Vivid Racing ECU flash tune. Any detail?

[epjfsa]

I’ve submitted a few questions to Vivid. One question was to see if they tune the crappy transmission shift points and address the inability to go 75 mph and not fluctuate between 4th and 5th. I’ll post what I hear back.

The before and after results of this tune are based on 91 octane as expressed in the video. I’ve also asked for clarification on octane and if the tune supports 87.

But the graph shows peak HP at 270, which would correspond to a baseline on 87 octane. Also, it's a little strange that the graph shows 270hp on the nose leading me to believe it's not an actual dyno graph. The peak power gains are totally believable, but I would like to see an actual dyno.

Also, referring to my other post, the uncited wikipedia statement about running on 91 octane says 285hp/289lb-ft. If true, this tune may only provide an additional 9hp/8lb-ft for $500. So, definitely have some questions before I would spend the money.

 

[wfo9]

But the graph shows peak HP at 270, which would correspond to a baseline on 87 octane. Also, it's a little strange that the graph shows 270hp on the nose leading me to believe it's not an actual dyno graph. The peak power gains are totally believable, but I would like to see an actual dyno.

Also, referring to my other post, the uncited wikipedia statement about running on 91 octane says 285hp/289lb-ft. If true, this tune may only provide an additional 9hp/8lb-ft for $500. So, definitely have some questions before I would spend the money.

Watch the video. The truck made 150rwhp on the dyno stock 170 with tune. Not sure why they used 3rd gear.

 

[Tuc4R]

Here is another option coming down the road.

https://www.ovtuned.com/collections/toyota

 

[Charlievee]

Watch the video. The truck made 150rwhp on the dyno stock 170 with tune. Not sure why they used 3rd gear.

You would normally pull in the gear closer to 1:1. In a 5speed it's normally 4th, but without build specs or shop manual i have no idea what's in the slushbox of a 4Runner.

 

[Charlievee]

Watch the video. The truck made 150rwhp on the dyno stock 170 with tune. Not sure why they used 3rd gear.

People get wrapped up in the advertised hp numbers that are measured at the crankshaft when the motor is developed. When you pull on a dyno the numbers come from the wheels with major loss due to drivetrain resistance. Also keep in mind the dyno they use. As he stated in the video, the Mustang machine posts lower numbers. I'm not sure why, but have seen it before. Don't get wrapped up in the end numbers, but increased efficiency. If that rpm curve is correct and the a/f stays "stoic" it looks like a good box tune.

 

[Charlievee]

Considering what people are paying for that pedal commander thing, this would be a bargin. I myself will hold out for a hand held programmer with built in code reader. Maybe...

 

[Anand]

Also keep in mind the dyno they use. As he stated in the video, the Mustang machine posts lower numbers. I'm not sure why, but have seen it before.

Generally speaking, Mustangs read lower due to the method in which they apply load to the vehicle. That being said, while they usually read lower, they can be tweaked more so than Dynojet's. I'm in no way saying Vivid is altering load values to get specific power numbers, just putting a bit of information out there. I've spent a fair amount of time on the rollers of various Mustang dynos (and a handful of Dynojets)

 

[epjfsa]

Generally speaking, Mustangs read lower due to the method in which they apply load to the vehicle. That being said, while they usually read lower, they can be tweaked more so than Dynojet's. I'm in no way saying Vivid is altering load values to get specific power numbers, just putting a bit of information out there. I've spent a fair amount of time on the rollers of various Mustang dynos (and a handful of Dynojets)

Yea, exactly this. I'm going to want to see independent before and after dyno's from someone on the forums before buying. I don't doubt their numbers, but do want to hear some real-world impressions first. Especially in a variety of conditions (like not 100+ in the video).

 

[HoldMyBeer]

this tune may only provide an additional 9hp/8lb-ft for $500. So, definitely have some questions before I would spend the money.

$750 for stage 1 or $1,050 for stage 2 unless you're local and skip the DimSport handheld tuning device. At those prices I would definitely need to see some independent results.

I hope it's legit. I've had great results with canned tunes in the past, but those were on turbo cars. I'll definitely be watching this closely.

 

[Argyle Edison]

Don’t give a single shit about power, tune out the TM, tune up the transmission, and rid us of that damn pedal lag.

 

[Akkording]

Alright they are teasing us with those stage 2 numbers!

 

[wfo9]

People get wrapped up in the advertised hp numbers that are measured at the crankshaft when the motor is developed. When you pull on a dyno the numbers come from the wheels with major loss due to drivetrain resistance. Also keep in mind the dyno they use. As he stated in the video, the Mustang machine posts lower numbers. I'm not sure why, but have seen it before. Don't get wrapped up in the end numbers, but increased efficiency. If that rpm curve is correct and the a/f stays "stoic" it looks like a good box tune.

Totally understand this.. but I find it odd they used 3rd gear which is not 1:1.

Mustang dynos usually measure lower because of the power absorber being eddy current vs pure inertia.

BTW a/f "stoic" on a dyno would be a really bad thing....

 

[Big_Cuss]

Octane is at the center of my curiousity as well.

Reason being, if the stock Toyota ecu is capable of adapting when on 91 octane and above... then what's to keep a tuner from just filling their dyno truck with 91, and claiming those gains as their own?

If Wikipedia is to be believed, the 1GR-FE is already doing 285 hp and 289 tq on 91. So the posted gains are only a little higher than that.

However, if their gains are on 87 octane, I am super duper interested. Because that'd put them over 300/300 on 91 octane, I'd have to believe.

How they achieve the gains is also of concern. They likely reduced the pig-rich AFRs in a lot of places... but I wonder if that might reduce the safety margin when towing (high load/temp situations).

All said and done, would really like to see some testers post real dyno runs. Vivid's posted dyno charts are weirdly simulated. Can't trust those.

 

[Crocket]

Don’t give a single shit about power, tune out the TM, tune up the transmission, and rid us of that damn pedal lag.

While extra hp is always good, the truck already has a decent amount to be honest. What we all really want is that damn throttle lag tuned out!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make it completely linear from tip in to mashed fully. Make it resemble a throttle cable's response and most of the griping on this forum will disappear.

If cost is not too bad I would be interested in this once warranty period is over.

 

[SlickTRD]

While extra hp is always good, the truck already has a decent amount to be honest. What we all really want is that damn throttle lag tuned out!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make it completely linear from tip in to mashed fully. Make it resemble a throttle cable's response and most of the griping on this forum will disappear.

If cost is not too bad I would be interested in this once warranty period is over.

I am unsure why this is an issue as Pedal Commander/Sprint Booster does this already. As far as I am aware we have vendors that offer 30 day trial period with 100% money back guarantee.

 

[Crocket]

I am unsure why this is an issue as Pedal Commander/Sprint Booster does this already. As far as I am aware we have vendors that offer 30 day trial period with 100% money back guarantee.

In my mind it's advantageous because it becomes one less "add on" to worry about and pay for. Also those devices don't really eliminate pedal lag, where as re-programming the ECU would. For those who don't want to re-flash ECU then ya PC/SB are decent options.

 

[SlickTRD]

In my mind it's advantageous because it becomes one less "add on" to worry about and pay for. Also those devices don't really eliminate pedal lag, where as re-programming the ECU would. For those who don't want to re-flash ECU then ya PC/SB are decent options.

have you tried either PC or SB?

I guarantee you a tune will have disadvantages. The biggest one being that Toyota will not warranty your motor if it blows because of a tune. This is a fact of tuning and modifying engine characteristics outside of OEM parameters and they will void engine warranty.

 

[Crocket]

have you tried either PC or SB?.

Not yet, but I would like to.

I guarantee you a tune will have disadvantages. The biggest one being that Toyota will not warranty your motor if it blows because of a tune. This is a fact of tuning and modifying engine characteristics outside of OEM parameters and they will void engine warranty.

Which is why I wrote this...

...If cost is not too bad I would be interested in this once warranty period is over.

Besides, you could say the same for adding a black box. Toyota could void the warranty because you've changed the vehicle's OEM condition. A tune (if done properly) will ALWAYS be better than add on black boxes btw.

 

[SlickTRD]

Not yet, but I would like to.



Which is why I wrote this...



Besides, you could say the same for adding a black box. Toyota could void the warranty because you've changed the vehicle's OEM condition. A tune (if done properly) will ALWAYS be better than add on black boxes btw.

There is almost no reason why you should risk your motor with a tune if all you want is throttle control. You already know the cost of the tune - $500 without the handheld tuning device and $750 with the device. But risk of blowing your motor has cost too which cannot be easily factored.

PC/SB is ~$299. PC/SB already does throttle control and has almost zero risk to the motor if you follow directions. PC directions state that in order for you to avoid a CEL situation that you must have the ignition off for at least 5 minutes before disconnecting the throttle wire.

 

[Crocket]

There is almost no reason why you should risk your motor with a tune if all you want is throttle control. You already know the cost of the tune - $500 without the handheld tuning device and $750 with the device. But risk of blowing your motor has cost too which cannot be easily factored.

PC/SB is ~$299. PC/SB already does throttle control and has almost zero risk to the motor if you follow directions. PC directions state that in order for you to avoid a CEL situation that you must have the ignition off for at least 5 minutes before disconnecting the throttle wire.

In the past some dealers would void warranty simply for having none OEM equipment installed on the vehicle, before any motor damage occurs. In stricter areas (like where I live) adding this same equipment could also land you in trouble with your insurer, so it's not necessarily a no risk mod.

Also you keep insinuating that a tune is bad for the engine and that it's risky business. Why? Nobody mentioned a high strung tune pushing the limits of the 4Runner engine. You get what you pay for, right. A bad tune would inevitably lead to big problems. A good tune would not. It would just free up some lost hp and drive-ability tuned-out by the manufacturer.

Lastly I didn't say I would get a tune for the throttle mapping alone, that would be silly. I would get a tune for all the added benefits it gives driving and enjoying a vehicle (hp, mileage, shifting logic, drive-ability...) and the throttle mapping would be an added bonus. In reality a properly tuned ECU would negate the need for a PC/SB and URD MAF Calibrator (plus what other add-ons may exist for our trucks) in one neat package for those so inclined. Just another option for the consumer which is never a bad thing.