Tuning thoughts

Just an observational/perspective post.

I know many on here have tuned their trucks, and I don't believe I've read anything that suggested anyone having trouble with them. In fact, from many the sentiment seems to be that were it not for the tune they would have sold the truck by now out of frustration.

I bought my truck new in 2017, and other than it being a reliable truck, I don't expect much else. I can't believe I am considering tuning not to gain power, but just to make it behave the way normal vehicles do.

So, that brings us to my next issue.

I get the feeling I'm the only one who isn't comfortable driving halfway across the state, to meet a stranger in a Dunkin donuts (or similar) parking lot, letting said stranger plug their laptop into my truck and upload software I know nothing about, and then hoping I don't end up blowing up my truck or wrecking it on the way home because my electronic (software) controlled throttle stuck on or some other nonsense.

For me, if I were able to go to a shop that is in the business of tuning and has a history of successful tuning, I'd personally I'd feel more comfortable with that. If for no other reason than they likely would have evaluated the calibrations in the tune (fully understanding the implications of each) and deemed them safe.

It's probably me, but my wife and kids ride in that truck. A few years ago I was in a severe accident (rollover) that nearly killed me. The driver of the vehicle had worked on the transmission and differential himself recently, and one of the two seized with no warning while we were traveling down the road.

So I'm a bit more cautious these days. That's how I've tolerated the lazy throttle and general weirdness of my truck for the last 57k miles.

Thank goodness I have the ECT mode to utilize.

 

Sounds like you made the right choice for your priorities. Lots of positive experiences here on the forum with these tunes, but you have to do what’s right for you.

For me, I planned to tune it even before I bought it.

 

If you're uncomfortable with someone else tuning your truck, you can ways take the dive and do everything yourself. Learn the parameters and what they do and acclimate yourself that way.


Also, kdmax all the way.

 

So don't tune. Simple. You seem very cautious so if the truck is not working like you want, trade it for something else.

 

I plan a tune ASAP. But nobody is touching my truck except the shop that has a dyno and can confirm results. I'll drive as far as I need to if that's the case.

 

I appreciate the replies everyone.

I know we all have different comfort levels with what we do. I'm just getting to the point where I realize that my comfort levels have changed from what they were 10 or 20 years ago. It amazes me the stuff I wouldn't even think twice about in the past.

Anyway, If I ever come across a reputable, experienced shop I'd consider a tune but I think otherwise I'll just keep running it in ECT mode.

Thanks for listening everyone.

 

Start learning what your engine and tranny do across all modes of operation under your driving style. Once you get a clear understanding how these 2 operate, you can easy spot issues&conditions that are outside your comfort zone.
Going to a tune shop does not guarantee a safe tune.

 

I did my tune with a trusted friend, otherwise I would not have done it.

 

Lol I'm 58. Sometimes I just have to take a fuckitall pill and go for it. I have several. As we age, we become mortal and more cautious. I have gave up a lot of the more risky things, like bombing down single track with 3' drops and even playing basketball in a league. But... again... I am not beyond taking one of my pills and going for it! Life is too short even when you are careful and do all the right things. I try to live it to the fullest.
I would rather show up sooner at the Pearly Gates out of breath, bleeding and laughing than show up later on a couch covered in plastic with pants pulled up to my nipples and a bad combover.

 

Lol

You paint a vivid picture of old age.

 

Not quite...
My father In law is 95. That's old and I never want to get that old.
I still enjoy doing things that I did in my 30's and 40's, just not balls out so to speak.
Bottom line... it seems tunes are very safe. Choose to do it... or not.

 

I too was hesitant on doing a tuning flash on my Tacoma. I have been reading all the good reviews of the KDMax Pro tune so decided to go that route. Since my nearest recommended tuner was 2 hrs. away, and that I like to tinker with my truck, I decided to purchase the VForrest Tune kit from OVTunes and contacted @PapaRee for the tuning flash. I had no idea what I was getting into but by following the VFTuner Install threads and PapaRee holding my hand (remotely) the flash was a snap. Worth it in my opinion. I wish I knew more about what the VFtuner software can do but will learn more in the future. At least I know how to flash a tune and go back to stock if needed. Throttle is a bit snappy for my (pre) trained 3rd Gen foot but I'm happy with the results everywhere else.

 

I appreciate the feedback, and I'm glad to hear the tuning went smoothly for you. To be honest thought of taking that approach has crossed my mind, there's a certain comfort in knowing you can easily flash it back if you don't like it.

 

I am sitting on the fence for this tune. I have owned 3 Generation of Tacomas and never heard of the word tune before till this new Generation probably because of the computers on board not sure. My 2021 runs good and happy with its performance so far.