POLL: OVTune Reviews (3rd gen)

It seems your $699 is much higher price than other tuner companies offering a interface module with optional tunes, and you answered a question with a question like a woman would do.

I’m just asking the hard questions and it (OVTune) seems a monopoly at the present time or the only game in town.

After installing a tuner on my F350 7.3 that I still own it made a huge difference and makes it a pleasure to drive.

I’m not complaining about my near $40k purchase as I said I really like this mid size truck

I’ll hold off on splashing a one off tune until I learn more about my warranty.

My
F350 is still my favorite

 

HP is not really what this tune is about. The biggest thing this engine needed was more low to mid-range torque and better drivability between the electronic throttle and weird trans shift logic exacerbated by the over geared 5th and 6th gear. Been running the tune since I think revision 2 well over a year and it keeps getting better. Below is taken from the alpha thread. Mid range torque is what is noticed most for me.

EXPECTED GAINS WITH OUR TUNE:
*****************************************************************
More information de-compiled tomorrow..
So, to ensure total accuracy with tuning, and dyno accuracy, an indepedent dyno-jet test and tune was performed

Testing result - As tested
peak gain / difference of 61 ft lbs @ 4100 RPM
Peak gain / difference of 47 HP @ 4100 RPM
Peak Gain @ 6000 RPM of 17 HP

 

Post #9 .....Suggestion received, I apologize if I offended any human. I guess I should edit it to say "Like a Spouse (or Partner) would say", Please excuse my original comment.

Back to the topic, I think a company that holds a monopoly on the market might want to offer a trial to their product (especially with the added PC needed to actually install it) and not respond to a hard question with a question. As I posted in one of my earlier 8 posts, $699 is a high price for 17 HP, and if their was a trial I would spend my hard earned dollars and see if it is worth a $hit.

 

While your concerns over value are legitimate being spending one's money a personal thing, asking for a "trial" on software is not practical. The code doesn't include an internal clock that clears the program after a certain time; you load it and forget it. I don't understand your comments on needing an added PC.

The tune, while adding 17 hp, is about improving drivability by modifying transmission shift points. Yes, there are gains to performance, but this is about fixing what seems to be a fundamental issue with the Gen 3 Tacoma that is experienced by those that regularly encounter hills. Living in Florida where the biggest hill I encounter is an overpass on I-95, the tune doesn't really make economic sense for me.

 

I'd recommend you Google prices of Cobb APs, Ecutek tunes and licenses, etc.

The only "cheap" options for tunes out there are things like SCT / bullydog. Look at what those did for Tundras. We are not here to provide a Wal-Mart tune. You are welcome to go to Any other Tuner and ask them to make you a tune for the price you're comfortable with.

If you want a cheap product, expect cheap results. Expect a cheap tune.

That's not what we are offering. And if your weighing the top end gains of our product with the value, then you don't understand our product at all.
It's not "$699" for 17HP. There are literally hundreds of things we change to improve how the truck drives, horsepower not being the focus.


We don't hold a monopoly. Any Tuner that wants to invest their time, energy, knowledge, etc can tune these too.

 

well, I know i'm going to get it from both sides, but here we go: @ClassicRacer- Buy it and rate it or don't and stop posting on this thread, as it's not about freetrade or business approaches. @Matt - I want to love you and OTtune like so many do, but response times during purchase/registration/setup weren't great (details below), so seeing the wasted time back and forth with nonsensical TW posters is a bit frustrating.

Back to the topic at hand, that is: Rate the Tune... Unfortunately I give it a 2*

87Base - little to no noticeable changes - 1gpm loss
87Peformance - LOTS of off the line jump improvement, but IMHO too much. Gear hunting seemed to get worse and began starting about 35 mph (vs 40-45 when stock) - 2-3 gpm loss from stock
All Higher Octane Tunes: I'm not interested in a $400-$500 annual increase in operating cost (ie gas) after purchasing a $700 tune.
The * is for "subject to change", as the OVtune folks are constantly making tweaks, so hope my review is taken as constructive criticism and I can change my rating in the future...maybe a base/performance hybrid tune?

As i sit today, if I had to do it over, I'd probably stick with just using S4/5 with ECT and have a prinsu roof rack, but look forward to revising this up in the future!

OVTune Purchase and Install Experience & Comments:

This is a summary of my experience purchasing/loading the OVTune and some info I would’ve liked to have known prior to and during the process. Disclaimer to OVtune & the TW sycophants: This is not meant to be critical of OVTune (although there maybe be some constructive criticism), but just some information to help manage the expectations of those interested in purchasing this tune.

Total Tune Duration: May 15 – Jun 06.

1) My wait time from purchase to delivery outside Philadelphia was 14 days (May 15 to May 29).

2) Once you receive your kit, you have to register it, which will take an additional 2-4 business days. I sent my info in on a Friday am and got my file on Monday afternoon.

3) If you have any questions/issues with any of the steps, each RFI (via email only) to OVtune takes 1-4 days. TW was great with faster and helpful responses, although you’re now subject to trolls.

Installation Clarifications/Questions/Challenges

1) Per Matt, USB 3.0 is supported 99% (only the very first 3.0 USBs had an issue). This was my first issue/concern, as the only laptop I have has all 3.0s, as it’s been out for 8 years. Thankfully, Matt responded to my question within a couple hours. @Matt - I would recommend removing the giant red disclaimer from the cover page or at least rewording it.

2) During my installation, the “P5 Flash Utiility” was grayed out (un-selectable). Uninstalling/reinstalling fixed it. Adding this as a potential fix would probably help.

3) I had an issue identifying my ECU (Step 2 of Step 3 “Flashing and Updates”). The youtube instructions include the step to Install drivers, but don’t believe this is in the written directions. TW eventually helped me with this as I never heard back from OVtune.

4) A note stating, we probably need to delete virus protection would be helpful.

 

Sorry to hear that, we are working right now on our 2.0 that improves the tune much much further than 1.05. Like the hybrid version, this has already been talked about a lot and is in development.

As far as wait times for shipment, a 3rd party makes the cables and there are times when we are waiting for them to send us more. They are a small business as well so they get behind at times.

Usually we get reg keys out next business day. At the moment though we are a bit backlogged, we are trying to wrap up development on 2.0 EROM for this truck.

I actually only post here on TW when I am doing emails at the same time, because of what it is now around here.

Regarding instructions, we have made several revisions to it and a walk through video, but I will definitely take another look and add in anything that may still be questionable or confusing.

 

I think this is good feedback for folks. Just FYI, the person you are tagging with the @ Matt is not OVtune. His username here is @OVTune

 

Its a forum TO DISGUSS.. what complain..dont like it don't read it[/QUOTE]

 

Why don’t you let him ask what he wants. Is this your forum? Debates and questions are how we find out information and come to an agreement or Conclusion.

 

this particular thread is for people to Rate OVTune...not complain to them that it's overpriced, not worth it, that they have a monopoly and lobby for a free trial/discount...

How about y'all start a Thread titled, "i don't have an OVTUNE, but hate it" and post to your heart's content there!!!

 

i appreciate this. the above is not an attempt at discussion. it's bitching and complaining. not that i really care, it's not my forum either. but as long as he's rationalizing step up to get honest about it.

 

Opinions expressed

 

I purchased my 19 Tacoma two weeks ago and have been pretty disappointed with the performance thus far, it's lazy and just feels like a pig trying to drive around the city. So I installed the OV 1.05 on my V6 AT today with the 87 performance map and I'm thoroughly impressed. The throttle response and low RPM torque make the truck run like it should have from the factory. The transmission shift points are much more predictable and I'd say the drive ability has increased by 100%. Well worth the money IMO.

 

I removed my Pedal Commander and started off with the 87 Performance tune. Performs very well. After a few days switched to 91 Performance and drives 100% differently! I don't know how you could say that it is a waste? Even at the 87 it feels significantly better! Way different than just using ECT. Try 91 performance and report back. You already spent the money, might as well try. Hands down best performance mod that can be done to this truck.

 

I actually removed my pedal commander as well when I installed the OV tune. It's interesting that you noticed a difference between 87 performance and 91. I wasn't even planning on trying the higher octane maps but after hearing this I might try the 93 performance and see how it feels on my next fill up.

 

Yes HUGE difference between 87 performance and 91 performance. The 87 performance does not get you the extra HP and Torque. Just take off and shifting. 93 is not available around me. Just shifting and power alone stomping on it put me at 80mph in second gear. (Just to test it out). By the way I have a 6” lift and 34” tires. Stock gears and I’m running close to 17mpg.

 

Great to hear, now I'm wishing I hadn't filled up with 87 yesterday lol

 

Good to hear, I just bought my 2019 TRD pro (voodoo blu) last weekend. Now I only have 123 miles on it so very early but it is gutless and shifts like crazy, chasing 6th gear really early. I will have to seriously consider the OV Tune