performance "chips" for 5th gen
- Thread starter -kyle
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Clemsonfan15
New member
Don't waste your time or money.
1engineer
Moderator
Yes it is that simple. There are some vehicles that are "electronically" limited for performance. Others have physical and mechanical limitations such as throttle body diameter, intake size etc. The 4Runner has really no electronic parameters that can be changed that will give you 20 extra hp or 10 or 5. Now, if you want to redesign a new throttle body or drop in a 5.7L then you will get so more power. You could also add a supercharger for 5K and get some hp. A chip? I don't think so. Chalk that one up with magnets in your fuel filter.
FactoryRide
New member
Only chips I've seen actually improve anything are in diesels. They have alot more hidden power then our 4runner. Just get ya an intake, exhaust, headers, and SC. Thats your ticket :banana:
1engineer
Moderator
The intake won't give you any more hp either. Sorry.
1engineer
Moderator
Your air filter is not the limiting factor. It is the throttle body diameter. For a visual imagine putting a big pipe at the end of a straw. No matter what, you still have to get something through that straw. Same with air intake. You will get sound though FWIW.
offroadingatc
New member
Has that been tested? Intake might add a couple HP, it certainly does on some vehicles... (prob not a good price : performance mod either way)
What about throttle response? I know it doesn't add horsepower, but a lot of ppl seem to hate the modulated accelerator, could chipping could change that?
1engineer
Moderator
There are chips out there (I don't know if 4Runner is included) that will change throttle response. No more hp, just quicker response.
offroadingatc
New member
Cool, i figured as much but wasn't sure. I think a lot of chips do that to give the impression of more power (and frankly i think a lot of the 'under-power' concerns about 5th gens have less to do with power and more to do with the factory throttle program)
Expanding on the diesel comment earlier, i think most of the gains from new tune maps are on boosted cars (and most diesels are boosted). The stock map is usually set pretty conservatively and often 20+ hp can be gained. I think the WRX STI can be chipped up like 30 or 40 hp.
1engineer
Moderator
The OEM's (Subaru with their turbo, Ford with their Ecoboost and Powerstroke) do not set their performance parameters just to "underpower" them. They are set to give the most reliability and durability. I'm quite sure our 4Runner engine could be tuned to get 50-60 HP additional but at what cost? Reduced transmission life? Transfer case? There are some people out there who want "more power" and that's fine. Just be prepared to have reduced component life throughout the drivetrain. Final statement: In order to get increased performance AND the reliability and durability of a stock machine EVERY drivetrain component must be upgraded accordingly - from the engine to the axles. That is truth.
Not necessarily. Often times the design will include a "weak" link to prevent major damage. To say you need upgrade rods and pistons for a supercharger may or may not be true. My beloved DSM's handle 400+HP (twice stock) on a bone stock block assuming you don't go crazy with fuel and timing. I havent looked at the internals of a 1GR but I'm sure they are beefy enough.
knc1us69
New member
big assumptions
Also that reliability is based on average maintenance and or suggested intervals. Many true gear heads go far and a above that with higher quality lubricants more frequent change intervals, etc which can allow for more aggressive configurations without excessive harm to the drive train. I am pretty sure some de-tuning is based on the assumptions of average and typical maintenance.
Also that reliability is based on average maintenance and or suggested intervals. Many true gear heads go far and a above that with higher quality lubricants more frequent change intervals, etc which can allow for more aggressive configurations without excessive harm to the drive train. I am pretty sure some de-tuning is based on the assumptions of average and typical maintenance.
RG79
New member
Well said.
When I used to mod my old 1998 Honda Accord Coupe, I used the Unichip. It's custom mapped to what options you have. In fact, my car company used to be a retailer for Unichip. It had dynoed results and really works. It's not cheap though. The only thing closest that I could find is one for an FJ Cruiser.
Unichip - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser tuning chip | car tuning
You would have to contact Unichip to see if they have a harness compatbile with the 5th Gen 4Runner. Who knows, it might even be the same connector
Unichip - 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser tuning chip | car tuning
You would have to contact Unichip to see if they have a harness compatbile with the 5th Gen 4Runner. Who knows, it might even be the same connector
I'm not interested in more power, but more fuel efficiency. As we add racks, tires, lifts etc our trucks become pigs on the highway. Maybe there is a chip or programmer out there that has economy settings for highway driving and then maybe towing and off road settings that change shift points and throttle response rather than actually changing the hp performance of the engine. Anyone know of anything like that? My buddy just got one for his jeep which does just that from super chips. It also calibrated his speedometer for his 35's
