Tuning Options for 3rd Gen Tundra Stillen, JB4 or VR vs TRD

There are plenty of bolt ons out there both intake and exhaust that provide small performance gains and increase cool noises when your on it. Toyota has announced a factory tune coming with a decent gain for big $$$. Has anyone tried either the VR or Stillen True Control or JB4? From what I have read the JB4 is a more intrusive install and might catch the eye of a tech if there is a warranty issue...not as easy to remove with no trace. Both the VR and Stillen are plug and play only 2 connections with 50 hp and 80 ft/lb torque at rear wheels gained where the engine lives at 2000-4000 rpm, also where the turbos are most efficient. Yes they require premium fuel and seem to be the same system licensed to different companies. Both claim to leave no trace in the ECU as they fool the factory computer into thinking boost is within spec. The only thing might be duty cycle on injectors if they can even see that data. Cost is in the $600-800 range.

 

Thanks Ryan,

I just can't see the value of the TRD at $3400 plus tax with minimal torque gain and full time premium required.
Where I am regular is about $3 a gallon and premium $3.50-$4.50 ouch lol.
Agreed on the Stillen plus they have been in the turbo tuning business for over 30 years.
I did purchase the TRD drop in filters from my dealer...looking to install soon.
Cold air boxes and cat back exhaust should produce larger gains with proper tuning...exciting times!

 

Wow, thanks for including bl@ckbea$t's post...so while the truck can run fine on regular even stock it can benefit from premium...VF Tuner is a brand I'm unfamiliar with...got plenty of Stillen goodies on my old 300zx tt.
For what it's worth Stillen is shipping now...

 

Ryan, if not mistaken, VF Tuner is what the guys are using on the Tacoma, had my 21 TRD Pro done, didnt really do that much, just by seat of the pants feel.

 

Ive been running the JB4 in mine for about two years with no issue. Love it and would recommend the unit to anyone.

 

VF Tuner looks to be out now and I like how many different maps you can choose from as well as throttle response and shift points.
https://vftuner.com/products/vf-tuner-wiflash-tuning-kit

Also if you go to Magnuson's performance package product page, they have a photo of their Tundra on a dyno with the VF Tuner logo so maybe that's what they're using.

 

Does anyone know how this item works and if there is any improvements in gas mileage?




https://evolvchips.com/products/per...?rq=yr_2022~mk_toyota~md_tundra~cq_3-5l-turbo

 

looks like a $ HIGH profit pedal commander at best, just makes the throttle open more with less pedal, feels peppier until full throttle so feels like a power gain but same as a heavy foot IMHO

 

plz dont

 

Another possibility:
https://afepower.com/afe-power-77-4...Oh1VXS2OSvDg0XxOX8_sLTlDhIMfp3DG1ufYRbHuoO7pT

Anyone using aFe?

And the Bluetooth version has higher power claims?
https://afepower.com/afe-power-77-8...-OQekQltIY8pZ2m2SaYHXI-I_Rz9LQyOSCRZcgNXZV2Q9

 

The reason I asked is i have friend that installed this on his jeep wagoneer and saying he gained at least 3-4 mpg unless he is lying to me.

 

They might be limiting the boost levels on the cheaper one. I would just go with JB4 since theyve been around the longest in that field of piggyback tuners

 

lol, no. that's bs

think of it this simply, if jeep could add a cheap ass china box to their 100K wagoner and add 3-4 mpg that easily, then they would do it in a heartbeat and advertise much better mpg

 

BB for the win!

 

This is not a China made box. It says on their website that it's proudly made in USA.

 

Hooray for the USA! BUT at best like Carista maybe you can change some settings, seems a little steep and no it won't increase mpg or HP Ecu is locked. Only reason the piggy backs work is they fool the engine Ecu into allowing more boost and or timing by altering the signal the sensors get. That requires physical hard line connections. You can't do that from an OBD2 alone.

 

ok that’s fine, I stand corrected on country of origin , thanks for clarifying

but it’s still not magically adding 3-4 mpg , that was more my point

 

I would have a hard time believing that a gain of +93hp is legit. aFe makes descent stuff but I would want more data. And what about that remote, looks a bit hokey…toy like.

 

The Stillen and VR boxes look very similar, they are both made by a supplier called Race Chip.

 

JB4 for the win.

 

I’ll post dyno charts of pre-post VF tuner at the end of next week (3/28) if all goes well. I don’t have stock numbers but my baseline numbers will be reflective of intake (S&B) and and exhaust

 

High HP gains are very possible for turbo engines. Been tuning my BMWs for years. Holding off on my Tundra due to possible engine issues with recalls and engine failures.

 

I thought these were also limited to trucks built AFTER a certain date???

None gonna lie…I was/am interested in this one and for me it was mostly about getting a Toyota warranty with it…but my truck doesn’t or didn’t qualify due to build date apparently (assuming I have the right information)

 

It doesn't matter what your build date is. Toyota now is not allowing sell/install of them outside the factory-installed option. Some folks have found some ignorant dealers that sold/calibrated it, but I believe that was before Toyota clamped down.

 

I just ordered the AFE Scorcher BT module. Last day of the sale was today. $515 and free shipping. 110hp and 163 lb/ft is a bold claim, but likely a calculated flywheel gain vs actual wheel hp gains. But even 80hp and 125 lb/ft is well worth $500! I like that it's switchable on the phone and you don't have to reflash the ECU every time you want to make a change.

 

Let us know the result once you have it installed. My stock Tundra is already more than fast enough so I don't really know what the appeal of more HP/Torque is (other than fun). It's not like you're going to beat a modern sports car at 0-60 times.

 

Depends.

 

Why even comment if you don't see the point of getting a tuner...
Maybe it won't beat a modern sports car, but it'll be faster and more fun to drive than your stock truck.

 

Certainly with VF Tuner you should be able to detune your truck so it's slower and more to your liking.