Gen 3 Resurrection!!

FINALLY!

After suffering through Toyota Tacoma OEM A/T trans misery despite applying various carefully researched bandaids….
The accelerator conditioner
The ShiftSense Pro
Orange Virus 2.0

Admittedly - For a few years I had actually given up.

But I then saw mention on this forum of “KD Max tuning”. The press seemed good. But adding to that the local representation - it actually gave me hope. So I emailed the local rep Jeff Lewis to inquire.

He was very informative, friendly, and seemed totally honest. After a gradual volley of Q&A emails - we agreed to meet up.

He knew of my experience with Matt & OVT. We exchanged facts and expectations - and he then drove down to my area, to allow me “the privilege” to experience his tune - first hand.

I drove his truck. He drove mine.

I believe my truck unexpectedly impressed him a bit with its solid engine pull. But the trans gear “hunting” was the sore thumb, (despite the mild “camo” that the accelerator mod had provided).

He was concerned about my other add-ons - and equally hessitant on my end was the fact that I was not wanting to give up any HP that the OVT tune may have provided.

So the question became “if all you gain from the KD Max tune is the trans shifting improvement- is it worth the cost?

i answered “Definitely”!

So he broke out on the laptop and went to work. He upgraded my ECU rev to 04B404 and loaded the KD Max tune.

Jeff drove it first - but my giddy smile was obvious - even from the passenger seat. I was so thankful - I really couldn’t believe it was as good as it seemed.

He pulled over and I drove it.

As I put it through its paces, I said “This is the “absolute” perfected upgrade for these trucks”. THIS is what they need - and this is what you do to them - the HUGE thing that Toyota left undone”.

My truck performed so nice. It accelerates like a bat out of hell. And best of all - it KNOWS what gear it should be in for each and every load condition - and is instantly IN IT!
No hesitation or error - no stupid embarrassing overshifts or delays.

its quick, decisive, and without second-guessing. Its more like our Avalon LTD than a truck. Im in love with it like never before - not even at “mile 1” back in July 2017.

i don’t know what you guys are doin with yours - but mine runs as good as it looks - FINALLY!

i was so flattered that Jeff took a photo of my truck before we shook hands and parted.

Best money I have spent on any mod done to this truck. And I am so thankful to know Jeff Lewis. I consider him my friend.

If anyone is fortunate enough to be in our southern Maryland area with the need to get their Gen 3 A/T Tacoma cured of the OEM curse - CALL JEFF!!!

 

Cliff Notes version; he hated his truck, got a tune, he loves his truck.

 

I love the KDMax tune. Best money I’ve spent on the truck so far. I think that’s what the OP was posting about lol

 

Nice. I've heard good things from KDMax and OTT. Haven't done yet though.

 

It was great to finally get together this afternoon. I really enjoyed talking about the trucks, the tunes, Florida Keys, your time working at PAX River NAS working on the very planes, USN E-2 Hawkeye, that my cousin flys on now -out of the same NAS.

The truck ran really nice with everything you had already done….those bandaids, as you called them. But I’m glad that you noticed improvement with the KDMax Tune. I’m so happy that you are so excited about the the way the truck drives now. Reading this made me smile.

Call me if you need anything!!!

 

Thanks for the review Mark. We appreciate the feedback.
Glad that we could make you happy driving your Tacoma!!

 

I wish there was a way to get this tune in my city.

 

Give Alex @Magiriano a call, he covers that area.
Look at our locator map for his number.
Locations (kdmaxprotuning.com)

 

I think you’re 100% correct.

 

KDmax tune best performance upgrade. Just added 4.88 gears had my local tuner here in Vegas update the tune for the new ratio. Truck is a joy to drive now

 

My KDMAX Pro tune has about 300 miles and has settled in nicely. I have been on every tune they have had and this one is even better than the last as expected. I agree hands down the best mod I have ever done.

 

Just curious...

Do all KD Max tuners install the same tunes? Or do they vary from person to person who does the install? I have the KD Max Pro tune (I think). Sure, it is a BIG improvement but I wouldn't say it is great. The AT is still wonky as hell with the lower RPM shudder around 45-50 MPH. It is VERY jerky in stop and go traffic.

I keep reading posts like these with people raving about the KD Max. Maybe I am too fussy? Or do I need a different tuner?

 

Jeff, I will be catching up with a customer today, with a 4 month old OTT tune, and a Shift Sense Pro. He has the same complaints, but states it also has a terrible stumble and gear hang and lugging in turns, especially right turns? Have you ever heard of these symptoms?

 

They all use the same files.
You probably need an update to the latest version. KDMax-Pro-10.0

 

^^^
It's early and I'm knee deep in paperwork, so I'm probably missing something.
But, what do the different color pins on the tuner locator map indicate?
I'm nearest to Chattanooga, the pin is yellow.
TIA

 

Ill pick him up in Ft. Oglethorpe

 

Interesting. I did look at that as well, still haven't decided. I also looked at PEDAL COMMANDER for Toyota Tacoma (2005 and Newer) (2nd&3rd Gen) SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road, Limited, TRD Pro (2.7L 3.5L 4.0L) Throttle Response Controller - PC38. Wasn't impressed with what K&N has.

 

The colors of the pins just denote the individual tuners in that area. If 2 pins close together are the same color, it's the same tuner covering that area.

 

This right here is exactly what makes the tuning process SO worthwhile! We all love seeing reactions like this! So glad to hear you're happy with the outcome for your truck.

 

Thank you, I started to fade fast when reading his post. I found yours and I feel confident that I now understand the OP more clearly.