OTT Tune for stock NA Tundra

I purchased the Pedal Monster a while back and while it does improve and give me a lot of control of the throttle response, I'm still a little unimpressed with shift points and constant gear hunting at every slight grade in the road in this truck.

Came across the OTT Tune option after some googling and there is a ton of positive feedback from the Tacoma crowd and a little from the Supercharged Tundra guys.

Anyone running the NA stock tune from them and super happy with it? I have a relatively close OTT tuner and thinking about going this route. It means the Pedal Monster gets pulled, but that should all be resolved with the tune.

$600 for an off the shelf tune seems questionable to me, but at the end of the day, I don't have the license or the software and dependent on someone who does. I don't think it's much more to just buy the calibration and the software needed to install it myself, but I also probably wouldn't have any desire to make my own changes so there's that.

Curious to know what others might think of the OTT option. I'd really like to just go 2650 supercharger right now, but wife has been asking to do major home renovations for a few years now and I need to probably focus budget on that right now and revisit the SC in a while since I just spent $60K on this truck.

 

@JustDSM

 

Save your money for the S/C.

 

It's not off the shelf tune. It's a custom tune written to each vehicle specifically. $200 of it is also the licenses for the HPTuner.

 

I think this is an option when you have modifications, but I spoke with the originator of this tune and he conceded that it is off the shelf for a stock vehicle. That's why these guys will do parking lot meetups on the weekends. They check and update the ECU if you are not running the latest Toyota update and then they just load a canned tune and off you go. If you have supercharger or other mods, they will spend time developing a custom tune at the shop. The approved tuner who is closest to me has a shop but is offering to just come to my work and load the tune in the parking lot while I'm in the office and that's $600. Part of the higher price is also related to the area I live in. Everything is more expensive here.

 

Erik,

Appreciate your interest in our calibration! Hopefully, I can help answer some questions and clarify some things. Most of the guys here probably have experience with the F/I side of our calibration as they are a little more 'active' in the community than the N/A guys/gals. While we do a fair number of N/A Tundra trucks, I'm unsure how many are active here. Nevertheless, I'll leave the reviews/impressions to the end users of our calibration.

Our calibration isn't entirely "off the shelf" but I can understand why some might call it that and why there is confusion around what we offer. I'll try to clear up some of that confusion. Using two different software systems, we offer a "base" and "custom" calibrations for N/A Tundras. Our offerings are configured to give the end user various options to meet their budget and performance needs/constraints. What's important to remember is that our "base" or "off the shelf" tune has been through the rigors of development on the street and the dyno. Our base calibration isn't something where we just add a degree or two of ignition timing to the entire map, tweak the throttle, and call it a day. We have over 12 hours of cumulative dyno time testing different cam angles, ignition strategies, fueling targets, etc, to ensure our "base" calibration is as solid of a starting point as possible, giving 90% (or more) of what a full custom calibration can offer.

So what you're getting as our "base" or "off the shelf" tune is a custom tune, but it's configured for optimal operation on a stock vehicle. If you have limited modifications (cat back exhaust, drop-in filter, or other minor bolt-ons), the "base" tune is our most cost-effective means to improve the performance and drivability of your truck.

Our "custom" tune starts with our "base" tune but is reworked for your specific vehicle, its specific modifications, and your specific fuel, and considers your use. If you have extensive modifications and want to ensure the last few % of potential are realized, or have a specific need/request for shift scheduling or throttle function, our "custom" offering might be worth the upcharge. *All of our F/I calibrations are "custom"*

Cost is unfortunately variable unless dealing directly with OTT. All of our calibrations and hardware options are available directly. Our authorized retailers are independent business entities that have their own operating costs, overhead, travel expenses, etc. We provide them with a MSRP for our product but the end cost of going through a retailer is set by that retailer.

 

@JustDSM thanks for the extended explanation of your product. In my opinion, $600 seems worth the interim of waiting a year or so before I can commit to SC option and additional tuning.

To be fair, the shop I'm talking to seems to be good group and I have no concerns about their ability.

Appreciate your time to respond.

 

$600 is not a lot for tuning, even without a lot of custom options that are time eaters.

For comparison, I can share what I have into my N/A tuning.

HP MPVI-3 is $400
Credits for my truck is $200
Dyno time and tuning at a local shop was $850 by the time we were done.

So, I’m $1,450 into my tune. The advantage is I’ve been able to make minor tweaks one at a time to dial it in to where it is now. By making only one change at a time, it’s super easy to determine what is working and what isn’t. I believe I’m on about my 12th revision since dyno tuning. Tiny transmission adjustments make big differences, especially when towing, so it’s worth the added expense for me.

If you’re not going to tinker with it afterwards, I’d 100% go with the parking lot tune deal. You’re paying $200 either way, just to write to your truck.

 

If you tow,get the tune...they will firm up the shift points and the truck will be more refined and perform better. I have had Ott tunes on my truck both NA...and Supercharged, well worth the money

 

Agreed, "custom tunes" are much more money. Flex Fuel Dyno Tune for my heavily modded STI was $2k.

 

I bet you picked up a lot more power than I did, too! lol. Not much power gains on a N/A Tundra, but the drivability is sure a heluva lot mo’ betta.

 

Yes, I was in the 500 AWHP range and that was enough to stretch head bolts on my 2nd track day. Then I had to pull the Eng to stud everything. I ended up putting everything back to stock and selling it. That car was a fragile platform and I'm glad to be done with it.

 

I just got my OTT tune on my 21 Tundra a couple days ago, it's N/A with 35's. I also had an OTT tune on a 21 tacoma and can say the Tacoma had a lot better response to the OTT tune than the tundra did. I LOVE the responsiveness of the gas pedal now, all lag is gone. I got a mild tune and it's perfect for me. I can't say yet anything about power or shift point change, I honestly don't notice a difference in the butt dyne or shifting. So far, I would say the OTT tune for the tundra is the equivalent of getting a pedal commander, except for needing to go back to the shop to change a setting. Tacoma was a game changer though!

 

I have an appointment on the 16th to have my n/a 2014 5.7 tuned by Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning at a tuning event near me. Everything's pretty much stock except for Dirty Deeds exhaust. I may go to 35's in the future. I do tow a camper several times a year. I'm basically looking for better throttle response and maximize power. Would you recommend it based on that? They're charging around 450 for the tune. Thanks!

 

I would need more time to drive the truck to give a quality review, my review is based off of 150 miles. 10/10 on throttle response. I can't imagine anything beyond mild, I have to feather the gas off the line to not completely launch. I paid 400 although that was the buddy discount, 450 is what my shop charges, from what I understand the Tundra takes less credits than for example a 5th gen 4Runner. I have a TRD intake arriving tomorrow and will do the SABM at the same time so I am hoping that the tune, TRD intake and SABM and my current flowmaster muffler will be the best stage 1 I can achieve. Supercharger might come in a year or two.

I don't regret getting the OTT, it was just less of an effect than I felt with my Tacoma. I would still recommend it over a pedal commander at 450 or less for the tune. I would rate my Tacoma 10/10 overall after tune and rate the Tundra 6/10 after the tune.

 

Thank you for taking the time to provide your insights on OTT's Tundra calibration. We value your feedback and appreciate you sharing your thoughts and experiences. When it comes to the 3G Tacoma, there was more room for improvement compared to the 2G 5.7L Tundra. Toyota did a commendable job calibrating these trucks, especially when compared to the shortfalls of the 3G Tacoma. It's one thing to enhance a vehicle that requires significant adjustments, but improving a platform that is already closer to its optimal performance presents a unique set of challenges.

We've been pretty public about our dyno figures and the fact the stock truck just doesn't leave much in the way of improvement above 4K. There are improvements to be made, but in reality, the ~5 or so HP to be had above 4K isn't going to do much in a vehicle approaching or over 6000lbs.

 

Yes, I can honestly say that I feel zero driveability difference on the Tundra vs just using the Banks Pedal Monster.

I have heard many say the same that the Tacoma had a lot of benefits to OTT tune. I was mainly hoping improvements for shifting on the Tundra but it seems exactly the same to me.

I should have just waited until I go Supercharger to get a tune, but it certainly didn't make things worse....

 

I can assure you they're not the same. But we're always here (PM or email) if you'd like to discuss your needs and we can address your trans mapping to better meet your requirements/specification.

 

While the difference in torque numbers is not huge, the difference in peak torque RPM is a big deal.

A few horsepower is not worth getting excited about. It equates to only a couple percent?

I found similar dyno gains with my HP Tuner, and felt that the drivability difference was absolutely significant.

 

The big thing I’m looking for when I finally have the cash is trans tuning and efficiency.

 

I had OTT tune my Tundra when I was na, big difference in shifting and acceleration, running 295 18 with 3inch lift. Now that I'm Supercharged had them tune it again....Smooth as butter faster than I thought it would be. Truck with full fuel and my jack and tools is 6820lbs and that includes my fat 200lbs....with nanies off it will light up the tires...well just one tire I don't have ls.

 

Even if you leave the fueling and timing alone, you’ve got big gains available in the transmission. My TCC now remains locked when rolling over the little hills that used to send the trans into shifting fits. A lot to learn about trans control, but it’s sure worth it! You’ll wind up tinkering with ACIS and some other things once you get comfortable, as those will also help drivability.

 

Sorry guys, I’ve sidetracked this thread.
Back on the OTT topic!!!

 

I have not noticed any difference in shifts or firmness. The guy who did mine said he doesn’t do anything with shift point or line pressure. I wish he did though.

 

Talk to your tuner and discuss. Let them know what you’re after, the more precise and specific you can be the better. A custom tune is often just a small nominal fee for the time and your tune can be configured more to your needs.

 

I’ll have to agree with the above comment. Absolutely no chance in transmission shifting characteristics or firmness. Truck feels a little lighter on its feet, less throttle input but that’s it. Nothing that wowed me. I was really hoping the transmission mapping was targeted as well with improved shift points and firmness especially in tow haul. It still wants to hurry into high gear under lite throttle. The guy I found on the website local to me is primarily a Taco guy and couldn’t help me much with my questions.

 

Just finished tuning with them. Truck definitely drives very differently in a good way. Can’t say I’ve noticed any firmer shifts but quicker and much different shift points. Haven’t had a chance to tow with it but wouldn’t be surprised if it was much better.

I was a little surprised that there was no revision needed from the base file. They’ve either got it so dialed in that they don’t need to or they got lucky with mine. Did several logs and all good. I only run 87 and not 93 so maybe that would have changed things but so far so good. Been pretty happy with it.

 

I did talk to him and told him what I was looking to get out of the truck. He said he doesn’t have the capability of changing anything in the transmission. I asked about shift points, firmness, hill descent assist and he said they were all locked by Toyota. Pretty much said he buys the tune from OTT and flashes my truck with the tune.

 

If OTT is sending a locked tune file, that sounds accurate.

My tuner did nothing with the transmission, so I learned a ton on HPT’s forum and applied it. All that gear hunting and stupid shifting on tiny hills? Gonezo. TCC stays locked much more and towing mileage definitely improved.

 

Hello Mike,

Matt here that flashed your truck. I’ve had zero direct communication from you regarding these issues so it’s a little surprising to see it posted publicly rather than coming to me firsr to see what we can do.

Please send me a message or email and we (myself and OTT) will get it straightened out for you. Tentatively (weather pending) I’ll be in Asheville on Feb 03 so we can schedule a time that day so you aren’t having to travel to me again. Looking forward to hearing from you soon with more information about what all you are needing changed and what your expectations are, so that we can have a game plan and a better starting point.

-Matt