Northern Virginia Roll Call

Dave, I watched the guy install my KDMAX tune (and uninstall it), and then did the Valley Runner myself. The process was identical.

Since I have had both, I can also offer an unsolicited opinion to those who might be thinking about these two tunes for their AT 3rd Gen...

The KDMAX tune to me was entirely to touchy around town/from a dead stop. Almost a surging/herky-jerky (technical, I know...) motion that ultimately had me uninstall it and go back to stock. The Valley Runner is much more forgiving in this aspect, although it is still a bit touchy from a dead start (not nearly as bad though). For cruising on the highway, I really didn't see much of a difference in the two, but then again I didn't have the KDMAX installed long enough to accurately compare. I did more driving around town with the KDMAX when I had it installed.

That being said, now that I've had the Valley Runner installed for over a month, I can say that I get a dead pedal feel in 5th when going up an incline. I have to really press the pedal to get it to kick down, all the while losing speed until it does. The word on the street is this is due to a glitch that holds 5th gear longer and requires much more pedal pressure to engage 4th, which is currently being discussed in the Valley Tune thread - This post explains it way better than I ever could (obviously, since it was written by the tune's creator): https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-valley-tuning-thread.713747/page-31#post-26151975

Anyway, that is really my only issue with the Valley Runner tune. Well, that and my MPG numbers are terrible for some reason, but I am chalking that up to my "uphill both ways" commute over here. I know that we've had this discussion before, but I just wanted to throw it out there for those on the fence. As always, to each their own, YMMV, blah blah, etc.

 

Cool Will. Thanks. I figured it was the same process. I was going to respond to you on the Valley Tune thread, but didn't want to bash the dude's product. The touchy pedal in the Valley Tune does take some time to get used to. I've almost gone to the lite version a few times because the tip-in was driving me nuts. I don't really notice it now. The 5th gear holding is my biggest issue with the tune. It'll go into 5th at the appropriate time, but requires a lot of throttle to get it to drop into 4th. I haven't gotten used to it, but it doesn't bother me as much as it did in the beginning. If they'd find a solution for that, the tune would be perfect in my book.

 

Yeah, I was wondering if you were going to chime in on that thread. I wasn't really trying to bash the product, just give a real-world opinion that was similar to what someone else mentioned. The fact that he recognizes the issue, and is trying to chase it is good enough for me right now. Hopefully they can get it sorted. Apples to oranges, but my wife's BMW does none of that nonsense (with no tune); I can hold the same pedal on the highway inclines without losing any speed, and it just adjusts accordingly without you even knowing it. Hell, if Toyota could figure it out to begin with, we wouldn't even be having these conversations, lol.

 

Oh, I didn't think you were bashing. No worries on that front! Just didn't want it to seem like I was hopping on to complain. I do feel better that he's aware of it.

So we're "borrowing" a Lexus RX350 which has a similar or same engine as the Tacoma. Drives so much differently. It actually goes like it has a set. And none of this silly transmission nonsense. Makes me sad every time I drive it.

 

So how do KD Max and Valley Tune compare to the OV tune? Been thinking about getting one but just in the idea phase right now.

 

The way I understand it is that all of these tunes are kind of "built" off of OV Tune as a base? Honestly, I could be totally wrong on that though, haha. OV Tune was the original, so that would sort of make sense. Unfortunately, I have never had it installed so I cant give a comparison.

 

Just wanted to give a shoutout to @PyritePirateBill for doing an awesome job CMCing my third-gen today. Damn near looks factory!!

 

Never had any work done by Bill, but I can certainly tell by his truck that he is very particular about the work. That's why I like him...

 

I believe what Will said is correct. That these two have just been tweaked off the OV Tune. I won't say they're mind-blowing, but for the automatics they're a definite need.

 

what’s did he charge?

 

You're certainly welcome Sam! Great seeing you again and the truck is looking real good too
I only took two pics and it was before paint

 

Aww shucks! Thanks Dave

 

What about for a manual, would they make any difference above and beyond the OV tune?

 

I really don't know. Haven't paid much attention.

 

Advance Auto Parts has Trico Neoform wipers for 4.55$ each on sale in case you need to replace yours. Online inventory is messed up so in store visit might be a better way.





Hope everyone is doing well; slammed here.

 

Any 3rd gen folks have water in the headlight housing issues??? Today was day 2 for me...not sure if it's a worth trying to go to the dealer or what.

 

I would read through some of the Valley Runner tune thread, I seem to remember there being some MT discussion related to their most recent release (v2.1). On a side note, my friend in Culpeper has a MT Pro and just added Pedal Commander...said it was a night and day improvement over stock. He did come from a GT350 though, so...

 

If you're under warranty I would try the dealership.

Oooooor it's a good time to swap out for OEM LEDs.

 

I have the KDMAX on a MT. Swing by next time you're out this way and take it for a spin.

 

I've thought about this too. All I'm looking to do is get rid of the lag below 3500 rpm.