Has anyone done the OTT Tune?

[FLAirgunner]

Thank you!

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[MT-Taco]

Thank you! I have to apologize also, I'm still learning the nuances of this forum and should have tagged you in the post! Yes, it was directed to you, but was posted as a more general question. Thank you for going back and specifically answering my question.

So @JustDSM, a specific question for you... Since the I-Force Max Hybrid engines have essentially 4 modes (5 if you count Custom) what specifically does the tune do for each setting? It seems the tunes are all more power/performance related, so do they have specific benefits for each settings, i.e. ECO, Normal, Sport and Sport+. Specifically, does it provide for better gas mileage in ECO? Does it turn Normal into Sport, Sport into Sport+ and Sport+ into Ludacris (Telsa reference )? Thanks again for your help!

Search tool works pretty well as well. Also at the bottom of each page there are similar threads.
https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/thre...ilor-tuning-ott-tune-for-4th-gen-tacoma.9872/

 

[FLAirgunner]

Thank you for the friendly reminder about how well the search function works! Trust me, I have used it and have read all the posts about OTT and watched all the videos in the above reference post. None of them addressed my specific questions they way Just has here...

Having said that, I would like to Thank Justin @JustDSM again for his patience and considerate responses to all my questions! This really demonstrates Justin's commitment to customer satisfaction and proves to me he is not just selling another "canned" tune! Justin has shown me OTT is flexible and willing to work with customers to meet unique requirements, when needed. For this, Sir (@JustDSM) , I thank you very much!

 

[Norsk]

Thanks again for the follow up and for tagging me this time around!

I’ll do my best to give you a thorough (but digestible) answer. I’ll start with some high-level context and then break it down by drive mode. Just a heads-up — this explanation is specific to our calibration. Other tuners or devices may handle these differently (or not at all), so it’s important to know what’s actually being modified, not just chase advertised performance numbers.

Calibration Overview

At the core of our tuning is the engine calibration, which delivers the increased power and torque. In tandem with that, we revise the TCU calibration, adjusting shift points, torque management, and drivability logic. These changes are modeled together, taking into account the quicker spool and broader torque curve, to ensure everything works seamlessly between the engine and transmission.

All our Stage calibrations (Stage 1, 2, etc.) include these engine + TCU updates. Our OE Spec calibration for SR trims brings them up to SR5/TRD output levels while retaining 100% OEM engine and transmission behavior.

Drive Modes – Explained

Each drive mode (where available) is individually calibrated in our Stage files. The most significant differences per mode are found in throttle sensitivity and TCU shift logic. We retain the OE intent behind each mode, but optimize the behavior to match the increased output, so in essence, you’re getting multiple driving personalities in one tune.

ECO Mode

• Gas Models: Subtle bump in throttle response to make the mode more usable, but still calm and focused on efficiency. Great for daily cruising or low-traction situations.
• Hybrid Models: Factory ECO and Normal are nearly identical, so we went the opposite direction and actually softened ECO. This provides better contrast between modes, especially on slippery surfaces or when fine control is required.
• Common to both: Unique TCU mapping focused on smooth, early shifts and minimal engine load.

NORMAL Mode

• Increased throttle response for a more lively feel, but balanced for daily use.
• You’ll notice quicker reaction when dipping into the pedal, without making it twitchy.
• Has its own dedicated TCU calibration as well.

SPORT Mode

• Sharper throttle mapping for spirited driving.
• A subtle rework of the shift schedule to keep you in the power band longer under load, but still perfectly streetable with gentle input with specific TCU updates.

TOW/HAUL Mode

• This is the hottest drive mode in our calibration — designed to make the truck feel like it’s not towing a thing.
• It prioritizes torque delivery and shift behavior under heavy load.
• When used without a trailer or payload, it’s very punchy — some folks love it for that reason, but it’s really meant to shine when the truck is working hard.
• Contains a more aggressive TCU strategy tailored for towing scenarios.

We currently have three levels of the Stage 1 calibration: "Stock", "Base", and "Enhanced". These levels determine the amount of increase in the drive modes. With stock you can ignore all of the above "throttle talk", the throttle sensitivity remains 100% OEM as the truck was delivered. Base is a more subtle increase, and Enhanced is our standard and recommended setting.

Hope this helps!

Edit: Forgot to reference the Sport+ and other "+" drivemodes. Those will retain the same function as the base setting for that mode. So for example. Sport and Sport+ retain the same settings. There are other settings modified by those drive modes that are not controlled by the ECU specifically.

Which mode, ECO or Normal is good for long highway driving like 400 miles road trip?

 

[Delirious]

Do you need to run premium fuel once you have the tune?
Also, is this better than Peddle Commander?

 

[JustDSM]

Do you need to run premium fuel once you have the tune?
Also, is this better than Peddle Commander?

Stage 1 is able to be run on 87-93

It does a WHOLE lot more than a Pedal Commander.

 

[JustDSM]

Which mode, ECO or Normal is good for long highway driving like 400 miles road trip?

ECO will have lower torque requests based on your pedal input and should yield you slightly better economy. However, either will do well for commuting.

 

[mikeymtbs]

I’m stoked to get the tune done. I tow my teardrop a good deal and I would love to add a bit of extra power.

@JustDSM, when are you guys going to get your new Atlanta tuner ready to go?

 

[WKTJR1]

Okay, after reading and rereading does this sound correct?

Drive Mode	Factory Behavior	After Tune Behavior	Notes
ECO	- Throttle nearly identical to NORMAL - Early, smooth shifts - Minimal engine load	- Throttle intentionally softened - Even earlier shifts - Smoother, finer control	More contrast added — better for slippery conditions.
COMFORT	- Very soft throttle - Ultra-smooth, early shifts - Light steering and soft suspension (if equipped)	- Slightly quicker throttle to avoid sluggishness - Smarter, smoother shifts - Suspension/steering behavior unchanged	Best mode for relaxed cruising, passenger comfort, and long drives.
NORMAL	- Balanced throttle - Calm shifts - Light reaction	- Noticeably quicker throttle - Snappier reaction - Smoother yet faster shifts	Feels more lively but still daily-friendly.
SPORT	- Sharper throttle - Later upshifts - More aggressive feel	- Further sharpened throttle - Shift points even more performance-focused	Full tuning applied to enhance driving spirit.
SPORT+	- Even sharper than SPORT - Heavier steering, firmer suspension (if equipped)	- Same engine and transmission as tuned SPORT - Still firmer steering/suspension from factory settings (if equipped)	No further engine/TCU tuning beyond SPORT — but still feels different due to chassis/suspension behavior.
TOW/HAUL	- Torque-focused - Holds gears for load handling	- More aggressive torque delivery - Harder holding of gears - Even punchier response	Works excellent with or without trailer or heavy payloads.

 

[WKTJR1]

I’m stoked to get the tune done. I tow my camper a good deal and I would live to add a bit of extra power.

@JustDSM, when are you guys going to get your new Atlanta tuner ready to go?

I like that setup. Colored matched makes it look complete.

 

[FLAirgunner]

Okay, after reading and rereading does this sound correct?

Drive Mode	Factory Behavior	After Tune Behavior	Notes
ECO	- Throttle nearly identical to NORMAL - Early, smooth shifts - Minimal engine load	- Throttle intentionally softened - Even earlier shifts - Smoother, finer control	More contrast added — better for slippery conditions.
COMFORT	- Very soft throttle - Ultra-smooth, early shifts - Light steering and soft suspension (if equipped)	- Slightly quicker throttle to avoid sluggishness - Smarter, smoother shifts - Suspension/steering behavior unchanged	Best mode for relaxed cruising, passenger comfort, and long drives.
NORMAL	- Balanced throttle - Calm shifts - Light reaction	- Noticeably quicker throttle - Snappier reaction - Smoother yet faster shifts	Feels more lively but still daily-friendly.
SPORT	- Sharper throttle - Later upshifts - More aggressive feel	- Further sharpened throttle - Shift points even more performance-focused	Full tuning applied to enhance driving spirit.
SPORT+	- Even sharper than SPORT - Heavier steering, firmer suspension (if equipped)	- Same engine and transmission as tuned SPORT - Still firmer steering/suspension from factory settings (if equipped)	No further engine/TCU tuning beyond SPORT — but still feels different due to chassis/suspension behavior.
TOW/HAUL	- Torque-focused - Holds gears for load handling	- More aggressive torque delivery - Harder holding of gears - Even punchier response	Works excellent with or without trailer or heavy payloads.

This is a great chart! It really breaks it down for each mode! Thanks for posting this!

 

[JustDSM]

I’m stoked to get the tune done. I tow my teardrop a good deal and I would live to add a bit of extra power.

@JustDSM, when are you guys going to get your new Atlanta tuner ready to go?

That's a sweet setup! I think something like that would work well for me and my adventures. I've been thinking about some combination of rack/RTT or something like a GFC but I'm really reserved on stacking on all the weight full time on the truck. Glad you shared that pic!

But regarding the ATL tuner. We're onboarding him now and will be getting him up to speed in the coming weeks. I could put you in touch with Jamey @ Central Georgia Tuning. He's covering the area in the meantime, and I'm sure he'd be happy to take care of you. Let him know I sent ya!

You can reach him here:

Jamey Davis/Central Georgia Tuning (Central GA)
E-Mail: [email protected]
Cell: (706) 573-1635
Web: www.centralgatuning.com

 

[mikeymtbs]

Great. I’ll give him a shout. Thanks!

My teardrop is from Fantom Teardrops in North GA. They’re a semi-custom builder with great attention to detail. I use it as a base camp for mountain biking all over the SE and moto riding. We live it, great setup and I can put it in the garage and forget about it til I’m ready to go again.

 

[Delirious]

Stage 1 is able to be run on 87-93

It does a WHOLE lot more than a Pedal Commander.

Thanks for that. I have an authorized dealer 25 miles from me.
It's a DIY application?
$650 for the engine and transmission.

Stage 1 is able to be run on 87-93

It does a WHOLE lot more than a Pedal Commander.

I think the only other question is, is there a noticeable difference, if any at all in performance running 93 octane as opposed to 87 octane?

 

[Norsk]

Okay, after reading and rereading does this sound correct?

Drive Mode	Factory Behavior	After Tune Behavior	Notes
ECO	- Throttle nearly identical to NORMAL - Early, smooth shifts - Minimal engine load	- Throttle intentionally softened - Even earlier shifts - Smoother, finer control	More contrast added — better for slippery conditions.
COMFORT	- Very soft throttle - Ultra-smooth, early shifts - Light steering and soft suspension (if equipped)	- Slightly quicker throttle to avoid sluggishness - Smarter, smoother shifts - Suspension/steering behavior unchanged	Best mode for relaxed cruising, passenger comfort, and long drives.
NORMAL	- Balanced throttle - Calm shifts - Light reaction	- Noticeably quicker throttle - Snappier reaction - Smoother yet faster shifts	Feels more lively but still daily-friendly.
SPORT	- Sharper throttle - Later upshifts - More aggressive feel	- Further sharpened throttle - Shift points even more performance-focused	Full tuning applied to enhance driving spirit.
SPORT+	- Even sharper than SPORT - Heavier steering, firmer suspension (if equipped)	- Same engine and transmission as tuned SPORT - Still firmer steering/suspension from factory settings (if equipped)	No further engine/TCU tuning beyond SPORT — but still feels different due to chassis/suspension behavior.
TOW/HAUL	- Torque-focused - Holds gears for load handling	- More aggressive torque delivery - Harder holding of gears - Even punchier response	Works excellent with or without trailer or heavy payloads.

where did you find those? Our tacoma does not have comfort and sport+

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