New VFtune install

Question for anyone that might know.....Is the tune tied to the laptop and ECU? Was curious if I was to update laptop after applying tune, how troublesome would it be?

 

Yes. The license is tied to the computer's System ID. It generally does not change with OS and program updates, but it can as some folks have posted. In the past, you can request up to three REG files for free.

My original tuning computer was quite old and I received a new one by surprise. Getting a new REG file was fast and easy.

 

Our *massive* TCU parameter update will be releasing first-second week of July for 16-20 AT Tacoma.

 

For the uneducated (this guy), what does that mean?

 

Transmission Control Unit. The poor souls with too few pedals, will be happier. Lol

 

I'm one of those plebians. Always wanted to learn stick. With the tune affecting the ECU, how does adjusting the TCU help? I thought the tune adjusted the shift points.

 

The tune adjusts about as many things in the TCU as it does in the Engine ECU. Definitely a whole lot more than shift points.

With the TSB or OVT tunes and the accumulator delete (ADM), there is probably not a better MT to learn on other than maybe some old Mazda, Honda, or Bimmer. It sucks that we need mods just as bad, but they are quite easy and cheap.

 

I am sorry somehow this went into the wrong thread. This is suppose to be in our vF thread.

TCU - Transmission control

 

I have heard of trucks that "shift themselves." This seems like witchcraft, nothing good can come of it.

I flashed the 87 Octane tune and the experience of driving the truck is more pleasant. I wish I was driving more these days because I need to burn off half a tank of 87 before I can fill up with high-test and try out the fast 91 tune.

 

Ajahahahhahahahahaja exactly! That made me think of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

 

Really appreciate your write up here OP. I perused through the main thread here and was totally bewildered, not to mention I didn't want to sort through 99 pages.

Do you mind sharing why you went with the 91 octane tune over the 87? I don't want to buy premium gas and am wondering if the OVtune is still worth it at 87. Thanks!!

 

Yes, I am sure it is. I am of the OPINION (my opinion only) that it is better for a engine to never, or as minimal as possible experience preignition (i.e. Knock)
Our engine has 11.3 to one compression ratio, and uses the knock sensor to retard timing. It uses port and direct injection pulses to cool the intake charge, and actually makes zones of different fuel air mixtures in the cylinders that change based on load. This is according to Toyota on their 4DS engine series. If something is wrong about what I am saying it is my error.
At the same time they are doing all of this, they are being asked to meet C.A.F.E fuel economy standards, and emissions laws.
If a little detonation is the cost for meeting the law, and it doesn't beat the crank, and rod bearings out until after warranty, what would a company do?
It seems to me, what Toyota did was program the engine to use the knock sensor to retard timing, and adjust fueling to protect it, while letting it run on regular.
Without VF tune, try running a couple tanks of premium. My perception was that the engine felt smoother and I didn't feel the power disappear low in the rpm band.
I am willing to run premium fuel for the ability to have advanced timing without preignition.

This again is only my opinion, based on my experience and study. Your thoughts may be completely different.

Thank you for asking, and I hope I answered your question clearly.
Steve

 

If you don't want to run premium, Ovtune will still work, just a little less peak power.
If we had a lower compression ratio engine, without all the valves and angles in the head it wouldn't help to run premium at all.

Again only my opinion, and I am always open to new ideas based on new knowledge. I am not open to "my paw told me that there premium fuel is fer suckers."

If the engine can take advantage of it, it is worth it, if it can't, it is actually a net loss of energy and btu per pound of fuel burned.

 

Someone asked if the 2.0 tune is still worth it on regular gas. I found that the truck was more pleasant to drive even on 87 because the fueling seemed more linear and I needed less pedal input. Not faster but smoother.

I have only driven 10 km on the premium base tune with 94 octane in the tank. I think my truck is still learning or something because it kind of stutters on strong pulls. I think it pulls stronger than it used to. It seems to make more noise in the cabin at low speed but it was also the hottest day of the year so far yesterday and the A/C was running hard. I may go back to the 87 tune.

(Note that I have the good transmission so I'm in control of the shifting.)

 

Thanks for the technical input! A bit over my head but helpful. Do you guys know if the Tacoma 3.5 Tune pack comes with AT tunes? Essentially I'm looking for a plug-n-play performance tune for the AT. I have been disappointed with stock performance compared to my 2010 Tacoma, I just couldnt quite put my finger on it. It just feels doggish especially when getting on the highway, and is constantly searching for a higher gear which drives me crazy. ECT mode helps a bit but really I shouldnt need to do that just have a bit of power. Everyone who uses OVtune raves about it but it sounds like there is some nuance to it, and their website doesnt really have a layman's FAQ.

Again, great thread.

 

Yes sir but not quite yet. Mid July is when the TCU tunes are supposed to be released. I am not up to speed on that part. It doesn't effect me, so I spent my time studying other things.

 

For vF tuner with the Tune Pack, you get the 2.0 tunes for your specific ECU ID. If you want editable versions of tunes older than 2.0, you have to request those.

2.0 (the latest tunes) rocks, and you will most likely never want to go older unless you get into trying to study changes and editing.

 

Great, thanks. I'll get in touch with OVtune about it. It's not at all clear to me on their website but I suppose I would need the VfTuner software and Tactrix anyway.