Upgrade your OEM Turbo for 4th Gen Tacoma – Prepping for Stage 3 tuning with OTT

[Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning]

What’s going on everyone!


I wanted to share some details and first impressions on an upgraded replacement OEM turbo from turbokits.com that I’m installing on my 4th gen Tacoma as part of prepping for a Stage 3 tune from OTT.

The turbo kit for your 4th gen tacoma/6th gen 4Runner can be found here.

and here for those who need dont like links from a text

https://www.turbokits.com/2024-toyota-tacoma-2-4t-tk500-stage-3-hybrid-turbo-upgrade.html

This turbo is still OEM-based, so fitment remains factory-correct, but the quality difference is immediately apparent. The overall construction feels extremely stout and well-built, and it’s far more confidence-inspiring than the stock unit. Just holding it, you can tell it’s designed to support higher boost levels and sustained power without compromising reliability. It honestly feels great in hand and like a proper upgrade for anyone looking to push the platform further.

If you’re planning to do this swap, definitely don’t overlook the smaller install details when ordering parts. New gaskets are a must. I reached out to OTT directly and they provided a breakdown of what’s required, what’s recommended, and what’s optional. I decided to get the parts so I can replace everything while I'm in there. My mindset is that it’s cheap insurance and helps prevent leaks or issues once everything is buttoned back up. All the supporting parts (aside from the turbo itself) came from my local dealer, and I was into everything for under $300.

When it comes to tuning, this turbo really makes the most sense when paired with OTT. They were involved in helping develop this upgrade, so sticking with their calibration felt like the obvious choice. OTT is clearly at the forefront of Toyota tuning right now and, more importantly, they are the only certified Toyota tuner. That certification carries weight here — not just from a performance standpoint, but also for long-term reliability, safety, and proper ECU calibration on these newer platforms. Their Stage 3 tune is designed around supporting hardware like this upgraded turbo, which is why the combination works so well. I also really like that they offer their calibrations across multiple platforms: VF Tuner, HP Tuners, and now even as Cobb Pro Tuners. Truly hard to beat.

Overall, if you’re planning a Stage 3 build on a 4th gen Tacoma, this upgraded OEM turbo feels like an excellent foundation. Factory-level fitment, noticeably stronger construction, and a setup that works seamlessly with OTT’s tuning philosophy.


Happy to answer any questions and I’ll be sure to update once everything is installed and tuned.

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[tgrneal]

I'm new to tuning but when you say "I also really like that they offer their calibrations across multiple platforms: VF Tuner, HP Tuners, and now even as Cobb Pro Tuners", does this mean that Cobb has OTT and I can install the tune myself through Cobb instead getting someone to install for me? I looked at Cobb but I want the OTT tune. I want to go stage 3 but I'm worried that if the tune drops or resets or whatever I will have to wait for someone to retune my truck. Cobb sounds cool because they can send you the tune and you can tune your own truck and even try new configs/profiles. Does Cobb offer the OTT tune too?

Also the turbo is sick. Did you buy the extra parts from your local Toyota dealer? Is there an all-in-one kit we can buy to pair with the stage 3?

 

[lauren01]

@Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning can you post before and after sound clips or videos?
It’s possible I would be interested in this in the future as relates to enhanced performance, but I don’t want some loud obnoxious vehicle.

 

[Wife bought my 24 TRD]

Yes please, and how much was it. I could definitely use the power upgrade.

 

[gofastdan]

I'm assuming the turbo you purchased was this unit?

 

[Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning]

I'm new to tuning but when you say "I also really like that they offer their calibrations across multiple platforms: VF Tuner, HP Tuners, and now even as Cobb Pro Tuners", does this mean that Cobb has OTT and I can install the tune myself through Cobb instead getting someone to install for me? I looked at Cobb but I want the OTT tune. I want to go stage 3 but I'm worried that if the tune drops or resets or whatever I will have to wait for someone to retune my truck. Cobb sounds cool because they can send you the tune and you can tune your own truck and even try new configs/profiles. Does Cobb offer the OTT tune too?

Also the turbo is sick. Did you buy the extra parts from your local Toyota dealer? Is there an all-in-one kit we can buy to pair with the stage 3?

What you said is partially correct.

OTT has Cobb AP's and you purchase them directly from a local retailer like myself or through OTT directly (same price from both of us) and you will receive the device with a base map on it. You can also opt to pay a little bit more for a stage 1 OTT tune, or have a custom tune done with logs for an additional cost.

The tune doesn't "drop". Once it's on there, it's there. This is unless the dealer was to perform a new TSB, or replace your ECU for whatever reason.

You have to get OTT tune from OTT. Not Cobb. You can get Cobb Accessport from OTT, but not OTT from Cobb themselves.

I hope that makes sense.


Yes, in the post I stated I got all of the parts from my local toyota parts department. There isn't an all in one kit per say, but its not a huge list of things needed.

 

[Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning]

@Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning can you post before and after sound clips or videos?
It’s possible I would be interested in this in the future as relates to enhanced performance, but I don’t want some loud obnoxious vehicle.

I can. I don't foresee it being something crazy loud as long as you keep your normal intakes. I will be doing an upgraded downpipe as well which is needed so your experience may vary.

I also have the TRD exhaust so it might be a little different depending on your vehicle type.

 

[lauren01]

I can. I don't foresee it being something crazy loud as long as you keep your normal intakes. I will be doing an upgraded downpipe as well which is needed so your experience may vary.

I also have the TRD exhaust so it might be a little different depending on your vehicle type.

cool. I have a stock Trailhunter.

 

[Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning]

Yes please, and how much was it. I could definitely use the power upgrade.

I'm assuming the turbo you purchased was this unit?

The unit that is linked here is the one you will need. You get refunded your core charge when you send your OEM turbo in. The shipping was insanely fast, and the unit came very well protected.

You will also need a tune from OTT (@JustDSM) to pair with the upgrade.

 

[tacorancher]

How much power ?

 

[Big Dawgs Toyota Tuning]

How much power ?

With supporting mods that’s tbd

 

[Will721]

Depends on how smart you are and whether they detect a tune after it's been flashed to factory. There was a guy who ran a local drag strip near me in end of the triton years. He ran a mustang with a Whipple, complete top end, and tune. He would run his car on the street/strip till the driveline started to show fatigue, then hed put it back to stock and he'd trade it in for another. Probably went through 5 or so cars in the couple years I was hanging around that group. Still had a "warranty" the entire time since he'd do his own maintenance too so the dealer never seen the car till trade in time.

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