Ovt tuning (any tuning really) and reliability

I'm curious what effects tuning has on the longevity and reliability of our trucks? What is the possible down side ? Has anyone experienced anything?

 

That's a very broad question.

With vF tuner (formerly known as OVTune), you can change a wide range of parameters or maps yourself, leave as is, or flash a user's premade tune. There is a chance it could affect the longevity and reliability if something is changed, but really depends on what was changed and how it was changed. It can also heavily depend on how you are driving the truck after.

I took the safe(r) route and waited for years after OVTune was first released before I took the plunge. This allowed me to trust it a little more because there hadn't been any catastrophic failures. You don't have to make a change to the base tune, if you decide to go that route.

But for a 2021, I don't think the tune, unedited, will be very good. The difference in how my truck felt after the tune (unedited) was equivalent to the jump from my 2017 to my 2020. It felt better, but wasn't a huge difference until I started making changes myself.

 

My general opinion, esp experiencing the Stock tune knocking in hot weather, is that the smoothness and consistency of the tunes can only increase the longevity of the driveline. Beyond that, being able to drive without mashing the throttle to get rolling will have its benefits also.

 

I got asked this question literally yesterday. My best estimate (since you can't tell long term reliability with only a couple years of data) is that assuming you're not racing at every stop light, tuned trucks will likely last longer, since the transmission isn't constantly shifting stupidly, and thus the engine isn't jumping from 2500 to 6000 RPM every time you encounter a slight hill. More sensible use of the engine and transmission can't possibly worsen the long term reliability, right?

 

Yessir. That is exactly it.

 

Why do you think for a 2021 the unedited tune will be very good? I know very little about this tuning stuff, and am about to pick up a new 2021 MT TRD Offroad. Thanks!

 

I started to feel a significant difference when tip in was adjusted. That's where things got a lot better for me. The unedited tune was great, but the truck basically drove the same when it came to daily driving. WOT was where the tune really shined. Keep in mind, I came in when it was 2.0. I missed the earlier tunes that were released and more aggressive.

 

I have a 2021 OR AT, and I loved upgrading to KDMAX 6.0 tune.

Not all tunes are the same. KDMAX 6.0 shits all over stock 2021 tune

 

The Tune totally changed my Taco. It's way more responsive and way more fun to drive. Only down side is I took a hit on gas mileage, but I can live with that. Then again, I replaced the original steel wheels and shit tires with 4 Runner Pro wheels and bigger tires. That might be where my gas mileage went.

 

Have you re-tuned since then? If you changed tire size, you CAN retune for it (though, the truck obviously won't explode if you don't).

 

Hmmm, didn't even think it would make a difference. I'll have to touch base with @ktbell444 and ask.

 

It's not a requirement to do so, but I'm not opposed to doing it for you either. Assuming I threw on the same tune but adjusted for tires, I doubt you would notice any difference.

Headed up to your area in about two weeks or so though. Have also made a few different tunes if you'd want to give them a shot. They were my DD for months until I started testing the tune I'm currently on.

 

Thanks man. I'm perfectly happy with the way it is. The responsiveness is amazing. Don't see how people drive there Taco without a tune. They're missing out on the fun.

 

You and me both