Overland Torque Tune (OTT) by Overland Tailor

I've read a plenum manifold spacer along side 3° exhaust cam gears is great for the N/A engine. Does that fall true with a tune?

I see a lot lately in this thread guys are very happy with the tunes. Is there a new breakthrough or version compared to what was out over a year ago?
Are the tunes noticeably better in a 3rd gen, 2.5 gen or 2nd gen, bringing more to life?

 

I already own vftuner for my 2017 3rd gen Tacoma Sport, but just use the provided tuning files. Can I buy the flash file from you to do my own tune?

 

For the 2nd Gen Tacoma, some of the best bang for your buck modifications are the cam gears and a intake manifold spacer (not throttle body spacer) combined with a tune. The powerband will shift lower in the rev range 300-500rpm with these mods, but it really does improve the low end torque of this already strong engine. Part throttle torque at RPM/Load ranges that your every day driver sees are greatly improved. You'll notice a great deal more grunt below 4Krpm.

Each 2nd Gen we tune is data logged (even our base files) to ensure you're getting the absolute best for your truck. Even our base files are allocated time to revise the tune to tailor it for the specific vehicle and parts combination. We verify that your MAF calibration is dialed in to match the intake system on every tune we offer.

Each platform we offer a tune for has unique strengths and shortcomings. Some are platforms have a calibration that is much more in line with the expectation of the owners, while others (like the 3G Tacoma) do not and benefit tremendously from a tune. The 2nd Gen Tacoma is in my opinion much better calibrated for the intended purpose of the vehicle than the 3G. So the "difference" in stock-tuned might not be as dramatic as you see some 3G owners exclaim. That's not to say our 2G calibration doesn't do much.. It just isn't as bad stock as the 3G for example.

You can see our 2G Dyno results here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-dyno-testing-by-overland-tailor-tuning-ott.759616/

 

Absolutely!

Send us an email to info@overlandtailor.com and we'll get you squared away!

 

If I’mcurrently running a previous version of OTT, and I plan on updating for the latest version. Do I still have to pay and if so, how much would it cost?

 

No cost at all!

If you were self-flashed, send us an email and we'll get you taken care of. If you were flashed by a 3rd Party, please reach out to your nearest tuner which can be found "here"

 

Hey all, wanted to post my short review of OTT 9.0

TL;DR: I've had a better driving experience with the OTT tunes than I had with the multiple KDMax tunes I had tried.

As I'm sure most people had done, I was in search of a post-OVTune-departure tune. Looking through the threads I saw that a particular one was picking up steam. A tune called KDMax. The thread was filled with nothing but rave reviews so I had to try it. Flashed KDMax and drove with that for months. Other than throttle response, I can't say I was sold on it. I tried a couple more iterations and updates and was still left with the feeling of, "That's it? These guys writing the reviews made this thing sound like it was the best purchase ever".

Then I stumbled upon this OTT thread. Again lots of great reviews however, not to the overly-emphatic extent of the KDMax tune reviews (which in hindsight I now feel some of the reviews are...fishy). I was on OTT 7, then OTT 8. I could tell as soon as I flashed it that something behind the scenes at OTT was going on; they were onto something with their coding/mapping. All the pain points of my driving experience were either eliminated, or greatly reduced. The throttle response was linear, the shift points are bang-on, and no loss of MPG.

Flash forward some months when the KDMAX-Pro-XT-9.0-LMNOPQ was released. I reached out to PaPaRee (who has been nothing short of cordial and helpful to communicate with) for the latest and greatest KDMax because I'm a guy who likes flashy new things, and this tune touted better low-end torque which is something OTT excels in. I thought maybe they figured it out. Flashed it, and while the newest KDMax was definitely an improvement over their previous versions, something was still missing that I had enjoyed with the OTT. Something about the KDMax tune didn't feel...cohesive? The torque was definitely improved but it didn't feel like the oomph of the OTT, and the shift points and throttle response still felt a bit wonky to me. I read about OTT 9.0 and immediately reached out to John who sent over the file.

With OTT 9.0 on for the last day or so, I can't give a finalized review because I only just flashed it but, as it currently sits OTT 9.0 feels like an awesome improvement over their last iteration. As previously, the torque is there, the throttle response feels the smoothest it's ever felt for me, and the shift points feel perfect. I look forward to any future updates although this feels as though it's final for me. I'm not sure what else they could possibly improve, but if I learned anything from the timeline of OVTune->OTT or any of the community tunes out there; the tuning developers always sniff out a new map/table/metric to tweak and improve.

I don't mean this review as bashing KDMax, the work they've done is great and driving competition as they have done is a win-win for us, the user. I more or less feel that OTT is just wildly underrated. I feel this should be the thread of 300+ pages of discussion and praise for the tune (Although 75% of that 300 pages is cringey clipart self-promotion from these tuning "businesses"). I just think people looking to tune hop on TW, look for the tuning post with the most discussion, and jump on that without looking into others.

And it is with hope that someone who has looked at the KDMax thread and then ventured here reads this review so that they can utilize this in their decision-making.

 

I was fortunate to discover the OTT tune on TW.

Initial Tune (7.0) done March 23, 2022. Since then, had 2 updates with the most current: 8.0 with Gear Lock.

Current: Light/Mild and loving it!

Time to schedule with Master Yoda!

 

Paul (@PNWTacoma) from PNW Tuning completed a Light/Mild OTT tune on our 2020 TRD Off Road DC a couple of weeks ago. Immediately noticed the difference in normal and performance driving on the first spin around the block and it just seems to be getting better every day. Über responsive throttle and no more gear hunting. Very smooth shifting and the power curve has really improved. It rockets out of the gate with the ECT engaged. (Can't imagine what it must be like with the more spirited tunes!) Should have been this way from the factory. Best money I've spent on our Tacoma to date. Great guy, professional work. Highly recommended!

Also have a Chevy with an LS2 that had a performance tune a few years ago, so I was aware of the possibilities, but wasn't expecting THAT much improvement.

Thanks to @JustDSM and all of the gang at OTT for the high-quality and impressive work. And thanks to all of the folks here talking about how much they like the results. It made the decision to pull the trigger that much easier.

Would have posted earlier, but you have to be a member for 30+ days beforehand. Great to be here!

 

From the above posts I must be missing something in my tune.
That's why I asked if there was a new version out or some breakthrough since 2021.
I had my tune done remotely back then, did it make a difference..yes, a bit better but no where of what you guys are talking.
Mine has slightly better pull then stock.

I was given a file with 3 pedal feels on it.
I tried the middle of the three first off.
It was a bit much and my tuner guy told me #3 would be way to much so I did #1, which was a better than stock feel.
That one I liked. Better than stock but still able to control the gas pedal in wet or icy roads.
I thought back then if this was the pedal tune, man it's going to be good when he's complete. But that was it the tune was already in each of the 3 files with just different pedal feels. Did one more data logging run, he check the file said engine was running right and done.

How I ended up with my tune:

I bought the HP tuner dongle back in 2021 thinking I could pay and get (the tuner guru) JustDSM to write me a tune.
So my HP tuner arrived and right then Justin had just finished writing his public service announcement, not taking new clients etc.
My stomach sank and knotted.
I tried reaching out to Justin but he was in the middle of a move I think, hoping he would wet his hands with my truck tune.

So I reached out to OTT like Justin stated in his announcement post.
I did a remote tune through OTT with John.
I'm no computer guy by any means and John was able to help me pull my stock info, wrote me a tune, and explain how to put the new tune on.

Do I remember how to check, update or data log a tune now. No.
I just followed his steps in the emails (they were on my work email account back then and have disappeared like my old work)
Am I dissatisfied with the service. No.
Maybe this taco is a bit slow to begin with IDK, I was hope for a bit more.

I thought I'd run down a few other performance adders before I reach out again and pay for another tune to match everything up.
Headers, less restrictive exhaust, exhaust cam gears, manifold spacer. Regear with a bigger tire later.
Hoping it all would come together for the best the Tacoma can be.
I'd even pay for a Dyno run locally if it would squeeze the best out.

I DO want a safe, long lasting engine with no ills.

So I don't know if a version of a tune was ever noted but you guys are talking things like, OTT torque tune or 8.0 or 9.0 etc.

Should I keep waiting to get my power adders and then reach back to John?

 

Hey Charger92, it looks like you have a 2nd gen is that correct? If so, and I should have clarified in my review, I have a 3rd gen. From my understanding and reading, 3rd gens have been the true problem children with their driveability and have the most to benefit from a good tune. I don't know if the 2nd gens also had the amalgamation of issues that the 3rd gen has had, so it's hard to say if you would notice a night and day improvement if the stock tune of the 2nd gens was decent to start.

I can say with the third gen, it's a noticeable improvement because every third gen owner can literally feel all the quirkiness of the truck while driving it stock.

And my apologies for throwing a thousand tune names out in my review. From what I understand in my reading, the tune is the OTT (Overland Torque Tune) and the 7, 8, 9 etc are their updated and refined versions of the tune. I believe OTT (the company) wants to keep the tune naming as just "OTT" and not tack on the version naming. I was only aware of the different versions from a comment in this thread.

I hope that is at least a little helpful for you. And if I misspoke on the version naming statement then I'm happy to be corrected by the company.

 

Sorry, yes I have a 2nd gen.
2007 Tacoma, DCLB 4x

Cheers for the info.

 

Lots to digest here.. Let me see if I can break this down and help put things in to perspective.

From the notes I have in your folder, you received the base calibration and sent 1 datalog (to confirm your settings were safe). You did not receive a custom tune. I do not however have notes on the octane fuel you requested the tune for. While all of our tunes are what this community affectionately calls "Octane Learning", we have ways to have tunes default the tune to a particular setting that is within the normal range of a given fuel grade/quality. Your tune was setup to default to regular (87 RON). Reviewing the datalog you sent back showed the engine was not comfortable with any additional advance over our base target values. See below:



In the chart above, you're looking at the average Knock Correct Learn Value for a given RPM/Load. Without getting too far in the weeds, this parameter is essentially a long term knock trim similar to a long term fuel trim. This parameter (in this platform) has a range from 0-29 with certain vehicles defaulting to 21, and others to 14 depending on the Calibration ID. However, relevant to this discussion.. Your Default KCLV is set to 17 given your tune was setup to default to 87 octane after a battery reset. As seen in this log, the fuel you ran at that time did not have the ability to support more ignition advance beyond our baseline settings. This is seen with the KCLV values dropping down to ~15. This is a value typically observed when 85 octane fuel is used or when fuel's have sat for a while and have higher H20 concentrations.

In short the fuel quality/octane level of the fuel utilized will not support additional output. You're functionally knock limited.

We also confirmed fueling was properly dialed in by ensuring there was no more than 5% error from what is commanded to observed.


*The error at 1v and change are skewed due to throttle transitions and coasting. To be ignored..*

As observed from the above chart of fueling error vs MAF voltage we're very much on target with our fueling.

I'm not sure if you've seen our published 2G Tacoma dyno testing, but I took a bone stock 2014 Tacoma Automatic to the dyno to highlight exactly what can be expected from a tune on this platform. That can be seen "here". I'd like to point out a specific set of data from that post.



The green line represents what can be expected on 86/87 octane fuel. We're able to improve the powerband at every single RPM point across the entire rev range over Toyota, on regular fuel. But Toyota invested a great deal of time and money here, as they do on all their platforms. It's not possible to make 20HP over stock on modern Toyota without significant upgrades, higher octane fuel (91+) and calibration work. Gains on 87 octane are admittedly minimal. If you were expecting significant gains in output from a simple calibration I think your expectations are misaligned with what's possible. There is no "magic sauce" that will turn a stock-ish 1GR-FE into a ripper, not matter what VVTi angles, how much ignition advance, or how lean/rich you run it. It's not a performance motor.

Our approach (regarding output) is specifically tailored to maximize the low end output (primarily at part throttle) while giving everything the platform is capable of across the entire rev range. We spend a great deal of time and money on development of each platform we support. Each dyno sheet you see here often is accompanied by many other non-documented hours on the dyno testing every possible combination of settings to ensure what we offer is truly optimized for a given setup. In your case, the 2nd Gen in particular isn't riddled with calibration oddities that make the profound difference our 3G clients note.

Now with all of that said, some trucks run a little better than others. Some are blessed with good fuel that is quite tolerant of us leaning on it harder to make better numbers. Looking at your log, your truck certainly COULD make more power in it's current configuration, however the fuel quality ran at the time of your tune was not supportive of that idea.

I'd almost ask that you hold off on throwing a bunch of bolt-on parts at the truck. We've tested a good bit of that stuff too (unpublished) and can guide you on some parts advice so you're not blowing money on parts that don't do anything only to be further disappointed when you're still not making any more power than you were previously. There's a lot of misinformation and hype on these forums over parts and people are infected with the FOMO virus..

Don't get wrapped up in the versions mentioned here. The whole "tune name" thing sickens us. Such a marketing gimmick. While we do INTERNALLY reference some of our tunes by version number so we can INTERNALLY track things, the public really needs to know they are on "OTT". Just because we update the tune file for a particular platform does not mean there's an instant update for all of the other supported platforms we cover. Each platform we offer support for is independently tested and evaluated. We don't blanket approach the changes as many of the changes for one platform are not appropriate for another. If you or anyone wants to check in to see if you're on the most up-to-date version of your tune, reach out to the person who provided your calibration - be that OTT directly at info@overlandtailor.com or through your 3rd Party retailer. We'll get you taken care of at no charge. Often the changes are very mild in nature and are not necessarily required. If you're having a issue or concern about something please let us know, but if at any time we discover something that is necessary to update, we'll take the initiative to contact you directly.

Hope that helps some and clears up some of the confusion you may have had.

 

Soooo what’s a guy gotta do to get this tuned? It’s actually a 2nd gen 6speed.

 

THAT IS SICK! We'd love to help you out.

We have our very own device so you can flash yourself or you can reach out to one of or many remote tuners.

 

Do you customize based off of needs of each person or is it a one size fits all deal? The PCM is currently out of the truck as it’s getting caged, not sure if you do it that way or not.

 

We have two tiers of tune options for our platforms. We offer "Base" which includes our proven baseline settings for the engine calibration, and for a manual two levels of rev-hang delete. These are ideal for stock-ish trucks running regular fuel and are more of a "one size fits all" variety. However for all platforms we support, we do offer totally custom files for our clients. Injectors, turbo, supercharger, cams, stroker kits, whatever you can dream up we've tuned them.

*Edit* Missed you had the ECU out. We can bench flash your base calibration for you if you'd like to get the Remote Tuner for a custom tune. We have the ability to bench flash calibrations to the ECU if needed.

 

Wow, Justin that's some info.
I didn't mean for you to have to dig up my file thru John. I'm not wanting any toes stepped on.
I really do appreciate your feedback and helping me understand more.

I think the (87RON) would be correct, as back on Dec. 7th 2021, I sent an email to John stating I'm on 87octane from Chevron most always.
I don't know why we get shafted here in Canada for the fuel quality.


At one point I will be contacting OTT for a totally custom tune. If I need Dyno time at my local shop I'll even do that.

Again I really do appreciate the extra mile you have gone on looking into things and making it clearer.

I'll shoot you a PM and get your local watering hole details to send you a cheers drink on me.

 

Could you elaborate more on the two levels of rev-hang delete for the manual? Or point me in the right direction for some info. Website just states you have a tune for me as well.

Thanks.

 

Hey @JustDSM is it a very noticeable loss on the higher RPM's? I just found the spacer and searched the forum if there was any info. I have the recent OTT, was thinking that spacer would be beneficial for driving through the Arizona mountains as there's lots of times where the truck is almost able to maintain at lower RPM, but inevitably has to downshift for the higher RPM's and I think this would help a bit. What do you think?