Frequently Asked Questions

We are currently only supporting calibrations and tuning for the following Toyota ®  vehicles:

2016-2023 Tacoma 3.5L V6 (AT/MT)
2005-2015 Tacoma 4.0L V6 (AT/MT)
2010-2023 4Runner (most trims)

2008-2021 Land Cruiser (limited ECUs currently)

2007-2014 FJ  (limited ECUs currently)

We directly license our tuning platform from OVTune (VFTuner) who is not like other tuning companies. They don't throw a car on a dyno, find power, call it a day, and that's that. Every vehicle they design calibrations for they purchase, do extensive, sometimes year long rounds of development and testing, then they release support. They're ensure with their own R&D Vehicles, that what is provided is safe, efficient, and delivers.

In some cases, simply finding horsepower and torque is not the ultimate goal of a calibration. They seek out to find and fix any potential bugs, issues, or simply less than desirable traits of OEM calibrations. This includes things like throttle response, transmission shifting, and other beneficial parts of a complete calibration. 

What they provide to us is a improved 'patched' version of a base tune file where we in turn can further tweak and modify the calibrations for various conditions and drivability improvements via the KDMAX Tuning Group.  We are a group of independent business across the country who provide KDMAX Pro tunes, share feedback from owners, and who work together on making our services better every day.  Width thousands of trucks on the road with KDMAX tunes, and the KDMAX Pro release in Dec 2021, you be be sure we are always listening and ready to refine the calibrations as the platform grows.

• Improved drivability, especially at lower speeds
• Enhanced/smoother shift points and reduced gear hunting
• Reduced Lag
• Linear power curve
• Increased throttle sensitivity options

Please refer to our Services page for the most up-to-date pricing and service options.

Further details can be provide but in general:

• Review owner needs (consider throttle options)
• Assess vehicle health (including mileage/batt/current ECU calibration)
• Connect power supply to maintain constant voltage during flash process
• VIN is unlocked on the VFTuner platform for use
• Update to latest factory TSB (if needed) and cycle start
• Apply custom KDMAX Pro tune and cycle start with idle
• You test drive keeping in mind some of the tips we provide to expect and how to maximize your testing.
• Post test drive review to determine if throttle is good or if a quick adjustment is needed.  NOTE: future adjustments to the throttle can be done in the days, weeks, months ahead for the same tune version without cost

We work with you, the owner, by providing all services and tools with upfront pricing.  No nickel and dimes or hidden fees.  We just require your permission, your keys during the process, and your payment after test drive when you are 100% satisfied with the outcome.

Last revised in Dec '21, the latest tune offerings provide:
 

• Improved Power & Torque - Get off the line like your expect! 
• Smooth predictable shifting - adjustments to each shift point and torque converter logic  
• Throttle - three throttle choices exist to suit your driving style and build of your vehicle. Heavier = higher throttle adjustment to retain sporty feel.
• Support for 35"+ tires
• Support for 4.88/5.29  regearing
• Alternator output support for recommended AGM voltage to keep your upgraded battery charged properly
• Dual tune-like settings mapped to your ECT button for autos

The KDMAX tunes (and the VFTuner platform they are build from) are tested on our own vehicles! This can mean months of testing before we even get updates to utilize for our custom calibrations.

No, the KDMAX Pro tunes cannot alter the speedometer/odometer. There are other aftermarket options available and we can certainly help provide full service to purchase, install, and calibrate such a device.  Please see our Services page for more information. 

The tunes do not modify the OEM ID that is displayed when scanned. This means it reports back as the "stock" calibration would using the standard Toyota calibration tools.

No, the KDMAX tune is written to the vehicle and will remain in place until the ECU is replaced and/or the calibration is overwritten.

If any prior customer every takes their vehicle into the dealer and has their ECU updated for some factory update we will need to reflash the custom tune to re-apply. This is at no cost to you, we just need to coordinate the visit.

While the platform and calibrations are developed for off road and competition use, we have never been informed of any warranty concerns.

Should you every have a concern after tuning we provide free reversions to stock for all our customers.  To date this has never been needed for any engine/transmission related warranty concern.

Like any aftermarket or modification, if it is proven to be the cause of a fault then your warranty could be voided. But, just because a tune is on the vehicle does not mean it is voided. 

The tuning platform we use (VFTuner) indicates that any tunes produce can at no time be used on any emissions control vehicle that is used for anything other than off-road performance or competition use. ALL Ecu tunes, Calibrations, flashes, files, datalogs, or anything in regard to the tune, tuning process, changes, are for OFF-ROAD USE. 

OUR TUNES AND FILES CANNOT BE USED IN ANY WAY TO CIRCUMVENT EMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS WHERE YOU LIVE FOR ANY REASON. THIS REGARDS ALL ENGINES, ALL ECUS, ALL FILES REGARDLESS OF CAR, MAKE, MODEL ETC. THE SERVICE CHARGE FOR TUNING IS SPECIFICALLY FOR YOUR ECU FOR TRACK AND OFF ROAD CONDITIONS ONLY. 

- Any files or calibrations are developed only for the exact vehicle and drivetrain that it comes with from the factory.

- Calibrations do not modify or disable any emissions check, component, monitor

- calibrations cannot be modified to disable any reporting component

- calibrations cannot be modified or used for any vehicle except for the intended vehicle, exact ECM, and specifications that came from factory.

While we recommend you come to our location is Suffolk, VA we also service the greater Virginia area.  Events occur each month based on interest owner requests. We regularly travel among the following other areas in Virginia:

Suffolk
Virginia Beach
Richmond

Charlottesville
Fredericksburg

Lynchburg

Roanoke

If you are interested in our services and are not in reasonable driving distance to one of these areas then please let us know. For those of you in northern Virginia and bordering states, we may have a fellow KDMAX Tuning Group member who can better assist you and we can help make that connection happen!

No, and for that reason at this time the calibrations cannot alter the shift points and throttle settings while Adaptive (Radar) Cruise Control is enabled. While engaged, your vehicle will still function with factory settings (untuned)

Of you hold the cruise control button down for 3-5 seconds you will enter the Regular (Constant Speed) Cruise Control  mode. This mode has our updated KDMAX Pro settings.

We have word that an update to our tuning platform (VFTuner) is coming that will allow some level of access to improve the adaptive cruise shift/throttle mappings. Release data is TBD.

Yes, we are licensed "VFTuner Pro" users which means we agree to all software agreements to use VFTuner which includes ensuring we run the latest software, properly unlock your VIN at the time of flashing, and that we are an established business in the state of Virginia that operates professionally to serve you.