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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
Last edited by 97BlackAckCL; 07-14-2022 at 10:26 AM.
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.
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.
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
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 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!
Picked it up last night, got a fair price on my trade in and a fair price on the sale, they gave me a nice discount on the 17 that's why I was looking at them. They were selling pretty closed to what used 2014's were going for on their lot. I got them to come down a bit further before agreeing to the sale. Truck had 22 miles on it when I drove it off the lot, and 8 or 10 of those were from my test drive. Weird driving a brand new car, I haven't bought new since 2000, but have been driving my gf's new Subaru on and off for months. It was also bittersweet because I loved my old 4Runner so saying goodbye to her was tough, been through a lot of life changes with that thing, but it was time to move on. Here's a pic that I snapped at the dealer, I tried to recreate the pic from 2012 when I bought the 08 and traded in my 03.
And again, out with the old and in with the new again!
Loving the color so far, and the interior is like a freaking living room, so much headroom and so comfortable, way more spacious and comfortable than my last 2 4Runners. Already ordering mods for it
Hard to believe I bought this thing 5 years ago today. Only has just over 31K miles on it lol
Last edited by 97BlackAckCL; 09-26-2022 at 02:00 PM.
Thought there was going to be a post about the new-er-er 4Runner.
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
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.
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
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.
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
07-14-2022, 09:41 AM
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
