KDMax-Pro Tuning--NOW YotaWerx Tuning

I think the 2018 cap says E15 is ok. I wouldn’t do it either. We’re forced to use E10 here if we’re not using 91.

 

You can run E85 in a tacoma. it won't damage anything. However, you will definitely need a tune, and likely need bigger injectors / fuel pump. It will make most difference when using forced induction. https://www.cpgnation.com/speed-secrets-its-all-about-e85/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0Ac72xQvAo

 

Thanks for coming out today Steve and getting your 2020 OR setup with KDMAX Pro+. Enjoy your 'new' truck!!

 

Chris came by early this morning to get his 2020 setup on KDMAX Pro today. With 275/55R20s, 3" lift, and a bumper/winch up front there's a bit more weight to move than stock. Fortunately, the custom tune is well up to that task. Enjoy the tune Chris!

 

Interested if there are any members who can tune my truck in the PNW! North of Seattle or Seattle area!

 

Maybe @TacoManOne can help.

 

I have the regular KDMax tune and haven't been able to get a good sense of what the pro version offers. While I've been happy with the tune, it is a bit jerky off the line.

If I wanted to get pro, is there an upgrade option or is it a new purchase?

 

No you don’t have to pay for a full new tune. Contact your tuner he can take care of you.

 

Yes, there is a less expensive upgrade option. Information is in the first post.
Price depends on if you did it yourself or had your truck tuned by someone.
If you did it yourself and bought files from us, the new upgrade tune-pack is $75.

 

I PMed him a couple weeks ago but never heard back.

 

Thanks. I guess I thought this was the other thread. I see that now.

 

I will contact him and give him your info.

 

I’ll PM you with some contact information.

Edit- Dave is getting quick! Lol

 

1 Week away!

Tri-Cities WA KDMax Tune Day

Saturday, April 23, 2022 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Columbia Basin College, 2600 N 20th Ave, Pasco, 99301
Parking lot West of 20th across from the Red Lion Hotel.

Please send me your name, year, AT or MT, gearing, throttle choice, and phone number for text updates.

Email: tacotuning@paulmalen.com
Text: 509-710-0135 (or call)
PM: @TacoManOne on Tacoma World

Cost: $450 Cash, Venmo,(preferred) or Paypal.

There will be a discount if more than 5 people pre-register

 

I have gotten a few questions about switching to 87 octane gas from Premium.
I switched from 93 octane to 87 octane about 3 tanks ago. Gas mileage is still the same and power is still there. I have not felt a difference.

Happy Easter everyone!!

 

This thread is pretty massive and I only skimmed the first few and last few pages so sorry if this was addressed.

What are the current versions? Are there likely to be future versions? Is the current version one you could stick with for the life of the truck and not worry about continually upgrading? I currently have regular KDMax from a year or so ago and I think upgrading to Pro will be a good move, but not sure I want to keep chasing upgrades.

Also, any comparisons to the newest TSB ECU updates? I know the one for 2019+ models was apparently awesome, but I don't know how it compares to these tunes. Although, apparently I can't get that one even though my VIN is in the list (2017) and I paid for KDMax anyway. Just curious if I'm missing out.

 

The most up to date TSB/ECU ID for 2017 auto is 04b04. This will probably be it. There hasn't been one for a few years.
The KDMax-Pro+ is the most up to date tune we have and should be a good tune for the life of your truck!
We are waiting on Vftuner updates to possibly get new features to improve it, but there is no timeline on when or if we will update the tune.

 

This is my review of the KD Max Pro tune. My tune was installed by @TWTaco. These are my observations based on my truck, my driving style, and the my driving conditions…YMMV.



Me and my Taco

I’m an active retiree who enjoys the outdoors. My truck is a 2021 Tacoma TRD OR DCSB 4x4, AT. My truck is a stock daily driver other than some accessories. I came to Tacoma from 2 V8 1/2 tons and a diesel powered 3/4 ton. The previous trucks were used to tow a boat. I no longer own the boat and no longer tow on a regular basis. I was looking for an Offroad worthy vehicle for camping and getting to some remote trailheads. I was considering a Jeep Wrangler. The test drive and reliability history had me looking elsewhere. This brought me to the Tacoma.

I took delivery in July of 2021. The truck fit my needs but, like many, I was disappointed with the drivability issues. I drove the truck for 5k miles and decided to look into tunes. After searching and reading many threads on TW I settled on the KD Max Pro tune. Lucky for me, I lived 15 min from @TWTaco. After a few texts we met and I had my tune installed. The following are my observations of my truck running stock(5,500 miles), Normal(1,500 miles), and Lite Tunes(1,300 miles).



Stock Factory Tune

Not going to spend a lot of time here. If you drive one you know what I’m talking about. Yes, I test drove it and I knew of it’s quirks but I was willing to settle for reliability and off road ability. One of my regular routes is a 98 mile round trip. Several trips and I was getting 20.8 mpg consistently wether I was using radar cruise, regular cruise, or my foot. Around town in my hilly area I was getting 14.8 mpg.



Normal Tune

After talking with Dave I opted for the Normal Tune. It checked all the boxes and I drive like an old man. It’s my daily driver and I live in an area with a lot of rolling hills, traffic, and tight streets/parking lots.

The difference from Stock is immediately apparent. Throttle response is increased but not what I would call hair trigger touchy. Acceleration is smooth as are the shifts. IMO, what makes this tune is the recalibration of the transmission shift points. Gone are the short shifts that would cause laggy acceleration. The rolling hills that would cause downshifts/gear hunting are now driven without drama from the engine/trans. The throttle response combined with the shift logic had my truck driving like it should have from the factory. Engine and Trans now work together instead of against each other. This tune really shined on my route. On the highway with regular cruise set at 70 the truck would hold speed on most grades with a 6-5 downshift. No more unnerving 6-4 downshifts. After doing my round trip 4 times my mpg was 22.4…an 8% increase. I’ve also towed a 12’ utility trailer loaded (3,400 lbs) and still managed17.8 mpg. It should be noted that these are highway miles. My mpg in town(15.2), while increased, is not as dramatic (3%).


Lite Tune

While I was happy with the Normal Tune the throttle was a bit sensitive for someone who doesn’t drive the truck often (wife) or someone who drives a Tacoma and hops in mine (service techs). For this reason I tried the Lite tune.
I would describe the Lite Tune as stock throttle response with all the benefits of the improved shift strategy. If my truck had come like this from the factory I would have been a happy owner. The rolling hills in my area did require more throttle input but shift strategy was still spot on. I drove the Lite tune for 1,300 miles. I drove my round trip 4 times using cruise control and mpg was 21.2 an increase over stock of 2%. Around town mpg was statistically unchanged from stock. I did not get a chance to tow with the Lite tune.


Conclusion

I think most will agree that the engine / transmission combo in our 3rd Gens leave a bit on the table. The tune allows them to work more in unison. I do not have any experience with the Sport Tune but I think each tune has purpose for different owners.

If I drove a stock truck, lived in fairly flat area, and didn’t tow or only towed light infrequently I would lean toward the Lite tune.

If I lived in a hilly area, had a moderate lift/tires, towed often or carried a payload often I would think the Normal Tune would be perfect. After driving the Lite tune for 1,300 miles I went back to the Normal Tune. It fit my driving style and who doesn't want better mpg. I realized that it is a rare occurrence that someone else drives my truck. If someone needs to drive it I let them know the throttle is more sensitive.

I would think the Sport tune would be great for the BIG lift/tire trucks, rigs with permanent added weight (armor, bumpers, camper shells), or the owner who wants some added punch.

If you’re looking for a tune you owe it to yourself to reach out to one of the KD Max tuners and talk to them. @TWTaco answered all my questions which made the process enjoyable and informative. I’ll venture to guess that most here on TW have modded our trucks in some way. How many mods have you paid for and removed or swapped out? I’ll bet you spent more money on those mods than this tune will cost you and this Tune will CHANGE your truck! For this owner...hands down the best money I've spent on my truck!

 

Thanks Greg for the very detailed review. We appreciate you taking the time to drive both throttle settings and get a very detailed review on both Normal and Lite settings.Honest reviews like yours will help others in deciding what may work best for them.
It was great working with you and your truck getting it dialed in.