OVTune Tacoma 3.5L Auto - Transmission / Engine - ECU Reflash

Is this for real ? I have never heard of such a thing.
Edit - did the document say what would happen if you did alter it and did you get a copy ?

 

Of course many states test vehicles for emissions as a part of licensing a vehicle for on-road use. I imagine the clause is there so that in the event they have to repo the vehicle, it is license-able/street legal. The result is that not only can they repo your vehicle if need be, but that they can sue you to get the vehicle back in license-able and therefore sell-able condition.

 

Well, my OVTuned truck passed emissions tailpipe tests with flying colors so I wouldn't be worried about it! In the Alpha thread Mat even announced that he has gotten it to pass all OEM emissions standards.

Doesn't surprise me.. the nasty exhaust I used to have stock is what i'd consider a normal exhaust now

 

Curiosity question. So currently my driving style is ect on and I use S mode. I live mostly in 4th when on highways and city streets. I will go into 5th if I am cruising, but here in WA we have so many dumb drivers and traffic that I'm barely ever cruising ha ha.

Will this tune more or less eliminate me having to drive in 4th all the time to stay in the higher rpm's and can drive in drive mode? Is ect really even necessary after tune?

Just trying to compare your driving styles with the tunes to my current driving style

 

No. Even running 1.04 you'll be up in 5th gear at 35 mph. If you like to drive in the RPM range with usable power, you'll still want to use S4.

 

Did you lease it or something?

 

No, it was purchased. This is in FL. Not sure if it's FL thing but we don't have any emissions testing here. That's why I thought it was weird.

 

I have tried the 1.04/87 and the 1.04/91 tune. Both are much better than stock.
I am hearing good things about the 1.03 tune.

How do I get the 1.03 file?

When I got my tune the download manager wasn't working and Matt had to email me the 1.04 file.

Just made a trip from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. I used S5 to prevent the constant shifting from 6 to 5. On occasion it would downshift into 4th.
The downshift was rather harsh and then I would be in 4th gear at 75 miles an hour and 3400 RPM!!!
I don't think there's anything that can be done with the tune to fix this. I believe it's a gear ratio issue between 5th and 4th.
Cruising at 75 mph in 5th gear and 2100 RPM there's just not enough power at that RPM to maintain speed.
I am seriously considering a tundra at this point.

 

Same question: how do I get 1.03? I installed 1.04 91 and don't like how the linear pull falls flat from 4-5th gear. Emailed OP a few times without response...

EDIT: Received my file a few days shortly after.

 

June 18 - re-flash

OK everyone - The deed is done. I received my files today from Mathew. So I just re-flashed my ECU with OVT's 1.04 for 91 octane. I don't have even 10 miles on it yet, so my comments will be short. I let it idle a while and went for a test drive using both normal and ECT modes.

The difference between the stock OEM tune and the Orange Virus tune is basically like getting a new truck. It is now quicker, smoother, faster, and it feels confident when you drive that auto transmission KNOWS what gear to be in - and gets there instantly, during up or downshifting.

The engine's exhaust note and "growl" when accelerating even sound nicer. And when you touch, push, or release that throttle - the results are instantaneous - similar to the response that throttle cables or linkage gave you, (before fly-by-wire took over).

I know there is a lot more to experience and I will have to comment further later after I put some more miles on it.
But folks - It was worth it. It IS worth it. Kudos to OVT!

June 19 Edit:

My first day driving after the initial install of the tune, (20 miles one way to work) yielded an increase of 2 solid MPG. My mileage read 21.1 MPG. I didn't baby it, but I did not need to use "help" from the ECT mode to "launch it" at traffic lights or to accelerate to establish my place in traffic either.

This is an entirely new driving experience. And so far ... I really like it!

Edit October 11, 2018

I found myself using ECT mode more and more to have the added acceleration. Now days it is routine. I am still equally satisfied with the huge improvements experienced overall with v1.3 91 oct AT.

Any negatives noticed are so minor and intermittently encountered that I cannot see trying to assess the rare conditions for consideration to post.

I will say that the truck is so light in the ass end that any wet road take offs will loose traction immediately. Not sure if this is aggravated by extra torque realised from the tune or just the way it is. But if such a quick take off is required, I go to 4wd at the stop before take off.

I am currious if OVT has any plans to release any more revision for this tune - perhaps addressing the trans module itself? There was talk of that, but I have heard no confirmation.

Overall - this tune - even as is - should be a requirement for those who care and can afford it. It greatly improves the truck in overall performance and character.

 

I've been limping around with my gutless 2016 TRD 4x4 OR for 2 yrs now, I seriously really want this thing, but what a price tag, not to mention sounds like a pain to install, and I only have a mac. Is there anyone within 100 miles of Phoenix that would be willing to do this for me? Pay you $100 bucks, a 12 pack of good beer and a Cuban cigar!

 

I'll just say if I had to choose a single mod for my truck, it'd be between this and the stereo. Definitely money very well spent

 

Thanks, if you have done this, can you help verify exactly what i must do? The 900+ pages of the other thread fried what was left my already depleted brain cells.
1 - first I buy the OVTune from https://www.ovtuned.com/products/toyota-tacoma-2grfks-calibration?variant=41531259916 (looks like it's $600)
2. at the same time i need to buy the "openport 2.0 cable" package, I found one on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Tactrix-Open...&qid=1529960900&sr=8-1&keywords=tactrix+cable. (only $42 bucks?)
3. THEN, i need a Windows laptop (Macs wont work), and go thru the instruction on the other thread https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-toyota-tacoma-v6-ecu-tuning-alpha-release.495735/
Sound correct? I can do this whole thing for $642 (if I has a Windows laptop)?

 

Any potential buyers in the Denver Metro Area looking to save some $$ "start a conversation" with me. I did the install (dongle-less) and have the hardware. You will need to provide compatible computer and OVTune software. I will help you with process (Computer ID, ECU ID [requires OVTune License/Registration] and ECU Tune Flash [requires Tune download from OVTune].

 

Sounds just about right

 

That adapter on Amazon looks like a very bad quality chinese clone

 

Just completed my OVtune upload with the 87 octane automatic trans SR5 version. If your looking for major changes to acceleration and shifting, your going to be disappointed. But what it did do was smooth out everything. No more sloppy over revving shifting or restricted acceleration. So far its it great change. Might have to change it to 91 octane and try that out too.

 

If my what is looking for changes? My what is going to be disappointed?

 

I see what you did there.

 

Does anyone know if a notebook tablet (that has Windows 10) will work? Here is an example

RCA Cambio 10" 2-in-1 Notebook Tablet with 32GB Storage, Intel Atom Z8350 Processor, 2GB RAM, Windows 10, Includes Keyboard

https://www.amazon.com/RCA-Notebook...749&sr=8-4&keywords=windows+laptops+under+200

I bought the OVtune today, with the Openport 2.0 (from Tactrix), now I just need the laptop, and running our of money!