Tune or not to tune

just go here and look under the OTT thread

 

I was on the fence as well, but was considering selling the truck - not because it was slow per se, but because it just was so reluctant to do anything. I sought out a 6MT as I wanted a fun little truck to zip around in, probably not unlike yourself, but it was just not a good experience and I didn’t want $50k wrapped up in something I was just ‘meh’ over. I figured I will be eating a big loss selling it anyway, so why not throw $350 more at it and be sure.

Holy sharting nuns, Batman!

It’s not an act of god, nor defiant of the realities of our physical world; you’re not going to be left wondering who swapped the twin turbo LS6 in under 5 minutes, but, it made a big, noticeable improvement. I was possibly more impressed than average as I didn’t think it was really going to do much, and that everyone else was just confirmation bias’ing their way around the forums; but either it’s real, or I am now one of them..

 

I’ve been debating this lately too. Any issues related to long term reliability of the engine? Anyone over 200k on their tuned taco?

 

Definitely another one of my concerns

 

This was my main hangup. What got me over it was several members having tunes for multiple years (ex: Junkhead’s post); judging by how the emissions thread blew up, if anyone had any issue that could be traced to the tune, it would be all anyone talks about in these threads; but the only nay-saying I recall seeing are just a small handful of people who didn’t think it made a difference, or they just didn’t like it, no actual problems.

 

Just got the OTT tune this past weekend and i definitely do enjoy it. I currently have 35s with roughly 250lbs of weight i carry at all times. Pending 5.29 gears in June but figured I will try the tune to see if it makes a difference before i regear. I am in socal so it cost $500, not cheap but after driving it around a lot I dont think i can go back to stock tune. It is not a night and day difference and I dont feel like "it is a whole new truck now" like many others said in the OTT thread. But the difference are noticeable and welcomed. Main thing I noticed was the downshifting. Before tune, when approaching a stop, the truck would downshift a couple times to aid with engine braking but everytime it would downshift i can feel the truck lurch a little. I think it was just the nature of downshifting at a higher RPM. Now with the tune, the truck still downshifts as you approach a stop but it shifts at a much lower RPM and i stopped feeling the lurch. Downside is i need to press harder on the brakes now to compensate for the lack in engine brake.

My truck is a 2022 MY so i dont need to worry about smog at least for the next 7 years. The OTT is currently pending CARB approval so hopefully by the time i need to smog, the approval is out.

 

Yes tune. I'm planning on putting OTT tune on mine as soon as it goes out of warranty.

 

I had 90K on my 2016 tacoma tune and when I got my 23 I had it tuned with less than 100 miles on it.

 

I drove mine for a year before an OTT Tune was in my sights.

Get know your truck...rather, let it get to know you.

Just my Honest Opinion.

 

Do it! Best thing I’ve done to the truck so far.
I honestly considered getting rid of the truck before the tune because I disliked driving it so much. And I’ve had a 1st and 2nd gen Tacoma and a few 3rd gen 4Runners. Just picked up a nice 3rd gen 4Runner for my sons first car.
The OTT tune completely changed the truck!

 

I recently got the OTT tune job at 85K. All around driving response improved. It’s worth it!

 

Yes. @shotgunbilly420
He has got almost 300k I believe.

I wouldn’t worry about engine reliability if tuned. If anything my engine runs smoother with the tune.

 

Did you guys go with the"mild" tune? Getting mine done in a few weeks.....

 

I started out with Spicy for my first OTT Tune...the pedal was WAY to sensitive so foot pressure was key.

Since May 2022, I've gone through 3 tunes and currently have Mild Drive/Spicy ECT.

I am very satisfied with how my truck performs.

 

I like this thread, my wallet don’t lol

Other than everything positive being said, are there any potential cons to getting the truck tuned or why anyone chose to go back to stock?

 

Are you thinking of "cons", predetermined?

These testimonials are great...but don't seem to satisfy your needs.

Maybe it's not for you if you're discouraged with the price.

Nothing personal...please don't take this wrong.

 

No offense taken. I was just asking for the conversation and out of curiosity why anyone went back to stock. I’m all for it

updated to word a little more clearly

 

It depends...why anyone would go back to stock.

We all make choices...some good, some bad...we learn from our experiences...and of course, take to account what people say on TW. lol

At the end of the day, it's what satisfies each individual.

 

Your tuner will ask you what you’re after and start with a tune that matches. For me, I didn’t need to feel like I was driving a sports car. But I did want to fix the shift points and give it a bit more oomph driving in canyons or passing on freeway here in Utah. We started with lite/mild and it was exactly what I wanted. However after you test drive, your tuner can increase it to mild/medium etc. - you leave when it’s set to what you want. And in most cases your tuner will allow you to come back and adjust it to something different if you need it after driving it for a few weeks. My tuner also told me I didn’t have to pay if we flashed it and I didn’t want to keep it after the test drive. He’d just flash it back and off I’d go.

 

This is the best one to get. My tuner used to do KDMax and others too but everyone liked OTT best so he only does it now.
And I’m not sure but OTT might be the only one that will be emissions/smog certified depending on where you live.