Apexi Smart Accel - Install and Review
06-08-17, 09:11 AM
#31
Lexus Champion
Flip a coin? Haha jk. IMO, I would do this mod first because it really transforms the car and very easy to install. Fogs are really just cosmetic and definitely will be more difficult/take more time to install.
06-14-17, 05:54 PM
#34
Driver School Candidate
Nice setup there, dchar. I have a couple questions for you (and anyone else who installed this already).
1) You said in a previous post that you didn't have to remove any panels to install this. But from your pic, it looks like a pretty clean install with minimal wires showing? How did you achieve that without removing any panels?
2) Was there an open slot that you used to mount the Apex-i button? Or did you use some kind of adhesive?
3) Did you also wire up the reverse gear harness? If not, was there any unexpected consequences of not doing so?
4) You also mentioned in a previous post that the unit will reset if you press on the accelerator passed the detent? Was this possibly because when you originally calibrated it, you didn't press it passed the detent?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my noob questions :-)
1) You said in a previous post that you didn't have to remove any panels to install this. But from your pic, it looks like a pretty clean install with minimal wires showing? How did you achieve that without removing any panels?
2) Was there an open slot that you used to mount the Apex-i button? Or did you use some kind of adhesive?
3) Did you also wire up the reverse gear harness? If not, was there any unexpected consequences of not doing so?
4) You also mentioned in a previous post that the unit will reset if you press on the accelerator passed the detent? Was this possibly because when you originally calibrated it, you didn't press it passed the detent?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my noob questions :-)
06-14-17, 06:25 PM
#35
Lexus Champion
Nice setup there, dchar. I have a couple questions for you (and anyone else who installed this already).
1) You said in a previous post that you didn't have to remove any panels to install this. But from your pic, it looks like a pretty clean install with minimal wires showing? How did you achieve that without removing any panels?
2) Was there an open slot that you used to mount the Apex-i button? Or did you use some kind of adhesive?
3) Did you also wire up the reverse gear harness? If not, was there any unexpected consequences of not doing so?
4) You also mentioned in a previous post that the unit will reset if you press on the accelerator passed the detent? Was this possibly because when you originally calibrated it, you didn't press it passed the detent?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my noob questions :-)
1) You said in a previous post that you didn't have to remove any panels to install this. But from your pic, it looks like a pretty clean install with minimal wires showing? How did you achieve that without removing any panels?
2) Was there an open slot that you used to mount the Apex-i button? Or did you use some kind of adhesive?
3) Did you also wire up the reverse gear harness? If not, was there any unexpected consequences of not doing so?
4) You also mentioned in a previous post that the unit will reset if you press on the accelerator passed the detent? Was this possibly because when you originally calibrated it, you didn't press it passed the detent?
Thanks for taking the time to answer my noob questions :-)
2) No open slots available. Just taped the end of the wire to a long chopstick and ran it through the hole for the steering column to connect to the unit in the footwell area. Then just used the included adhesive to attach the button to the space as shown.
3) Didn't bother with reverse gear harness. Tried applying the throttle in reverse in purple and red mode and it didn't seem that crazy to me. No consequences for not hooking it up. Some people are worried about car reversing too quickly if they have it in a Boost mode and apply some throttle in reverse.
4) Pressing the throttle past the detent will program that as hi-throttle and prevent the controller from resetting when you go full throttle.
Last edited by dchar; 07-01-17 at 10:52 AM.
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GSTreFive0 (06-14-17)
07-01-17, 06:47 AM
#36
OK installation really is easy, people were right. It was really intimidating at first but just read the instructions and posts on the forum. All you do is basically take out the throttle sensor cord, add the apexi to it, and plug it back in, and program the apexi which takes literally a minute.
07-01-17, 07:51 AM
#37
I installed this but I don't seem to notice much difference. I drove afterwards and switched through the modes and obviously I felt the difference between modes but nothing significant like other users said they experienced. Idk maybe I calibrated it wrong but I don't think so, everything is working the way its supposed to, lights blink, etc
01-16-20, 12:46 AM
#39
Driver School Candidate
It really bothered me that there was such a lag in trottle response. I'm used to instant response so I went ahead and ordered the Apexi Smart Accel.
You need PN# 410-A001 and 417-A021 (specific for 2013 GS350).
Here is a pic of the components:
Attachment 462417
Here is a close-up of the switch:
Installation was quite easy. The hardest part for me was getting the wire harness off of the accelerator pedal. You need some strong fingers to get the latch open. Essentially, this goes inline with the pedal. OEM wire harness - Apexi box - accelerator pedal. Anyways, here is a pic of the pedal harness:
Attachment 462418
I ran the switch over to the left hand side of the dash. You need to take the bottom bezel and radio bezel to order to get the upper cover off. I hope that makes sense but here is a pic of where the Apexi switch will live:
Attachment 462419
After everything is put back together there is an initial setup step where you need to program the Apexi with closed and WOT position. Very easy to setup.
Here is a pic of the switch lit up:
Attachment 462420
There are 7 modes to this controller ECO, Boost and Low-High throttle. I played with all modes and ultimately I'm sticking with Boost mode 2. I dont think I'll ever use the ECO modes. When you hit the pedal now there is instant response which I'm used to experiencing. I recommend this to anyone who wants quicker throttle response!.
You need PN# 410-A001 and 417-A021 (specific for 2013 GS350).
Here is a pic of the components:
Attachment 462417
Here is a close-up of the switch:
Installation was quite easy. The hardest part for me was getting the wire harness off of the accelerator pedal. You need some strong fingers to get the latch open. Essentially, this goes inline with the pedal. OEM wire harness - Apexi box - accelerator pedal. Anyways, here is a pic of the pedal harness:
Attachment 462418
I ran the switch over to the left hand side of the dash. You need to take the bottom bezel and radio bezel to order to get the upper cover off. I hope that makes sense but here is a pic of where the Apexi switch will live:
Attachment 462419
After everything is put back together there is an initial setup step where you need to program the Apexi with closed and WOT position. Very easy to setup.
Here is a pic of the switch lit up:
Attachment 462420
There are 7 modes to this controller ECO, Boost and Low-High throttle. I played with all modes and ultimately I'm sticking with Boost mode 2. I dont think I'll ever use the ECO modes. When you hit the pedal now there is instant response which I'm used to experiencing. I recommend this to anyone who wants quicker throttle response!.
Stupid Q but would that part number work on ‘14 F-Sport AWD?
Last edited by 2kRandy; 01-16-20 at 12:47 AM. Reason: Spelling
01-16-20, 08:50 AM
#40
01-16-20, 09:35 AM
#41
Driver School Candidate
01-16-20, 12:09 PM
#42
I actually like that this post has been brought to the top - throttle controller is on my spring to-do list and this made me realize it won't be long till that time comes! wooo
The following users liked this post:
Farizzl3 (02-04-20)
01-16-20, 02:53 PM
#43
01-16-20, 04:50 PM
#44
For you guys using this eventually your going to destroy the accelerator sensor from the increased voltage from the throttle controller. See this thread the dealership confirmed the damage was from the apexi throttle controller and cost him $900 to fix.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ler-issue.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ler-issue.html
Last edited by peasodos; 01-17-20 at 04:51 PM.
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Im2bz2p345 (01-16-20),
jonathancl (01-17-20)
01-17-20, 04:47 PM
#45
Bizzare. For example a 1-10v analog sensor will turn the input into a 8-10-12 bit or whatever integer used to drive an output. Giving it 11v won't automatically make the output drive further, unless specifically programmed to.
In this case the throttle controller is either working within parameters doing nothing your right foot couldn't do, or creating an overvoltage event - damaging your vehicle. Given how expensive parts are, why risk it? There is literally nothing to gain.
In this case the throttle controller is either working within parameters doing nothing your right foot couldn't do, or creating an overvoltage event - damaging your vehicle. Given how expensive parts are, why risk it? There is literally nothing to gain.
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KingNasGS4
2Gen GS430 / 400/ 300 Classifieds (98-05)
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