Who is source of truth for the tunes?

[Okusputokus]

Are there multiple or one that develops the tunes for the vendors?

I've been waiting for the TCU tune to get finished so my 14 TE can get a "full" tune vs just the engine, as a VERY important part of tuning for weight, bigger tires, SC, etc, is that the transmission shift points are aligned with so that there is less gear hunting and strain on the transmission from shifting at the wrong points.

Does anybody know who is developing these tunes? I know the TCU tune portion has been holding a lot of tuners back from even offering a tune for the mid 5th gens since you're not really getting the full tune, just engine.

Info or Thoughts? Thanks

 

[jdm-v35]

Are there multiple or one that develops the tunes for the vendors?

I've been waiting for the TCU tune to get finished so my 14 TE can get a "full" tune vs just the engine, as a VERY important part of tuning for weight, bigger tires, SC, etc, is that the transmission shift points are aligned with so that there is less gear hunting and strain on the transmission from shifting at the wrong points.

Does anybody know who is developing these tunes? I know the TCU tune portion has been holding a lot of tuners back from even offering a tune for the mid 5th gens since you're not really getting the full tune, just engine.

Info or Thoughts? Thanks

VFTuner is the main base platform used for custom tuning the older 5th gens. I don't believe they have cracked the TCU on older gens which is what is holding things up there. They have cracked the 2020+ TCU's.

The actual vendors selling the tunes are custom tunes done using VFTuner. They all differ slightly depending on who/how they did the tuning.

 

[///AIRDAM]

I doubt its still available but i bought a APR X-1 ECU, Allan Phillips Racing. I had it on my 2008 1GR-FE and took it off before i sold it. Its a stand-alone that replaces your stock computer. You have full reigns to do anything you want, change trans shift points, pressures, RPM, fuel, timing, all sorts of cool things. Its even got 2-step launch control and traction control you can program in for hard launches.

yep, APR website is down, and for sale, so i guess they went out of business. I still have the ECU and harness and stuff, may use it one day down the road.

 

[AZ4Running]

I went with the OTT tune since they just released the full engine and trans tune for the older 5th gens. It's VF based currently but they used to use HPTuners.

 

[///AIRDAM]

I went with the OTT tune since they just released the full engine and trans tune for the older 5th gens. It's VF based currently but they used to use HPTuners.

HP Tuners is getting bigger and bigger and better and better. I know guys used to use them on GM gas burners, then diesels, now turbo cars, and even ATV and UTV turbo applications now. Apparently the newer stuff allows you to do tons and tons of tuning. I guess its all about the tuner being able to hack into the ECU to rewrite the programs, or piggyback on top of the OEM programming.

 

[Turfboy]

I have the piggyback unit for the supercharger. It is self learning and I have had no issues.

Performance Electronics - Underdog Racing Development

It is the uconn product.. out of stock of course :noidea:

 

[maico393]

AZ4Running: Can you please give me a run down on your on road performance experience with the OTT Torque Tune on a 5th Gen? The dyno charts look great but don't show anything below 2000 rpm. My biggest complaint is lack of power between 1500 to 2000 rpm or between about 55 and 70 mph. The power starts to pick up after 2000 rpm, but here in the east you're often over the speed limit at 2000 rpm. The lack of power is bad even on slight grades and worse on steeper grades. So if the OTT tune helps in that 1500 to 2000 rpm range, that would be great and make it an easy decision on my part. I have a stock engine '17 TRD OR, running stock size tires and lots of off road mods but no significant extra weight.
Thanks very much!

 

[arouth]

I use VR Tuned ECU Flash combined with a pedal commander. The combination of the two make the 4Runner more enjoyable to drive.

I asked VR Tuned about the pedal commander and they said it was ok and I've had it on there for a couple years now. My 2015 4Runner Trail Premium accelerates a lot more smoothly throughout the power curve to include 1500-2000 rpm. I've also researched the OTT Tune and it get's very positive reviews. Hope this helps.