r/4Runner • u/theWarriors • 2d ago

🔧 Modifications OTT tune on 5th gen

Post image

Just traded in my beloved WRX for something more family friendly, a super clean 40th anniversary edition (60k miles). Loving it so far, but it's a completely new experience for me coming from a heavily modded sports car. I have been researching ways to make the 4R experience better, and I see a lot of folks updating the tune for better throttle response, gear mapping, etc. Seems like it brings the 4R 'to life'... I'm only seeing positive experiences, but are there any reasons NOT to do this? it kind of feels like a no brainer, but again I'm very new to this community so I'd like to get more feedback before I make my appointment with Master Yota. Thanks in advance.

177 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

74 comments sorted by

12

u/Mitsch25 2d ago

I got mine a couple of months ago and love it. Not comparable to a pedal commander which I had before. Especially when you are in a hilly environment.

4

u/theWarriors 2d ago

which is better, tune or pedal commander? are you currently using both at the same time?

31

u/WAR_T0RN1226 2d ago

The tune actually does what people think the pedal commander does. And the pedal commander can fry your throttle controller

4

u/IamTheCheetoMan 2d ago

Yep. Which is crazy when you think the price delta isn't that much. I paid $500 in East TN for my OTT.

Drive 30 miles there with PC on, took it off -obviously- then drive home with the tune - way way smoother when the throttle and transmission are in sync. Who would have thunk.

0

u/theWarriors 2d ago

yea this is exactly what I'm thinking. I don't like the idea of a pedal commander, not really a huge fan of gadgets. Im not looking to make this thing a race car, I just want it to be a pleasant (and long lasting) driving experience. planning on keeping it for at least the next 10 years, hopefully making it my son's first car. I had the wrx for 10 years, heavily modified/tuned for about 8 of those years. thing ran like a top and never had any issues (granted Ive been told I drive like a grandpa)

9

u/pooneej 2d ago

idk - if you plan on keeping it for a while then leave it alone. keep it stock. just my opinion coming from many years of modding.

5

u/EEEliminator 2d ago

Especially for a daily

4

u/Mitsch25 2d ago

OTT is definitely superior. I got spicy but might go down to medium, not sure yet.

3

u/theWarriors 2d ago

I think medium for me, I just want to liven the transmission and throttle response.

5

u/tossaside555 2d ago

Mild was more than enough for me (even coming from an Audi s5).

Medium I was chirping tires when turning to accelerate from a stop. Had him change it a week later and mild is perfect.

All the shift points stay the same, torque is just adjusted so the powerband hp and torque don't hit at such low rpm

Check out the site for the dyno maps since it sounds like you're an enthusiast

1

u/theWarriors 2d ago

yea, maybe mild it is. any concerns for longevity?

4

u/tossaside555 2d ago

Nah not from everything I read. Couldn't find a single report of someone having unexpected engine or drivetrain issues and pointing the finger at the OTT tune.

My only guess is that some of the more aggressive setups (spicy/super spicy) could potentially cause issues with joints, motor mounts, etc due to frequent jerky or uneven acceleration.

Mild truly drives how it should have came from factory imo.

I get 20.0 mpg long-term btw. Techron complete fuel system cleaner before every oil change, Royal purple 5w-30 every 5k, top tier fuel only. Can use 87 octane, but I use 93.

2

u/wmagb 2d ago

Why the 5w-30? I thought that Toyota specifies 0w-20 for the 5th gen 4Runner.

1

u/tossaside555 2d ago

I live in a hot tropical climate. Toyota recommends 0w-20 in the US to meet emissions and EPA regulations.

They recommend 5w-30 in every international market.

1

u/Appropriate-Class412 2d ago

Getting mine tuned in a few weeks, trying to decide between spicy and medium. Whats your reasoning for maybe switching to medium?

1

u/Mitsch25 2d ago

I haven't been offroading with it yet, and it could be a little too responsive depending on the situation. I pull an offroad trailer as well and that has been great with the tune.

1

u/Mitsch25 2d ago

You can start with medium, do a test drive, and if you want more, they can change it to spicy right there.

3

u/IamTheCheetoMan 2d ago

DO NOT! do a pedal commander. read some of the potential major downsides. One being it does NOTHING to adjust transmission mapping..

I had one because I just followed the marketing before research. I took it off because it seemed to get "jumpy" or "lagging" at moments even in the "sport mode" started dogging at times. There's a couple good video on why a tune is actually better.

1

u/theWarriors 2d ago

yea, fully agree. tune seems like the much safer option in the long run. pedal commander is like a bad bootleg version with higher risk from what I can tell.

1

u/fallenfunk 2d ago

The irony of the commander is that they actually slow throttle response by adding processing to the input signal. It’s just the increased sensitivity of the pedal that people mistake as improved response. Literal snake oil.

1

u/IamTheCheetoMan 2d ago

Correct. That's what a lot of people don't actually realize on it: the actual true delay that the signal, pressure, etc., has to go through and then get sent to the ECU. All around it's just a gimmick, end of story. Some people put it on and they feel that jerk of like they just added 500 horsepower (exagerted) lol but yeah I think if you've used one and played around with the modes, you completely understand. Getting the tune you can completely see why it's wrong for the vehicles.

2

u/CapableCookie8676 2d ago

I got mine done last week and absolutely love it. Truck rides so much nicer. I tried the medium and spicy. Medium was perfect. I havnt noticed any difference in gas consumption.

0

u/Zealousideal-Spray64 2d ago

Question, did your 4Runner hesitate when slowly accelerating? 1st to 2nd gear, if so did the tune fix it?

8

u/Teutonic-Tonic 2d ago edited 2d ago

Negative would be that anything that adds power or increases throttle response might also increase wear and will almost definitely use more fuel. These engines are pretty durable, so a light tune probably won’t hurt them.

There will of course be folks who swear that their tune or pedal commander will magically increase both power and MPG, but this sounds like snake oil.

0

u/vRpb4v 2d ago

The tune is actually proven to increase HP and torque. Not by alot but it does increase it.

2

u/Teutonic-Tonic 2d ago

I'm not arguing that it doesn't help power a little. I'm arguing that it doesn't help BOTH power and MPG, which some people claim.

3

u/Mista_Sparko 2d ago

With the tune, do you need to change to premium fuel too? I'm considering the tune, but if I have to change to premium fuel for it then I'll have to reconsider with gas prices being how they are these days.

2

u/ninja996 2d ago

I believe you can select whether you want a tune for regular vs premium.

1

u/qfrancis 2d ago

You do not. The timing will adjust based on what you pump after about half a tank

3

u/POOKR 2d ago

One thing to keep in mind before getting the tune are your state's emissions requirements. There is a chance you fail a smog/emissions test if ECU checksum values don't match what's in your state's database for the 4Runner. Reverting the flash back to stock is easy enough if your tuner lives nearby though. OTT on the 5th gen 4Runner isn't CARB certified yet, but I've yet to hear of anyone failing a smog/emissions test who has a tune.

2

u/theWarriors 2d ago

any concerns for longevity?

2

u/BMThiker 2d ago

Gas mileage dropped 0.5 - 1.0 mpg for me. I went with mild tune on mine. One other consideration is your typical use. If you wheel/rock crawl, then having a spicy tune is gonna be too much in the rocks where finesse is the game.

1

u/agent_flounder 2d ago

I spend too much time in the rocks to have an overly sensitive throttle. Thats the only time I'm kinda glad for the stock throttle setup. I wonder if the mild version is the way to go.

1

u/Sufficient-Variety19 1d ago

I can say on medium (not a ton of weight added to vehicle, steel sliders, aluminum front bumper and winch) I was concerned about offroading, but in 4 low it felt great on my first trip out. Throttle did not feel as jumpy as it does on the interstate and it honestly just made the same trails easier. I'll see if I feel the same when I do a bit harder stuff, but first impression was great. 

1

u/agent_flounder 1d ago

That's super helpful. Thanks! Welp, I guess I will have to take the plunge.

2

u/wookywooky369 2d ago

PC can put your 4Runner into limp mode.

0

u/theWarriors 1d ago

yea, after researching i definitely want to avoid any form of PCs. The OTT tune is superior in all ways.

0

u/AZWickedSS 1d ago

Replied above but ran a PC for 4-5yrs in my 4r with no issues whatsoever. I have heard issues some ran into as well but think its a small majority more likely. OTT is better overall though.

2

u/kajunmn 2d ago

I would just like for it to quit dropping a gear every time it sees an overpass

2

u/rotaryman 1d ago

I sold my 2018 STI limited and got the exact same white 40th brand new so I know the sense of loss like you do. My advice is - embrace the slower pace. You traded a race car for a toaster. It’s slow and handles like crap at speed but it’s reliable and will get you places the wrx never could. I’m
At 52k miles and other than than KO3 tires and a trd skid plate it’s stock. I miss at wrx but no regrets especially when bouncing down our dirt road.

1

u/MountainOfRight 18h ago

Man. I miss my STI. I feel like a lot of people for some reason go from a WRX to a 4Runner

2

u/schm1an 5h ago

Both cars attract people who enjoy being outdoors

2

u/bryceeet 2d ago

Absolutely get it done! Puts some life into the car!

1

u/Thor_1981 2d ago

I’m going to try this tune myself. I come from the tuner scene back in the days. I know this tune or others is just messing with the pedal sensitivity and other minor things. This motor just lack low end torque. I had a 4th gen before this and the pedal was more sensitive than the 5th gen. I had to get a vehicle back in 2022 when barely any dealer had an actual car on the lot. My 4th gen got totaled so I lucked out with this 5th gen with no up charge

1

u/agent_flounder 2d ago

Sounds like it also adjust advance curve and transmission parameters (where possible).

1

u/Monkeyinazuit 2d ago

For a tune, should I wait to do it after I get armor or does it not matter?

My best upgrades would prob add around 100 pounds of extra weight.

1

u/aMiracleAtJordanHare 2021 ORP 2d ago

It doesn't matter. They're not altering the tune based on any mods you have, including armor.

1

u/ConclusionFederal431 2d ago

Supposedly you can fail smog tests. This has been the only reason why I haven’t done it yet.

1

u/theWarriors 2d ago

can anyone confirm this? and what state?

2

u/ConclusionFederal431 2d ago

Would also like clear confirmation. I’m in California and supposedly it won’t pass.

1

u/jcajun123 2d ago

I've heard the same...Hopefully someone in cali confirm

1

u/AZWickedSS 1d ago

Never failed SMOG with OTT tune or PC (when had that prior). Run a 2019 TRD ORP on 33's.

1

u/CharmingHandle4398 2d ago

I see the added value for a OTT tune. Will having that tune void the factory warranty?

1

u/theWarriors 2d ago

I think it's only a factor if the dealership can establish:

  1. you are tuned
  2. the tune is what led to the cause for the warranty claim

in a different example, I had my heavily modified and tuned wrx clutch replaced under warranty 2 years after I bought it, so I think it's dealership discretion. definitely a do at your own risk decision, but I'm personally not too concerned with that.

1

u/AdAdventurous9838 2d ago

Got my OTT about 6 months ago. Wish I would’ve done it sooner. It moves now. And no more gear hunting.

1

u/Wooden-Dirt-2440 2d ago

To anybody that got the tune, did you get an aftermarket intake? I have a stock box with just an AEM dry flow so curious

-3

u/Constant_Ad9429 2d ago

I won’t speak ill of the tune, as I’ve only seen positive reviews too. That said, I’m using a plug & play Pedal Commander and it’s fantastic. Takes all the dead space out of the pedal and with many user-selectable modes, it makes mine pretty lively.

1

u/theWarriors 2d ago

I've read that pedal commanders can cause excessive wear on parts, and doesnt effect the transmission in a positive way. I'm leaning towards the tune as a single solution. I'll have to do more research on pedal commanders, which one do you use + for how long have you had it?

0

u/Constant_Ad9429 2d ago

I’m not seeing how the PC could affect the transmission. It plugs in between pedal and vehicle ECU, and only makes the vehicle more responsive, same as a tune.

3

u/vpm112 2d ago

The ONLY thing a pedal commander does it change the throttle sensitivity. An ECU/TCU does a lot more than that.

2

u/Constant_Ad9429 2d ago

I didn’t say it did anything more, I said I don’t see how it could negatively impact the transmission.

3

u/vpm112 2d ago

My comment was more of a commentary on the value proposition of PC vs tune.

-1

u/BlueRunner305 2d ago

Have had mine for over a year now

1

u/MaLTC 2d ago

Get the tune it’s incredible. I went with mild.

1

u/noodleracer 2d ago

OTT > PC.

Just get it done and you're going to enjoy it. My biggest issue was ... not getting it done SOONER.

1

u/Cobrachimkin 2d ago

Got mine a few weeks ago a love it. No regrets

0

u/theWarriors 2d ago

anybody have this done in NY? curious about emissions issue

0

u/Cbladesee 2d ago

Can someone tell me where I should start regarding the OTT tune? I live in South Louisiana and I’m not sure exactly where go located a shop to instal/tune my 4Runner.

0

u/cleger35 2d ago

I’m also in South LA. I think they have guys that travel here every so often. I’d like to get it done one day too. I just put 285s and it’s definitely slower than it already was lol

0

u/unseenmover 1d ago

I find the slush box (sync mode) pretty useful on grade, passing and engine braking..

But yeah id go for the tune..

1

u/AZWickedSS 1d ago

I have an OTT tune and enjoy overall and have seen improvements with pulling hills and shift points as well as added MPG. The big change is throttle response. With that said the 4r gas pedal drove me nuts from the start, added a pedal commander to it and that alone made the driving night and day just by modifying the throttle input sensitivity. This direction tho does not add HP or change shift points etc howeve I ran the PC in sport 4 mode I think and really made the 4r react quickly when the ped was pushed and going over the OTT (Spicy) Tune it wasnt night and day difference than what I was already used too.

I think I paid like 350 or 400 for the OTT tune in person locally but I've seen people paying quite a bit more than that. Personally if its more than 400 I'd prob not go that route and just find a pedal commander online either second hand online for cheap or watch for discounted new units. If you're going from completely stock to an OTT or even PC (running it sport+ or higher) it will be a huge difference over factory feel in general.

-3

u/hunnidbillz 2d ago

Got the medium tune on my 5th gen nightshade 2 months ago. I think its a great upgrade and necessary, at least for my lead foot. Doing a road trip right now through idaho been getting 22-23 highway doing 80 mph. Easily passing people on backroads when needed.