VF Tuner ECU/TCU Tuning for the GX550 (6 Viewers)

[VF Tuner]

Yes that is the best way to think of it. Our tune = the new "tune from Lexus". The car acts just like it normally would, but with more power everywhere.

The problem with making map switching by the dials / in cabin options is that lets say someone wants "eco" to be 87 octane tune and "sport" to be their 93.
What happens if they swap to sport and still have 87 in the tank because they forgot?
not good.

 

[rocksallday]

So here's where I think things get messy -
I understand octane / performance tunes that modify potential engine output.
But the Lexus modes affect more than just engine and shift points-
they affect gas pedal response, steering response, suspension damping, AC eco mode and trailer break controller (and rear sensors).
Which means, when I want Eco I want the car to be in Eco mode, not just the MPG engine tune, and when I want Tow or Sport, I also want the car to be in those modes, not just the engine tune. This makes sure the suspension, steering, AC and trailer breaking are also behaving properly.
I mean I don't expect to see faults or anything, but if I'm in the Tow tune in Comfort mode, I think there's no output to the trailer break controller, so I really need to be in Tow mode while in Tow tune.
And I want the stiffer suspension in Sport mode and the Eco AC in Eco mode, so I really do expect the Lexus mode to be aligned with the 'tune' mode.
So now I'm wondering if the VF tune shift points are calibrated assuming the Lexus mode is also adjusted accordingly, or not.

I totally agree with what VF said that changing octane shouldn't be tied to a Lexus mode. The Lexus mode always resets to Normal/Eco what starting. It can get really messy if the mode also changes the Octane.

 

[Ctprelude]

So here's where I think things get messy -
I understand octane / performance tunes that modify potential engine output.
But the Lexus modes affect more than just engine and shift points-
they affect gas pedal response, steering response, suspension damping, AC eco mode and trailer break controller (and rear sensors).
Which means, when I want Eco I want the car to be in Eco mode, not just the MPG engine tune, and when I want Tow or Sport, I also want the car to be in those modes, not just the engine tune. This makes sure the suspension, steering, AC and trailer breaking are also behaving properly.
I mean I don't expect to see faults or anything, but if I'm in the Tow tune in Comfort mode, I think there's no output to the trailer break controller, so I really need to be in Tow mode while in Tow tune.
And I want the stiffer suspension in Sport mode and the Eco AC in Eco mode, so I really do expect the Lexus mode to be aligned with the 'tune' mode.
So now I'm wondering if the VF tune shift points are calibrated assuming the Lexus mode is also adjusted accordingly, or not.

I totally agree with what VF said that changing octane shouldn't be tied to a Lexus mode. The Lexus mode always resets to Normal/Eco what starting. It can get really messy if the mode also changes the Octane.

I think that's why he was saying they are leaning away from using the drive mode selector as any sort of switch between tunes/maps. As you said, the purpose of those is more changing response/shift points/steering/suspension, so I don't think anyone would want to ultimately mess with that if it's possible to just designate some other button to do the same thing and then still be able to adjust the other ride parameters however you like.

 

[Ctprelude]

Also I finally received my CAN connector and flashed yesterday with no issues after I had a couple clarifying questions answered. I did the 91 with trans tune since we don't have 93 locally and initial impression is I feel it's difficult to notice a huge difference in performance. I do think it feels like there is now a quick surge of power that wasn't there before higher up in the RPM range, but not sure I can really tell down lower. I'll need to do a lot more driving though to really tell for sure.

I have also been using a Banks Pedal Monster for multiple months at this point prior to the tune and have left it at the same setting and seems to still be about perfect for me. I'd highly recommend it for anyone that really likes their vehicle to respond quickly to throttle input.

 

[rocksallday]

I think that's why he was saying they are leaning away from using the drive mode selector as any sort of switch between tunes/maps. As you said, the purpose of those is more changing response/shift points/steering/suspension, so I don't think anyone would want to ultimately mess with that if it's possible to just designate some other button to do the same thing and then still be able to adjust the other ride parameters however you like.

so to (hopefully) close the issue - I assume the Tow tune would have the correct shift points such that it works best when the car is in Tow mode and the MPG tune would have the correct shift points such that it works best when the car is in Eco mode, which brings us to the Performance tune - should it be calibrated to have the best shift points when in Normal or when in Sport mode?