VF TUNER FOR DU-NEW PEOPLE (OV Tune)

INTRODUCTION

VF Tune, OV Tune, KD Max, Valley Runner, Coyoza, TSB, ECU, credits?! What is all this?? Where do I even start? Why is this all so complicated?! Why is it so hard to get tuned or find a tuner?

Well Hopefully after this post everything will be clear and easy to follow.

First things first and this seems to be one of the most confusing parts for people

VF Tuner = OV Tune they are the same thing. OV Tune did a rebranding so they are no longer called OV and run everything under the name VF tuner. OV no longer exists except as his user name on TW.
https://vftuner.com

What is a tune?
A tune is when you use a computer to edit the programming of the software that is loaded on your truck using a specialized software and pre edited tune files.

Why do I need a tune?
I am not a racer! If you own a 3rd Gen tacoma you already know that the shifting from the factory is bad( to say it nicely). A tune will:

• fix the shifting points to make for a smoother over all ride.
• Reduce the RPMs of your trucks operation putting less stress on the truck
• If you have gotten bigger tires or a re-gear it will adjust your trucks computer to account for these additions
• Increase MPG. Yes, theoretically because your trucks runs smoother and the RPMs have been lowered you can see MPG gains however the truck will be more fun to drive and that tends to make people a little more heavy footed for the first few weeks of driving until you re-learn how to drive your truck
• If you have upgraded to AGM batteries the alternator settings can be tuned to charge the batteries properly

But my truck is brand new and still under warranty!!
Don’t worry this modification is virtually undetectable by Toyota. The only way they can tell is it will drive way better than any truck they have on the lot. The ECU ID still reads out the same when they plug the computer in. That means it will not void your warranty and your truck is happy.

What if I hate the tune?! Can it be undone?
If you hate it you would probably be the first Tacoma in history to hate it. I have never had a client hate it and want it removed even though I always offer a full refund if that is the case. Easy peasy just a few clicks on the laptop and everything can be put back to stock like nothing every happened.

Terminology
ECU and ECU ID - this refers to your Trucks Computer the ID is the identification that will tell you what year and transmission style your truck is along with what software version is loaded onto it

TSB- Toyota Service Bulletin- This is the software that Toyota loads on to the ECU from the factory. It is important to always update this before a tune.

CUW- this is the file type name for the TSB files.

Credits- VF tune experienced issues with piracy so they put into effect a credit system to reduce piracy issues. These cost money.

TS- TechStream this is the Toyota software used to upload TSB files on to your truck

Tip in- the long of the short of it is this refers to how the throttle reacts when you push it

Dyno Tested - This refers to the truck being brought to a Dyno testing facility to get exact numbers on improvements and performance. This is important because it will tell you the exact improvements and it is the real way to provide metrics on the Tunes actual performance

Butt Dyno- This is what people call it when you are judging something off of the feel of the ride vs actual numbers. In the tacoma world we have widely accepted this metric as acceptable. If this was the 2 door tuner world or sports car land Butt Dyno don’t fly.

VF Tune v2.0 - these are the original tune files released by VF Tuner that are unlocked and editable. All of these tunes have been Dyno Tested and User approved.

User Created Tunes- From the base VF Tunes users of VFT software edit them to make improvements for a wide range of driving styles. Different strokes for different folks. Do your research to see what tune is best for you.

List of Available User Created Tunes:

(if you have a user created tune and would like to be added to the list PM me)

• KDMax 6.0 - @PapaRee @TWTaco *Dyno Tested*

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-kdmax-performance-tune-by-paparee-and-twtaco.713699/

• Valley Runner - @TermLimits

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-valley-runner-tune-thread.713747/

• Coyoza - @mZiggy

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/coyoza-tune-development-and-feedback.719707/#post-25637440

• Mild and Wild - @Mooseditty17

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-for-the-3-5l-tacoma.662948/page-359#post-24430405

• Daily Driver - @Mooseditty17

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuning-collaboration-and-bs.693221/page-118#post-25327099

How to make it happen!

How much does this cost??
Well that all depends

• The easy way! (~$325)
  • Have a professional like me tune your truck www.StTTuneShop.com
    • Just bring your self, your truck, a smile, and some money
    • Takes 30 minutes for the flash and 30 minutes if you need a TSB ( allow 15 to 20 minutes extra time to talk about truck parts and mods)
    • $300 - $400 depending on the area you are in and the tuner you find ( my prices start at $325 for the VF Tune v2.0)
    • Any reputable tuner should TSB update your truck BEFORE they tune you for either free or very cheap ($25-$50) for my clients it is always free

• The harder way (DIY) {see post 2 for instructions}
  • This cost between ~$500-$700 depending on what tunes you get

Where can I find a tuner in my area?
Reach out to me and I can help you find one or check out these links
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-ovt-flash-feelers-cost-increase.672354/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-kdmax-performance-tune-by-paparee-and-twtaco.713699/


SPECIAL THANKS!
A huge thanks to Mat the man and legend behind VF Tuner @OVTune

The Tacoma World Pioneers who really took all of this to the next level provided countless hours of help, feedback, and content to the community

@tonered
@TWTaco
@PapaRee
@Shellshock
@Mooseditty17

these guys are an infinite bank of Wonderfull information and they all accept thank you in the form of beer PM them for more details.

If you see anything that should be edited, have any ideas for additions, or have any questions PM me! Thanks for reading!

 

THE DOO EET YOURSELF

How hard is it really?

• Are you computer savvy?
• Do you have a windows laptop or a Mac with bootcamp?
• Are you good at paying attention to detail?

If you answered no to any of these it might be a tad hard to get this done. Reach out to a local tuner or contact www.StTTuneShop.com to sign up for a virtual or in person lesson that comes with all the resources, links, and support needed to successfully flash yourself.

Ok on to the good stuff

The DIY where to start

What will I need (~$500+)

• A laptop with windows
  • This can be either native windows machine or a Mac with bootcamp
  • DO NOT USE A VIRTUAL MACHINE LIKE PARALLELS
• A voltage meter
  • Always check your trucks battery before flashing
  • You will need +12v to flash your truck if your truck dies during flash it will probably brick your ECU
• Battery Tender
  • To do a TSB you MUST have your truck plugged into a battery tender
  • To flash the truck I personally recommend leaving the truck plugged in after the TSB or plugging the truck in before flash
• Certified Tactrix Cable
  • Using a cheap knock off runs a high risk of bricking the ECU
  • Buying a real Tactrix > Dealing with a bricked ECU
• VF Tuner Software
• A tune file
  • You have a few choices when it comes to tune files
    • Unlocked (editable)
      • Buy Direct from VF Tuner ($390)
        • If you do this you get every available base tune for your ECUID
        • If you do not plan to edit tunes or start a tuning business this is overkill for you
      • Find users who sell Tunes (prices may vary)
        • Send me a PM for more details
        • Send a nice PM to @tonered asking him if he knows anyone
    • Locked (NOT editable)
      • Buy a high performance user created tune file (prices may vary)
        • These are custom tailored to your specific truck and needs
        • See post 1 for list of where to find user created tunes
        • DO YOUR RESEARCH
• Credits
  • 9 credits credits come with the software bundle
  • You need 4 to register your truck with VF
  • You need 4 to unlock an ECU ID to edit tunes
  • To get more credits you must first buy them and then go into your VF software and submit a request for the amount you purchased

TSB UPDATE
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-tsb-update.562550/
The first thing you are going to do before flashing is do a TSB update on your truck and or verify that you are on the most current TSB. Thanks to @tonered there is an excellent resource to learn how to do a TSB update. There is no need for me to do a full walk through because this thread has everything you need. I will give some warnings and reminders because even though the thread says these things they are the most common to be overlooked

• TURN OFF WiFi BEFORE YOU OPEN TECHSTREAM EVERY TIME
• DO NOT USE A VIRTUAL MACHINE TO DO TSB UPDATES
• USE A VERIFIED TACTRIX CABLE NO WiFi or BT DONGLES
• FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY
  • Remember you are messing with your trucks computer if you skip a step or do something out of order you run a HIGH RISK of bricking your ECU and that will be a very very sad day for you

Flashing a Tune

Step 1 - the goods

• Buy the software bundle that includes the proper tractrix cable, a master key to register the VF software, and enough credits to flash 1 truck and edit 1 ECUID
  • https://vftuner.com/collections/vf/products/vforest-tuner-software-flash-cable

Step 2 - the installation
Thanks to @Shellshock there is a wonderful installation guide for VF Tuner software.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-installation-guide-faq.695951/
Or
You can head to the VF Tuner website
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...stallation_Guide_Ver_1.2.9.9.pdf?v=1617197284

TIPS AND TRICKS

• Looking for your master key or tune pack link? Look in your spam folder
• Order a tune pack direct from VF but didn’t get it yet?
  • Chances are you need to send SUPPORT@OVTUNE.ZENDESK.COM an email including your account email and your ECU ID information

Step 3 - the Flash
CONGRATULATIONS!! If you have made it this far you are ready to flash your truck. Follow the instructions provided and don’t forget:

• hook up your battery tender
• Verify your truck is above well above 12v+
• Plug in your tactrix firmly a loose connection will brick the ECU
• HIT PREPARE ECU NOT READ ECU once you are ready to flash

Enjoy the Ride!

Step 4 - the hard stuff editing

Thanks to @Mooseditty17 there is a wonderful beginners guid to how to edit what all these boxes and graphs mean and how to make sense of it all
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/self-taught-tuning-by-mooseditty17.713241/

A super easy place to start editing is go buy your truck an AGM battery and then go to this thread to learn how to edit the alternator settings to charge your AGM battery better
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-for-the-3-5l-tacoma-agm-tuning.689652/

THE END

I hope this helps you on your tuning journey. Good Luck and don’t be afraid to drop me a PM with questions.

 

Resource Library

The VF website
https://vftuner.com

The VF Forums (use this to contact vf tuner)
https://vftuner.com

The VF email (use this for vf tuner support)
SUPPORT@OVTUNE.ZENDESK.COM

VF Tacoma world
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-for-the-3-5l-tacoma.662948/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-update-info-and-original-development.495735/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-update-info-and-original-development.495735/

Where to find tuners

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-ovt-flash-feelers-cost-increase.672354/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-kdmax-performance-tune-by-paparee-and-twtaco.713699/

VF Installation
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/vf-tuner-installation-guide-faq.695951/

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0...stallation_Guide_Ver_1.2.9.9.pdf?v=1617197284

Tune EDITING
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/self-taught-tuning-by-mooseditty17.713241/

 

Great post man! It’s nice to finally have a thread that explains everything about the tunes for the truck and the process.

Most people I’ve come across outside of TW always have these exact questions.

Appreciate the shout out too I’ll have Dyno runs done by the end of the month for VR and a few others I have in the pipeline

 

Agree with @TermLimits

Excellent write up, this will be a great resource for people.

 

Someone was burning the midnight oil

 

Thanks for this! I've not read through it yet but I will when I've got a little more time, I'm very interested !

 

Well, this may , or my not be the right place...

I've been out of the loop for a bit.
I last flashed my truck a touch over a year ago, and I was wondering...
A- any significant updates since late winter/early spring last year on OVTune?
And B- do I have to keep buying credits, say there is an update?
None of this stuff was around when I did this last?
Thanks.

I'm benadryl up today, so, chances are I missed it somewhere

 

This is a great place for questions like this!

A-yes there have been some significant features and software updates that have come out and even more to come out soon!

I highly suggest being on the latest software version lots of good stuff.

B- credits- if you are only working on your truck you only need credits 2 times once to register your truck with VF (4credits) once your truck is registered you can flash as much as you want. And the other instance you need credits is if you wish to unlock a ecuID (4 credits) to edit the tune you are working on. Again just like the truck once an ecuID is unlocked you can edit as many tunes as you want for that ID.

I would reach out to
SUPPORT@OVTUNE.ZENDESK.COM

If I am not mistaken if your vin was already registered and had been flashed pre credits he will register it under the new system for free

 

I just found part of that answer..
Apparently, I downloaded 2.0 , 6/29 last year. BUT, I have no idea which tune I used. Be it Reg or premium. Is there a way to look into the logs, and see what I installed last?
I ended putting the truck in storage for a while, and just only pulled it out. Only put 1600 miles on it since Xmas vacation 2019.

And, I am thinking I will go ahead and reach out via zendesk.
Thanks,
Chase

 

I think the only way to do that is to do a read ECU (feature of the new software) and then look at the tables to see what info is in there

my suggestion is put 91 in it until you can flash it again and then flash it write the tune you did down and stick it in the glove box just to be 100000 %

the other thing you will want to check is even if you are on 2.0 there may have been a TSB update for your truck since you last flashed it meaning you will want to do that and flash the most up to date files

 

Just curious what you folks are seeing for lead times when ordering the flashing device directly from the VF Tuner website.

 

Not sure what they are now but I did seem him talking about a microchip shortage so might be longer than usual

 

Is it rice Reese ryes rise?

 

Getting to the important questions.

it’s Reese like the peanut butter cups

edit: don’t feel bad it’s a puzzle of a name that’s for sure.

 

Hey all, just installed (04B04_Premium_Stock_35.vft) and test drove, its better that stock for sure but I'm used to my Pedal Commander set all the way up on "Sport +" mode and got used to it jumping of the line and a crazy sensitive throttle response. I also think the Pedal Commander actually held the gears a little better too but that's just my opinion after the first spin, I'll give a couple of drives but I was sort of expecting a Wow factor but not so much, maybe there's a learning period?

Maybe should have gone with (Thx = Enhanced Throttle Response) version but wasn't 100% on it. Anyone know if that more of what I'm looking for.

Also, if I decide to re-flash is there any recommended waiting period between flashes, or do i need to go back to stock first and then flash the new tune?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

THX doesn't affect tip-in off the line, it's for increased response when already up at speed, like on the highway for example.

Regarding other options, you're going to get all sorts of recommendations, such as editing yourself, or buying other tunes such as CVC, M&W, YotaWerx, KDMax, etc

 

Ok cool, appreciate the info. I'll have to do some research i guess. Trying to unleash as much potential as possible without being dangerous, I've heard of KDMax maybe I'll check that out. Thanks.

 

The other ones I listed are all equally well-known and recommended regularly as well, with various pros since they sort of target different priorities.

None of them can really be determined to be "the best"

 

Any idea if there is anyone who sells edited VF base tunes that I could just download and install using the VF Tuner software myself without having to bring my truck into a shop, I'm in San Diego and not sure if there's anywhere around hear or not.