Frequently Asked Questions

We are currently only supporting calibrations and tuning for the following Toyota®  vehicles:

2016-2023 Tacoma 3.5L V6 (AT/MT)
2005-2015 Tacoma 4.0L V6 (AT/MT)
2010-2023 4Runner

2008-2021 Land Cruiser (limited ECUs currently)

2007-2014 FJ  (limited ECUs currently)

We directly license our tuning platform from OVTune (VFTuner) and work directly with MCBAutoTech on calibrations who is not like other tuning providers. They don't throw a car on a dyno, find power, call it a day, and that's that. Every vehicle they design calibrations for they purchase, do extensive, sometimes year long rounds of development and testing, then they release support. They're ensure with their own R&D Vehicles, that what is provided is safe, efficient, and delivers.

In some cases, simply finding horsepower and torque is not the ultimate goal of a calibration. They seek out to find and fix any potential bugs, issues, or simply less than desirable traits of OEM calibrations. This includes things like throttle response, transmission shifting, and other beneficial parts of a complete calibration. The outcome:  drivability improvements across the board!  Having worked with over (800) owners to date we feel evolving to the every improved offerings available in the market are what owners deserve.  Never settle for a calibration that's years old, we've already surpassed such lazy competition!

• Improved drivability, especially at lower speeds
• Enhanced/smoother shift points and reduced gear hunting
• Reduced Lag
• Linear power curve
• Increased throttle sensitivity options
• Free support/upgrades
• Discounted path if you are tuned by us then later decide to go to forced induction
• Remote loaner offerings for flash/reflash support right at time
• Accessible, responsive, and friendly service

Further details can be provide but in general:

• Review owner needs (consider throttle options)
• Assess vehicle health (including mileage/batt/current ECU calibration)
• Connect power supply to maintain constant voltage during flash process
• VIN is unlocked on the VFTuner platform for use
• Update to latest factory TSB (if needed) and cycle start
• Apply custom calibration and cycle start with idle
• You test drive keeping in mind some of the tips we provide to expect and how to maximize your testing.
• Post test drive review to determine if throttle is good or if a quick adjustment is needed.  NOTE: future adjustments to the throttle can be done in the days, weeks, months ahead for the same tune version without cost

The latest calibrations offer:
 

• Improved Power & Torque - Get off the line like your expect! 
• Smooth predictable shifting - adjustments to each shift point and torque converter logic  
• Throttle - three throttle choices exist to suit your driving style and build of your vehicle. Heavier = higher throttle adjustment to retain sporty feel.
• Support for 35"+ tires
• Support for 4.88/5.29  regearing
• Alternator output support for recommended AGM voltage to keep your upgraded battery charged properly when supported
• Dual tune-like settings mapped to your ECT button for supported vehicles
• Support for some forced-induction options

Custom calibrations tunes (and the VFTuner platform they are build from) are tested on our own vehicles! This can mean months of testing before we even get updates to utilize for our custom calibrations. The platform and offerings for many vehicles have been on the market for 6+ years now and with some vehicles being tuned for 100k+ miles now .

No, the calibrations cannot alter the speedometer/odometer. There are other aftermarket options available and we can certainly help provide full service to purchase, install, and calibrate such a device or just some general information if you would like to head the DIY route!

The tunes do not modify the OEM ID that is displayed when scanned. This means it reports back as the "stock" calibration would using the standard Toyota calibration tools.  That said, in some markets (CA, CO) you many wish to purchase a cable and work with us on setup so you can reflash to stock if you ever need.

No, the custom calibrations is written to the vehicle and will remain in place until the ECU is replaced and/or the calibration is overwritten.

If any prior customer every takes their vehicle into the dealer and has their ECU updated for some factory update we will need to reflash the custom tune to re-apply. This is at no cost to you, we just need to coordinate the visit.

While the platform and calibrations are developed for off road and competition use, we have never been informed of any warranty concerns.

Should you every have a concern after tuning we provide free reversions to stock for all our customers.  To date this has never been needed for any engine/transmission related warranty concern.

Like any aftermarket or modification, if it is proven to be the cause of a fault then your warranty could be voided. But, just because a tune is on the vehicle does not mean it is voided. 

The tuning platform we use (VFTuner) indicates that any tunes produce can at no time be used on any emissions control vehicle that is used for anything other than off-road performance or competition use. ALL Ecu tunes, Calibrations, flashes, files, datalogs, or anything in regard to the tune, tuning process, changes, are for OFF-ROAD USE. 

OUR TUNES AND FILES CANNOT BE USED IN ANY WAY TO CIRCUMVENT EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS WHERE YOU LIVE FOR ANY REASON. THIS REGARDS ALL ENGINES, ALL ECUS, ALL FILES REGARDLESS OF CAR, MAKE, MODEL ETC. THE SERVICE CHARGE FOR TUNING IS SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR ECU FOR TRACK AND OFF ROAD CONDITIONS ONLY. 

- Any files or calibrations are developed only for the exact vehicle and drivetrain that it comes with from the factory.

- Calibrations do not modify or disable any emissions check, component, monitor

- calibrations cannot be modified to disable any reporting component

- calibrations cannot be modified or used for any vehicle except for the intended vehicle, exact ECM, and specifications that came from factory.

While we recommend you come to our location is Suffolk, VA we also service the greater Virginia area.  Events occur each month based on interest owner requests. We regularly travel among the following other areas in Virginia:

Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Richmond, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke

If you are interested in our services and are not in reasonable driving distance to one of these areas then please let us know as we also offer a network of partner resources as well as our own remote tuning options when you are not located within reasonable distance of anyone....or you just cannot sync up on a schedule to get your calibration applied.

ECU (Engine Control Unit) and TCU (Transmission Control Unit) calibration is the process of reprogramming the software in a vehicle's engine and transmission control modules to optimize performance, fuel efficiency, and drivability.

Calibrations are typically performed when there are significant modifications to the vehicle's engine or transmission, when diagnosing drivability issues, or when seeking performance enhancements. In the case of some though, like the 3rd Gen Tacomas, all 2016-2023 trucks will see a great number of benefits over stock no matter the setup.

For in-person tuning you can expect a 20-30 min effort before test driving while remote setups can take 30-60 mins depending on the setup effort needed.