Tuning and Future Upgrades Questions

Hello all! I have had my Tacoma for a little under a year now. Aside from cosmetics, I haven't done anything serious to it (not trying to ruin my warranty).
I would like to get the KDMax tune, but I am also looking to lift the truck (most likely a couple years away).
Is it worth it to get the tune now (and I'd assume needing it to be redone with the lift) or to wait?
Newbie here, so any and all info is much appreciated.

 

It's not necessary to get the tune adjusted for tires. I don't think I have seen anyone state that they have felt any difference. Mat from OVTune has stated that it does correct some calculations, but otherwise you likely do not need it redone.

But, if you were to buy the vF kit yourself, you can customize as needed. I flashed a couple new and different tunes on my truck yesterday for testing. It's nice having that ability.

 

If you are trying not to ruin your warranty then I wouldn't look at tuning. I'm sure the tuners are safe with their tunes but if something were to happen within the engine, trans, or rear end and they discovered you had a tune on the vehicle, well, you are on your own. I know most new vehicles have computer flash counters, key cycle counters, and other ways they can tell if the truck has been tuned. The dealer would have to suspect the truck has been flashed with a aftermarket tune to justify them going that deep into the computer logs. Just saying it's possible though not likely if the tuners are being safe and a little conservative. I've tuned several vehicles in the past without any issue or damage but their is always a risk when you start changing things.

 

Fair point. I read that a dealership doesn't have the ability to see if you've tuned or not, but it's probably best to not risk it. I just want to feel what everyone is talking about with how much better the truck feels lol

 

Thanks I'll research that, sounds like it would make for a fun project.

 

Listen, my last 2 trucks, both F150's (2.7l Ecoboost and 5.0 Coyote) both were tuned by 5 Star Tuning and when a tune is done right, it transforms the driving experience. You can customize them to your liking too. I really did enjoy the tunes and how good those two trucks drove. My absolute favorite was the E85 perormance tune on my 5.0. It would haul ass wide open. Surprised several friends with how fast a crew cab truck can be. So, there is a lot of good to be had with tuning.

Another rule of thumb is to always "return to stock" your truck before going to the dealership. I bet they have a way to find out or at least safety assume it was tuned if they look deep enough. If you want to not risk the warranty coverage I'd wait until the warranty runs out.

 

It's a 2018. Warranty is almost, if not already, gone. And we don't even know if the mileage exceeds 36k.

I tuned my 2020 in less than 2 months of ownership and I have no regrets. But don't let me convince you if you're on the fence.

 

Bought it used with the extended warranty which brings it to 130k. That's the only reason I'm really on the fence. If I had the manufacturers, I wouldn't be blinking an eye about any of this and would've done the same as you

 

KD Maxx tune that thing and call it a day

 

I'd say that if you want a tune, that you will need to purchase the kit yourself then. That way you can flash back to stock if anything does happen.

But, I will also say that OVT has been available for years and nobody has mentioned any dealership horror stories. Not saying it won't or couldn't happen, but just want to put that out there for you.

 

The AT programming tends to be sensitive. A lift could affect the tune.

I would say to tune it now and then be sure that you have future support negotiated. Either getting vF Tuner yourself, or squaring it away with whoever does it for you.

With the CVN feature on the latest Version 1.4.1, you can compare your code and verify, if it gives you any worries.