Advice on Diesel Tuning

[KaizerChief Moderated member Find all posts View Profile Close KaizerChief]

Hi all,

My first post.

I have a 2021 GXL Prado. It feels a bit sluggish at times.

I have the option for Diesel tuning at around $1890 with the possible 20% better performance.

Anyone have experience with this or recommend for or against? Any issues with Toyota servicing after?

Thanks
Ash

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Personally I would not modify while under warranty simply because it is to easy for electronic modifications to be traced.

As to a possible 20% increase, 150kw to 180kw, I would be asking exactly how they are obtaining that increase and what warranty they offer and is any warranty guaranteed to be honoured. If they are simply increasing a few injection quantity points, durations and timing then smoothing out the map without actually testing fully across the rpm window under various load cases, multiple ambient temp & humidity scenarios as well as testing with low quality fuel I would walk away.

I have had direct contact with diesel engine designers over the last 20 years and seen the amount of testing they do to ensure a good result long term, yes the standard tune is conservative but with all the possible variables that is necessary. If one accepts that bumping the power of a engine is risky and will reduce engine life and reliability by all means do it.

Lee

[gunda Member Find all posts View Profile Close gunda]

If your concern is sluggishness, my suggestion is that you try an electronic throttle connttoller first. It won't make the engine any more powerful, but it will make it seem like it. The vehicle is much more responsive, so that you can access the existing power much more quickly. Even on a Kakadu with Sports mode it was a game changer, esp when towing.

[gxl_d4d Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close gxl_d4d]

Agreed. A remap will improve response a little, mainly due to more low down torque increase and removing or increasing torque limits in lower gears.

If your concern is sluggishness, my suggestion is that you try an electronic throttle connttoller first. It won't make the engine any more powerful, but it will make it seem like it. The vehicle is much more responsive, so that you can access the existing power much more quickly. Even on a Kakadu with Sports mode it was a game changer, esp when towing.

[Brisbane4101 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Brisbane4101]

There were some posts on here about people reporting slightly sluggish Prados, and some bulletins from Toyota, I have a 2022, and at the next service will be asking them about installing the software updates, to see if that helps.
Not sure if they apply to your model

HIGH SPEED HESITATION DURING LIGHT ACCELERATION TTNF-00991-2022.html 01/07/2022
HESITATION / DOWNSHIFT DELAY DURING ACCELERATION TTNF-00926-2022.html 24/06/2022

[Brisbane4101 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Brisbane4101]

Well, I don't know if it is my imagination, but I had a service last week, asked them to update to the software for the two above (which they did, explaining they don't generally update the ecu software unless requested for by the customer), and when I picked the Prado up ,it seems a lot more 'lively' in acceleration, both from take off and normal driving and then accelerating.

If you have a 2022 prado, I suggest asking for the ecu to be updated, and see if you notice any difference (I have).