New update on the 4Runner, I ordered an ECU tune from VR Tuning. I've been wanting to do this for quite a while and wanted to do something to spruce up the performance a bit. To do the flash remotely you have to purchase the ECU flash tool.



To do the ECU flash you have to update the flash tool to the latest version, and then pull the info file from you ECU. I took a ton of pics of the process but this is only half of them.



Once you pull the info file you send it off to VR Tuning and they send you back the tuned ECU file, you then have to write it to the device.



Then you take the flash tool to the truck and plug it in to the OBD2



The tool then communicates with the ECU and runs several checks.



Sanity checks the file before install



And off we go!



And writing the tune



This process definitely takes a while, it was interesting watching all the lights flash on the dash as the ECU was rewritten












Complete!



I went with the Stage 1 tune which is supposed to add around 26 HP, but they wrote my tune for my mods which include the AFE intake, the cat-back exhaust and 93 octane which is all I run in the truck, so I definitely expect this tune to push more in the 30-40 hp range. I have no plans to change out the headers for the full Stage 2, but we'll see how the power increase and driving experience go, I'm excited to drive it!


It started raining last night right as I flashed the ECU, so I only started the truck and pulled it out into the driveway to make sure it started and gave it a couple revs. It definitely felt more ballsy when reving it, but I can't wait to drive it today

 

a little disappointed that there weren't more pictures uploaded of every single percent of the tune load. You jumped and skipped a lot.
Hope it didn't brick the ECU.

So anyway, how's it feel?

 

I know, I took way more pictures of the process because I've never flashed an ECU before and was super nervous because I was worried that I would brick it somehow, but figured I'd post some because I like the process of doing this stuff. Haven't driven it yet, but can't wait to take it out this afternoon

 

Just got back from running around with the truck and I should have recorded my reaction, I just kept saying wow and smiling. Overall I'm very impressed with the increase in throttle response and increase in power. The truck shifts way smoother and really gets up and goes, at a quarter throttle I was getting pushed back into my seat. Definitely happy with the results and feel that it was money well spent.

 

If you feel it is faster, that's literally all that matters.
Good work!


I know that feeling, first time I did it in the Audi I was NERVOUS!

 

Yeah man it's definitely nerve-wracking waiting to see if you bricked the ECU or not lol, thankfully it started right up and showed no lights or issues. Definitely happy with the tune though, it's awesome

 

I just ordered a DMX1057XR Can I use the double din kit I have for the 7" in dash unit it's replacing or did you need something specific?

 

Yep, it fits right into a double din kit, I used OEM brackets but am actually going to switch it over to the double din kit to make it sit a bit lower

 

Thanks, I went back & forth on this as I like CDs but can't remember the last time I listened to one so I put ALL my music on a 64gb USB and if I have to have my own music can have it that way.

 

Yeah, I definitely thought I'd miss CD's with the Halo, but I haven't even thought about using one since. I have a bunch of CD binders sitting around, but I just do XM or stream Amazon Music on my phone

 

I had to backslide to CDs in the Malibu due to not having BT audio, and my S22 not having an aux port.

 

I have had "media" from LPs to Tapes to CDs all my life, I still buy UHD4K disks although I am usually too lazy to go find them & just stream the movies, BUT I LIKE MEDIA!

lol

 

I tried them out, didn't need to move the screen outward, I played with them when I was test fitting

 

Did that black cover they say is needed to run the radio fit not extended?

 

I would do a custom one that shows another rand car on the screen. No particular reason other than to be weird.

 

Hard to believe I bought this thing 5 years ago today. Only has just over 31K miles on it lol

 

Thought there was going to be a post about the new-er-er 4Runner.
I just turned 85k in the Malibu last week, not bad for a 2012.

 

I scanned this on my phone & thought you got a 2023 or something!

 

lol no need to get a newer one, I have 31k miles on this thing after 5 years

 

Understood, it's so much work getting them where you want them I can't imagine getting another either.

 

What's funny is the New(er) 4Runner was my second 4th gen, when I bought this 5th gen brand new I never updated the title, and now it's not really new anymore

 

So it would've been the new-er-er-er model, if you got into a Heritage '22

 

this will be his last ICE vehicle anyway.

 

12/30 has become my yearly oil change day, all three years living in this house it has just been the day that I have planned to change my oil and I've kept up that tradition each year on the same date, it helps me track and have a plan for my oil changes. Since I bought several of these, I used another TRD oil filter for that added 5 HP bruh!



All prepped and ready to be jacked up



Action shot of the oil draining, here I was actually draining the oil filter assembly.



New gaskets and filter all ready to go



Had to grab a photo of the aluminum oil filter cartridge that I swapped over to 3 years back, so glad that I did.



And as always, the only lifeblood that I ever use in my vehicles



I've had several mods on the backburner for a few months, but have been dealing with illnesses and daycare plagues that my kid has been bringing home. Hoping to have some fun updates on this thread soon.

 

in the meantime, I'll take a maintenance update for sure.
Feel better, man. Don't worry, once the kids gets older it gets worse you'll care less.

 

Thanks man, a maintenance update is better than no update right? Oh, and I forgot to post a pic from my Christmas Eve run with all the salt on the bronze (now white) rims since people say that I don't drive my truck in the salt/snow

Full disclosure my truck and undercarriage was washed before I crawled under it for the oil change

 

After seeing the sludge we had on the MiniBus after going through Denver, I don't blame you. I wouldn't want to be knocking that stuff onto my face.

 

Now you can sell the factory wheels for some additional mod funds now that those have been winter crissoned

 

Hell yeah, doing 4 Runner things!

 

Nah, I'll keep em for if/when I trade the blue beast in

 

Hell yeah brother, 4wd on snowy icy windy roads :

 

Stockies on & trade for the TTV6 T4R if/when they eventually debut it

 

If/when they make a TTV6 T4R, yes

 

It'll be faster but not fast.
Get something fast on the side, or put some damn love into your poor Acura!
Dude, even with all my other shitboxes, I am LOVING driving around my 240K mile TL-S now.

 

I want something fast, just can't justify it since I don't drive the Ack much, hell I barely drive my 4Runner these days. Definitely going to put some love into the Ack this spring for it's 20 year of my ownership

 

you probably like to rollerblade.

 

Don't hate on rollerblades

 

LOL, as an avid inline sk8r, I can't.

 

Rockstar and Colts out skating on a Saturday night

 

jealous fella!