OV Tune vs ECT PWR

What's the difference between the two? Is it worth the money to buy OVTune or simply use the ECT PWR button?
Also, does constantly using the ECTPWR button cause any harm to the vehicle?

One more question, is there a way to automatically have the ECTPWR button enabled?
Apologies if these questions have been asked before.

 

The OVTune is just that. A tune that changes mapping and a few other things. There are versions for Auto and manual if I am not mistaken. @OVTune can definitely help you out with this.

More on that here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-toyota-tacoma-v6-ecu-tuning-alpha-release.495735/

I use the ECT button every now and then, depending on the traffic, and my area that I am driving in (hilly, flat, expressway, etc.). The ECT button can be turned on and off, and there are some that will drive with the ECT on all the time while some may only use it when merging onto expressways. That will change the characteristics of how the truck will accelerate, and change the "power band" for lack of a better term. There are many on here that have used the ECT on a more regualr basis that will hopefully chime in.

@mesojdm can probably give you a lot more information on the ECT always on feature. There is a mod that you can do that will have the ECT on all the time, and you can read about that here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ect-auto-turn-on-module.514627/

 

I've been on the fence for the last month regarding the OVtune. The reviews are generally very positive, almost universally so, with only a few who are not very impressed. But it's still a work in progress. Every time I go to pull the trigger on OVtune, I drive my truck in ECT mode, and I feel enough of an improved throttle response to satisfy me for another day. But pretty much everyone with the tune seems to imply or come right out and say that OVtune far exceeds the little bit of improvement seen with ECT. Better transmission/gear selecting seems to be a big part of that as our stock tune can't seem to find or hold a performance gear and is always trying to find an upshifted/MPG saving gear. I will likely buy the OVtune as I'm getting a little hungrier for performance each day.

 

Tune = optimizes air, fuel, timing, in order to actually improve performance and give you more HP/TQ throughout the power band. It will also enhance the trottle and transmission maps for improved performance there as well.

A tune (if not done correctly) can also harm your truck. It can be a bit of a roll of the dice.

Whether or not the tune is worth it, depends on YOU and only YOU. If you feel spending $700+ on a tune for an enhanced driving experience and potentially risking the warranty is ok, then the tune is for you.

ECT= slight changes to the trottle / tranny maps to improve response.

ECT does not hurt the truck and there is a mod you can do to have it on all the time.

 

I just got my TRD OR yesterday, so I don't know didly about the truck or the OVtune, but with my other experiences with tune....they are well worth it. Most vehicles come from the factory running 'pig rich'. This is to keep them from the possibility of detonation, and transmissions are sluggish. You have to remember that vehicles are made for your Grandmother to drive, also.
As soon as my warranty runs out I will be getting a tune.

 

There is NO comparison between the two. The tune absolutely blows ECT power alone out of the water

 

And this ^^^^ seems to be the prevailing opinion.

 

Well, actually there is a comparison. That is what the OP is doing.

But a tune does DEMOLISH ECT power on performance gained.

 

OVTune has only 2 gas mappings, for 87 and 91. I always used 89 and no tune for that?

 

Almost 800 bucks just to correct something that Toyota royally screwed up on this truck... Not awesome.

 

it not only corrects, to some degree, what toyota has provided us taco owners, but Mat has enhanced it providing better shift points, more power, and has done so in all driving modes ie S, D, with/without ect, in 4hi, 4low, etc...

 

How does fuel efficiency (MPG) compare with and without OV Tune?

 

Yeah, I certainly appreciate him taking a crack at it. Its just tough parting with almost 800 bucks to correct/improve on what a massive corporation should have been able to do in the first place.

 

you can run a higher octane on a tune, 89, 91, and 93 will all run fine on the 87 tune. 91 and 93 will run on the 91 tune.

 

There is nothing to correct. Truck works just as intended.

You should have actually paid attention on the test drive. If you didnt like it, shouldnt have bought it.

People tune corvettes, vipers, shelbys, etc. they do it to “improve” upon what they have already, which is the same thing than the tacoma tunes. Tune it if you want to improve upon it. Everything can be “improved”. There is nothing that “Toyota royally screwed up” on these trucks.

 

Torque that doesn't kick in til 4000 rpms and two overdrive gears was a bad decision. A truck that can't handle a strong head/crosswind is a pretty embarrassing folly.

 

I'm going to disagree with you, knowing that you won't change your mind.. and that's fine. We're both expressing our opinions, mine doesn't mean more than yours and vice versa.

Here's mine FWIW - Toyota's attempt at tuning this truck was less than stellar, from a M/T driver's perspective. I get that they have to deal with all kinds of variables including emissions and fuel economy. I don't believe that's a good enough excuse for the way the throttle was implemented. It was just crazy slow and delayed in stock form. I did notice it on the test drive. Still bought the truck, still liked the truck.
Over time though, I found it made the driving experience more of a chore when it should have been enjoyable. I mean, that's why I bought a stick. I like the control and enjoy rowing the gears.. well I did until this truck.

Anyway OVtune came along and solved that problem. Not a plug for OVtune, just sharing info in a balanced way so ppl reading these posts don't get the wrong idea.

 

It is not a torque monster, thats for sure. Lol.

I also agree that it would have been best to gear it more aggressively.

With that said...

This is a mid-size truck, not meant for pulling trailers or carrying heavy loads (even though it can). It is meant to be a dependable, sporty, multi-purpose, very capable off road rig (which it is / does very well).

Not sure about your truck or driving habits but I can assure you that my truck has had NO issues with strong winds. Even though it has bigger wheels/tires and added weight. It has no issues merging into highways and/or passing. Meeting my every demand out on the road. Plenty of get up and go (I do turn ECT on at all times).

 

Yep, ~800 bucks.

So the 3rd gen is on it's 3rd MY, and ppl are still buying the tune for the same reasons. There have been at least 2 TSBs for the auto trans trucks - "shift feel enhancements". Oh, and NONE that involve a re-flash of the ECU for M/T drivers. My point? At this juncture, it seems there's no hope in hell Toyota is going to correct the "issues" that push people into seeking a solution themselves. So yeah, 800 bucks.
It's either that or take a bath in the thousands getting rid of the truck. Hell, there are shitloads of things you can add to your truck that cost more than that but won't give you near the benefit.
Lol, some of the mods seen here on TW make no sense to me either.. but ppl pay big bucks anyway.