OTT/KDMac/etc vs. Street Tune

Long time lurker first time poster since I haven't found anyone to ask this question yet!

Just as the title states, if there is a nearby tuner that can do street tunes (assuming they are actually good at tuning) what would be the better option? Going with a canned tube from OTT or similar or going with a personalized tune for my specific truck? I have a 2016 that is basically stock and I'm just looking to un-dumbify the stock ECU in this truck. Honestly speaking there are several local tuners and at least one offers a street tune (literally done on the street) for around $500 which is about the same as a canned tube from OTT so to me having a custom tune for my specific truck is likely to be slightly better.

 

OTT

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/overland-torque-tune-ott-by-overland-tailor.759590/

 

There’s a common misconception about what a “custom” street tune can achieve on a stock production engine like the 3.5L in your 2016 Tacoma. OTT’s calibrations are extensively tested and refined, essentially a “custom tune in a can”—not just arbitrary tweaks to ignition timing, fuel, and cam angles.

The reality is that 99% of perceived gains come from more aggressive throttle mapping. There’s only so much power available, and no amount of timing will squeeze out more once you're at MBT (maximum brake torque).

We’ve tested virtually every possible combination, ensuring safe, consistent, and repeatable results across all conditions—not just what works on one truck during one street session. And we’ve done so while maintaining 50-state emissions compliance with a CARB EO.

The term "canned tune" itself is a complete misrepresentation of what we offer. Your stock engine doesn’t require a completely different calibration from another engine built within Toyota’s tight production tolerances—measured in the ten-thousandths of an inch.

OTT’s tune gives you the refinement, reliability, and drivability you’re after, backed by extensive R&D, not just a single tuner’s best guess on the street.

 

Yotawerx>OTT imho. youd be happy with either, I wouldnt take it to a local guy with no experience with the platform though. Theres not a huge amount of shops that know what theyre doing with the 2GR.

 

YW is dead. Their retailer network has imploded and their development and support of customers has stopped. Good luck recommending that sinking ship…

 

They were sinking for a while, but they’re under new ownership now and their support is amazing. Don’t comment on what u don’t know about lol, they’re making big strides in Toyota tuning rn. They’re more active than they have ever been. I was thinking of switching tuners a few months back because the old owners REFUSED to work with me on any kind of custom ECU/TCU tuning. Like I said though they’re under new ownership and I’ve since received all the custom files I could ever want.

 

You appear to be the exception then. All you have to do is look in the other threads here and see folks complaining about not being able to get support. Same on Social Media. As long as you’re happy.

 

I’ve heard several people say they’re much happier now that YW is under new ownership.. mcbelen and the whoever other dude was were a pair of hacks lol. I think they went and started MCB elite

 

Who's the new ownership for YotaWerx?

 

Idk, just listening to whatever my local Yotawerx guy told me.. I’ve noticed a massive difference in customer support since whatever happened though, so doesn’t matter to me.

 

I doubt your 'street tuner' has any idea how to fix the terrible shift points.