive. Haven't had any problem s with it at all. Only reason I went with the Pedal Commander is because they have a Bluetooth model you can control with an app, so you can hide it behind the dash if you want.

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Spot on..all of my previous vehicles had the mechanically controlled throttle..which equates to instant response..was really disappointed with the amount of pedal input required in my new 4Runner prior to installing the PC..

I've been running it for about 3 weeks now. I've driven and wrenched on enough vehicles to know this doesn't fall into the snake oil category (ala throttle body spacers)Still fine tuning mine, trying to find that sweet spot to get rid of the lag but not too much responsiveness, but I've been happy with the purchase.

 

[Tuc4R]

no CEL as long as you wait about 15 minutes(maybe it's only 5) after you turn your engine off before plugging in the module.



Spot on..all of my previous vehicles had the mechanically controlled throttle..which equates to instant response..was really disappointed with the amount of pedal input required in my new 4Runner prior to installing the PC..

I've been running it for about 3 weeks now. I've driven and wrenched on enough vehicles to know this doesn't fall into the snake oil category (ala throttle body spacers)Still fine tuning mine, trying to find that sweet spot to get rid of the lag but not too much responsiveness, but I've been happy with the purchase.

I agree 100%, I also like the Bluetooth.

 

[Mutant138]

I can’t believe people actually buy these things. Complete waste of money. I do a good amount of racetrack driving and even in high performance scenarios I disable the pedal/throttle mapping in my car to get maximum pedal modulation. These devices are the digital equivalent of snake oil.


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Well instead of bashing a product that definitely makes a world of difference, how about telling us how exactly disabling throttle mapping would do anything, besides make your throttle pedal not work.

I heavily suspect you are talking from your anus as I come from grid life myself and I'm a mechanic.

 

[Mutant138]

I have the pedal commander I love it. It just stays in sport mode all the time. Feels the way the truck should have been from stock.

 

[JAXJeremy]

I have the pedal commander I love it. It just stays in sport mode all the time. Feels the way the truck should have been from stock.

I've yet to try the sport mode..might need to give a whirl on my drive home..

 

[Mutant138]

I've yet to try the sport mode..might need to give a whirl on my drive home..

Sport + is way too much but sport is just right. I will eventually fine tune it.

 

[Hamburgerpimp]

I have the Pedal Commander with BT, after getting back from a 3000-mile road trip to Colorado and back I can say it makes a world of difference, using
Sport +1, shift points are spot on and drives like a completely different truck.

Was completely loaded up at altitude above 10K feet, and my truck is pretty heavy (see Sig).

I was skeptical also, but I have 0 regrets spending the $.

 

[GNB]

Thanks to everyone for your feedback ! I did not intend to cause a heated discussion or any controversy on the topic. I did read many of the posts under other threads and understand the concept of what these devices do. I also read several posts that suggest the devices are no more effective than just mashing down the gas pedal as they add no additional power.

Does seem like 270 HP should have more get up and go than feel in my 2015 TRD. However, when I really put the pedal to the metal it wakes up. I guess these devices just help out .

It sounds like either Pedal Commander or Sprint Booster produce the same results with PC providing a Blue Tooth App. If I were to buy one, I'd probably go for the Pedal Commander.

I have not read about any installation issues with the Pedal Commander , but do recall reading that with the Sprint Booster there were issues with the connector/wiring pressing close to the heater pipe. Have all these issues been resolved with Sprint Booster's latest design?

 

[Tuc4R]

Like mentioned above, wait at least 15 minutes after shut off before you install. Just to be safe.

 

[Xtremluck]

Well instead of bashing a product that definitely makes a world of difference, how about telling us how exactly disabling throttle mapping would do anything, besides make your throttle pedal not work.

I heavily suspect you are talking from your anus as I come from grid life myself and I'm a mechanic.

I'm not talking out of my ass. I've been through racing schools (Skip Barber/M-School) and have been driving on race tracks both on the west and east coasts of the US for almost 17 years. Even got a few driving days at the infamous Nurburgring.

One of the first things they teach you in most driving schools is to not to utilize any pedal mapping mode that reduces the amount of pedal stroke for throttle inputs. While "Sport" or "Sport+" modes may give the illusion of a more responsive car. It actually detracts from the driver's ability to modulate throttle in traction sensitive scenarios like going through a turn at speed.

If you are from the grid life as you say you are. You know that a slight variance in throttle can mean the difference of hitting that apex spot on or wadding up your ride against a track barrier. It's no different with this pedal commander. You are only getting an illusion of increased performance with potential drawbacks while driving in low traction situations like when you're offroad.

 

[ElectroBoy]

I'm not talking out of my ass. I've been through racing schools (Skip Barber/M-School) and have been driving on race tracks both on the west and east coasts of the US for almost 17 years. Even got a few driving days at the infamous Nurburgring.

One of the first things they teach you in most driving schools is to not to utilize any pedal mapping mode that reduces the amount of pedal stroke for throttle inputs. While "Sport" or "Sport+" modes may give the illusion of a more responsive car. It actually detracts from the driver's ability to modulate throttle in traction sensitive scenarios like going through a turn at speed.

If you are from the grid life as you say you are. You know that a slight variance in throttle can mean the difference of hitting that apex spot on or wadding up your ride against a track barrier. It's no different with this pedal commander. You are only getting an illusion of increased performance with potential drawbacks while driving in low traction situations like when you're offroad.

This is all true for racing.
But I don’t know anyone that races 4Runners like this.
Have you driven a 5th Gen with a Sprintbooster device (or Pedal Commander) around town and on the highway?
You should, it does make a world of difference.
Try it, you’ll like it! For free! Then send it back for a refund.
And as for better control while 4-wheeling, just turn it off. You have the ability to do that with a button press.

 

[Mutant138]

I'm not talking out of my ass. I've been through racing schools (Skip Barber/M-School) and have been driving on race tracks both on the west and east coasts of the US for almost 17 years. Even got a few driving days at the infamous Nurburgring.

One of the first things they teach you in most driving schools is to not to utilize any pedal mapping mode that reduces the amount of pedal stroke for throttle inputs. While "Sport" or "Sport+" modes may give the illusion of a more responsive car. It actually detracts from the driver's ability to modulate throttle in traction sensitive scenarios like going through a turn at speed.

If you are from the grid life as you say you are. You know that a slight variance in throttle can mean the difference of hitting that apex spot on or wadding up your ride against a track barrier. It's no different with this pedal commander. You are only getting an illusion of increased performance with potential drawbacks while driving in low traction situations like when you're offroad.

Doesn't matter your driving experience if you don't understand the technicality of how the pedal works. Or how these products effect the 4runner.

In our trucks 1/4 throttle gives you almost zero acceleration. Under load/going uphill/or high altitude makes this issue even worse. Try going uphill in high alt and maintain 65... it's ****ing hard because the truck does almost nothing for 3/4 throttle then it just downshifts and pegs the throttle.

Pedal commander does NOT distract at all from my ability to modulate the throttle. SPORT + on flat ground however does **** that up. Sport mode however gives you very even predicable throttle throughout the range of motion of the pedal. It evens out the throttle curve WITHOUT shortening usable travel. Taking off from a light below 2k no longer requires 1/2 fu*king throttle but more of a normal throttle curve you would expect from a cable driven throttle (just without the pedal feel).

Additionally last time I check the 4runner is not running grid anywhere not even baja 1000. If your hucking our 5ton vehicle into corners like an E30 your going to have a bad day. But for arguments sake my throttle pedal with the commander in sport is closer to all my track cars than the slushy stock mapping ever could hope to be.

I thought I would end up having to disable it when I go off-road like you where saying. But that is WRONG on so many levels. I find with the stock mapping i'm much more likely to over throttle waiting for the tq converter to spin up (to get me over say a rock step). You roll up to the obstacle and you keep wondering how god damn far you gotta press the pedal and then it just launches you.

Devils advocate once again... you stated something to the effect of completely disabling throttle mapping... that's not how electric pedals work at all. You cannot just taking mapping out... it literally wont work. The mapping tells it's single function self what to do. Without the mapping (programming) it's just a bunch of function-less parts with no purpose in the world

BTW a ton, and i mean a ****ing ton of track cars with LS swaps, run electric pedals. Most pro/am cars will have custom mapping too.

Idk how long ago you went to these schools or who was teaching you but they are flat out wrong. I can see this being true 10 or 15 years ago when electric pedals where all complete trash (a lot like our stock mapping lol).

I highly suggest you borrow someones pedal commander and try sport mode. You're seriously missing out. It drives so much better. I'm sure I'm even missing some things it improves.

Not a thing about it is snake oil. I think that you are a likely a very competent driver who is little too old school and stuck in that mid 2000's mindset. Trust me I was there too. Give it a chance I promise you wont regret it. My mind changed when I got a lot of seat time in the gt3 and and some ls swapped track weapons.

 

[GNB]

Doesn't matter your driving experience if you don't understand the technicality of how the pedal works. Or how these products effect the 4runner.

In our trucks 1/4 throttle gives you almost zero acceleration. Under load/going uphill/or high altitude makes this issue even worse. Try going uphill in high alt and maintain 65... it's ****ing hard because the truck does almost nothing for 3/4 throttle then it just downshifts and pegs the throttle.

Pedal commander does NOT distract at all from my ability to modulate the throttle. SPORT + on flat ground however does **** that up. Sport mode however gives you very even predicable throttle throughout the range of motion of the pedal. It evens out the throttle curve WITHOUT shortening usable travel. Taking off from a light below 2k no longer requires 1/2 fu*king throttle but more of a normal throttle curve you would expect from a cable driven throttle (just without the pedal feel).

Additionally last time I check the 4runner is not running grid anywhere not even baja 1000. If your hucking our 5ton vehicle into corners like an E30 your going to have a bad day. But for arguments sake my throttle pedal with the commander in sport is closer to all my track cars than the slushy stock mapping ever could hope to be.

I thought I would end up having to disable it when I go off-road like you where saying. But that is WRONG on so many levels. I find with the stock mapping i'm much more likely to over throttle waiting for the tq converter to spin up (to get me over say a rock step). You roll up to the obstacle and you keep wondering how god damn far you gotta press the pedal and then it just launches you.

Devils advocate once again... you stated something to the effect of completely disabling throttle mapping... that's not how electric pedals work at all. You cannot just taking mapping out... it literally wont work. The mapping tells it's single function self what to do. Without the mapping (programming) it's just a bunch of function-less parts with no purpose in the world

BTW a ton, and i mean a ****ing ton of track cars with LS swaps, run electric pedals. Most pro/am cars will have custom mapping too.

Idk how long ago you went to these schools or who was teaching you but they are flat out wrong. I can see this being true 10 or 15 years ago when electric pedals where all complete trash (a lot like our stock mapping lol).

I highly suggest you borrow someones pedal commander and try sport mode. You're seriously missing out. It drives so much better. I'm sure I'm even missing some things it improves.

Not a thing about it is snake oil. I think that you are a likely a very competent driver who is little too old school and stuck in that mid 2000's mindset. Trust me I was there too. Give it a chance I promise you wont regret it. My mind changed when I got a lot of seat time in the gt3 and and some ls swapped track weapons.

Great discussion , from everyone ! Question, what made you choose Pedal Commander over Sprint Booster?

 

[tjrlcr2k1]

Aside from Bluetooth, ORW has special pricing on it. Check the group buy section.

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