2016 OVTune Tacoma 3.5L Manual Transmission / Engine ECU Reflash

Let’s talk about OV Tune and engine break in... I know it was talked about a while ago in one of these threads, but let’s revist it.

Has Mat @OVTune actually released any info about flashing a brand new truck? Yes, I understand that flashing any engine is an “at your own risk” kind of thing, but is the any evidence (other that anecdotal opinion) to suggest that it is not a good idea to tune until broken in? Assuming the vehicle is driven in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations for break in period, I personally don’t see how OVT would hurt.

I get it, that driving the truck stock for a while will give a greater appreciation for the tune, and will reveal any stock gremlins that you might think are a byproduct of OVT...buuut other than that, any reason to wait a few thousand km’s before flashing?

 

I don't believe that anything specific has been posted. That said, I think that OVT is better for longevity of the motor, esp for the 2016 to 2018 MYs. The stock tune was not doing anything good for the motor.

From my knothole, I might give it 500mi on the stock tune. That will at least give you enough perspective to enjoy OVT and identify if there are any serious issues. There is a very low chance of serious issues, but why tie the tune to the VIN if something frags?

 

what are you feeling thats different with the FOB? Im on the 91 Performance currently

 

If you have an MT, you cannot be on the Performance (big P) tune. Our performance tune is FOB.

That bottom end torque that makes this motor feel like a normal V6 (certainly on par with the 4.0l) means everything to me. I enjoyed the 2.0 Betas but am running 1.05 FOB until 2.0 FOB launches. I am a bit jealous that the ATs got a taste of Beta FOB.

 

Grateful? Yes.
Losing my frickin mind cause I have to wait? Even more so!

 

here's my probably worthless and anecdotal opinion..

have you run any of the tunes yet? it's easy to be concerned without experience with how they run. i have run many iterations going back to alpha & pre-AT.

the motor sounds, idles, and runs healthier on these tunes. you hear and feel the difference. combustion sounds are pretty clear with my exhaust, and the sound of OV vs. stock is one of open vs. muted. with weaker ignition on stock.

after being here in OV Land for about 2 1/2 years or whatever it is, i would flash my truck as soon as possible if i wanted to have a consistent long life experience. i felt like my motor never really got a full complete break-in due to muted factory tune, like the ignition was weak and had inefficient combustion. motors probably do better when they run efficiently with balanced performance for long life, and i would not say that is how the stock tune runs vs. OV... and OV is, but not pushing performance past the hardware, not at all.

 

We started our R/D truck tuning right after we left the dealership with 10 miles on it

 

Same. I’d do it immediately.

 

Cool, put that worry to bed. I'm at around 1500 miles currently.

 

That's about the time I first flashed mine. I've never looked back

 

100%

OVtune is by far better than the stock tune in every way. I am not referring to power at all. As already said above, the truck just plain runs better with Mat's tune on it. I wouldn't hesitate to flash immediately.

 

I think I will. Which tune though? I want better gas mileage.

 

In all honesty, if you're tuning for best mileage you are going to be disappointed. There have been a few releases that have shown some promise, but the mileage improvements aren't drastic. What you get is driveability. The truck just plain runs better.

 

Okay, which 87 FOB?

 

I think 87 FOB is a good starting point. It will have all the low end you need to get going from a stop light or merge into traffic for every day driving. If you can fight the urge to stay out of the throttle, you should be happy with the mileage too.

 

I saw an MPG bump with 87 FOB. I'd start there.

 

She's a keeper regardless! Happy Anniversary and Merry Christmas!

 

Is "FOB" an acronym for something or mean something? It's been driving me crazy lol. Am I missing something here?

 

Full Otto version B I believe

 

Don't want no damn half-Otto in here. Give us the full Otto or no Otto at all!

Ok. Now that I got that outta my system. Thanks