Everything You Need To Know About The OTT Experience
Our family previously had a 2016 Tacoma Access Cab and an older Tacoma. Whenever my wife drove the former, she asked, “Is something wrong with your transmission or the engine?” Anyone with a 3rd Gen knows exactly what she’s talking about: gear hunting, cruise control, shooting your RPMs to redline going uphill, and holding it far too long. Plus, there’s that mushy feeling throttle.
We recently sold both trucks and bought a 3rd Gen Double Cab as a daily family hauler. With the proceeds we kept from selling our two trucks, we had $3k left over to get our ‘new to us’ truck to our liking and to meet our needs. We needed tires, some load bearing for the bed, protection underneath, and, most importantly, fix that gear-hunting!
We knew forced induction would be a solid option, but it was too cost-prohibitive. Plus, it wouldn’t fix the gear hunting. So, we did a little research and found throttle controllers. However, as a former owner of a modified WRX, I knew there was no substitute for remapping the ECU.
Then, I came across Overland Tailor Tune (OTT). I know you can’t get too much extra from a naturally aspirated engine with a remap, so I was shocked when I read all the rave reviews online.
Prices start from around $400-500 and can increase for trucks with forced induction, but you’ll have to talk with your local tuner for specifics.
What Is It?
OTT is a CARB-certified Engine and Transmission tune for various model years of Tacomas, Tundras, FJs, and 4Runners. They also offer different versions for forced induction. Since we didn’t have thousands of dollars for a supercharger, we won’t be reviewing that here.
They utilize a network of local tuners across the country that are experienced and trained to deliver a consistent experience no matter where you are.
Claims
Their website makes several claims and offers customization options depending on your truck’s setup. Among the items they highlight are customizations for re-gearing, manual transmissions, and AGM batteries. I suggest you check their website to learn what might be applicable to your rig.
The primary draw for us was the claim that their tune offers “linear and predictable acceleration and shifting” and produces “power and torque where it’s needed most.” This targets the low and mid-range powerband.
The tunes come in several “flavors” (Light, Mild, Medium, and Spicy) with increasing throttle sensitivity. Clever word play for our Tacos.
Our Experience
Using the links on their website, I found a local tech, Nick from Cemented Tuning. He frequented my corner of the world (PNW).
Nick suggested we start with the Light/Mild, given how I described our driving habits and taking into account the added weight (a lightweight aluminum camper shell). We were also on stock-size tires. The Light is the base setting, and Mild is activated only when the ECT PWR button is pressed.
Nick patiently waited while I took a 10-minute test drive around a mix of local roads to get a feel for the throttle sensitivity. I felt his advice was spot on regarding which flavor to pick. I immediately noticed the improvements in shifts and the smooth delivery of power. The truck was more responsive, and the power came on quicker. OTT has published dyno results that show marginal power gains, but it feels much more significant than what’s on paper.
In the parking lot, I felt like the Mild setting was a little too sensitive, but I quickly got used to it.
Cruising up the big hill on my way home, I was struck by how little input the truck needed to maintain speed. This was quite surprising, given its usual tendency to downshift suddenly.
Road Tripping With OTT
Since we got the tune, we’ve gone on two road trips to visit family. It’s been a pleasure to drive; it really does feel like a new vehicle. My wife, not being the car enthusiast I am, was so impressed she thought I went to the dealership to get the truck ‘fixed’.
We ran the truck in Light mode and got ~18mpg, a little more than we had been seeing on average since we got the truck two months prior. On both trips, we were loaded with ~200 lbs. in the bed, plus two adults and a big ‘ol baby.
Final Thoughts
We are both very happy with the results! Our MPGs are the same, if not better, and our throttle response, transmission, and cruise control have been massively improved. Gone are the mushy throttle and hard downshifts. Now, there’s quickness off a dead stop and torque and power delivered when and how you expect.
If you’re like us and wish your Tacoma had a more low-end response and smoother transmission shifts, this is the mod for you. Getting an exhaust, intake, etc., on your truck might make it sound like it’s got more under the hood, but you won’t be nearly as happy compared to a tune. Plus, if we add more weight or bigger tires, we can easily select a different setting by pressing the ECT button or calling our local tuner for free adjustments.
And, not to beat a dead horse, but it should have come out of the factory like this!
