Latest KD Max tune VS latest OTT tune

Not for measly performance increases. Fixing the shifting is the key but only if cruise isn't on.

 

most people get tunes on their tacos for gear hunting problem. its more about how the transmission shifts to get rid of gear hunt then seeing how much power a tune makes.

 

KDMAX did feel very very underpowered when I tried it briefly. Couldn’t handle that. I’ve tried Blackhawk, Valley Tuning, and CVC before that. Now I’m on OTT. It feels like the most refined balance of power with smooth shifting of all the tunes mentioned.

 

Dyno runs and results can be skewed very easily. unless this was the exact same dyno, the exact same day, with the exact same operator, using the same truck, same parameters, and same correction... I dont believe that posted comparison at all. you can make the dyno read almost any number you want. take these reports with a grain of salt. Ski

 

From the Truth Be Told page on the OTT website:
“The Test: Test 8 different calibrations on the same truck, same dyno, same fuel, same day, etc... Eliminate all variables where possible and establish that the runs presented are repeatable and representative of the mapping of that calibration.”

Yes, take with a grain or a whole block of salt, but they’re at least testing on the dyno appropriately.

I mean, you’ve got to be suspicious of the KDMax claims too then, right? Especially when they had the “operator’s explanation” to justify why they did their dyno run in 4th gear:
“The 3rd gear vs 4th can skew results. The real reason why most people use 3rd in these trucks is because of wheel speed. In 4th we ran this truck to 140mph, clinching ourbuttcheeks the whole time. At these speeds, driveshaft failure can occur from critical speed failure. Fortunately, we didn't have that problem, we just sent it for the science.”

“That’s just like your opinion man.”

 

4th gear is about 1:1 gear ratio. 3rd is higher 5th is lower. So dyno in 3rd will run more hp and in 5th less hp.

 

True, but the point of these dyno runs is to compare results of a tune versus stock. With all else being equal, you just need to do all runs, both tuned and stock, in the same gear to see the difference between the two.
I'm suspicious of anyone who would agree to running a Tacoma to 140mph because it more accurately measures the trucks power in a 1:1 gear ratio.

 

Look, you need to look at tunes from a different angle. We don't care about dyno results. What we care is (at owner):
-no dead pedal in top gears, especially forcing a downshift.
-proper upshift/downshift points
-Auto tranny temps within normal and we don't cook TC in slow traffic driving
-no or minimal misfires.
-tune can handle 87 octane(knock and knock correction in the hot weather)
-decent mpgs
- both injection modes are working correctly.
All this information is not advertised and I'm not going to pay $$ to find out.

 

So, what are you running on your truck? Which tune, or no tune? Curious.

 

I'm sure both companies have very knowledgeable tuners and can only assume that the tunes would be very close as customers of both tunes are overall happy. Its hard to compare these tunes back to back on the same truck given a few hundred miles should be logged on that tune to see the real results. I'm sure both companies tune within limits of the tune being safe and I don't think we have seen any catastrophic issues being related to tunes so they are doing something right. Woohobbie has tuned my truck since KDMAX has been in the business and I can say I have been happy with every tune as each update gets a little better and more refined. Each tune is going to be effected in some way because of weather, weight of the vehicle, tire size, and the driver. If OTT is so much better I challenge any OTT tuner to tune my truck and let me give it a try and I will gladly post on here. KDMAX tunes have served me well my Tacoma and 4Runner, my families Tacomas and lots of friends I send their way. I have nothing bad to say whatsoever about OTT tunes as their is enough vehicles out there to tune for everyone. I'm a big supporter of KDMAX long before OTT came along and I have been very satisfied. Only way I think to nail the perfect tune is a true dyno tune, keep in mind we're all running a can tune of some sort. We would still be up shits creek hunting for gear if it wasn't for these guys.

 

I think this will be one of those discussions that go on to the end of time.....Just like the ford and chevy people. What part of VA do you live in?

 

Suffolk area, 2.5 hours from Raleigh.

 

I will be in Suffolk area with in the next few weeks to visit a friend. Maybe I will let you drive my Taco. and we can see if there is any difference. I bet they are somewhat similar.

 

Sounds great just hit me up. I may be at the beach house in OBX till next month, might leave in a week.

 

Will do!...I come back to VA often. I use to live in the Richmond area and have friends in the Tidewater area. Enjoy your time in the OBX.

 

Thank you. LOL, I was just your way about 3 weeks ago.

 

Currently latest KDMAX, but I have Nexus variants presented in the comparison.
And this is where I can draw a comparison between 2 tunes in those posted dyno results vs day to day driving. One with more power in the dyno was tapping out on the same hill and dropping gears down to 3rd doing below 2500 rpms, other eats the hill in 5th at same rpms (87 octane).

 

Thanks for the reply. I am also running KDMax now. I have purchased tunes from the three makers to compare them and see which I like best. The comment on daily driving vs. dyno results I agree with. You can immediately feel the difference between a stock truck and one running KDMax. My truck acted the exact same way using a different tune on many hills around here that I drive daily, so I can see that difference comparing them on the exact same route.

 

Yeah, when you go from stock to any tunes, your cheeks are flushing with excitement.
Folks who were tune hopping for past 5 or so years, not so much.

 

Definitely. It is nice to get newer versions, though. Almost makes you feel like you got a new truck again with the updates they do.