Has anyone completed engine and gearbox tune using VF Tuner and Loi tune? I see a lot of excitment on the IS500 thread, but not much info regarding LC500 (perhaps it's a user error). What is your feedback?

 

To my understanding he only provides it up thru 2021 model year. I don't know anyone with a more recent model year having done it.

 

I contacted him yesterday and he confirmed that 2024 ECU can be unlocked as well by VF Tuner (needs to be sent in). Based on IS500 thread, I assume that tune improves HP (~25HP-30HP gain) , makes throttle more responsive (can be done with throttle controller). The gearbox tune is also available and I am very curios about the impact of this combination on driving experience from anyone who has done it. I dont know if IS500 gearbox tune applies to LC since it's different.

 

Don’t tunes work better with headers? It seems like whenever someone mentions they have a tune, they've done some bolt-ons first.

 

That's good to know! I may consider doing so after I do headers to try and maximize the gain at that point. Not really keen on sending the ECU though, would much rather if someone else would and then I can just buy the tune after LOL

 

Having worked on all kinds of engines for 50 years, I just don't see some 3rd party software tuning making much difference on a NA engine. I love my LC and having the throttle controler installed is all I need to make the car a bit better.

 

If history has told us anything, it's that tuning the Lexus ecu just isn't happening. And I'm talking about a real tune, not some kid's box of rice krispies that can snap, crackle, and pop.

If it was reliable, effective, and feasible then multiple companies would be doing it, cashing in, and opening up forced induction options.
If the IS300: arguably the most popular tuner car Lexus ever made still doesn't have a real tune... that should sum it up.

Would it be great if someone can? Sure! Buuuuuttttt... I've seen this movie for over 20 years and the ending hasn't changed

 

I have the tune, and can confirm my experience is positive with it. I do not have raw numbers however, so it is really a feel. I have only done the ECU tune so far as the TCU was not available when I purchased, however Loi sent me through the TCU file as well.

I thought it well worth it, the speed limit is now gone and the car is definitely much faster and more lively. Need to use ~100 octane when possible as that's what he tunes with and this was only a remote tune. When I get the chance I will try the TCU as well and see what it has to offer.

 

VF tuner already cracked most of the Lexus ECUs, theres a few they need to verify software on to unlock. They have been tuning the RCF/GSF/ISF for awhile now... Hell they already have tunes for the 2022+ Tundra and 2024+ GX550, so they are making alot of progress.

 

Hey there - just chiming in to share my $.02

Echoing what @Charedj mentioned, I have had Loi work on my tune and it has been nothing but outstanding. My 2021 is fairly modified (intake, headers, full exhaust w/ e85 tune) and aside from the overall power increase with the mods, what I love is the no loss in power at lower RPMs. When shifting gears, the power feels very linear which makes the car feel lighter and much more lively.

Car made (on a heartbreak dyno which typically reads 8% lower) 451hp and 417 tq

Hope that helps!

 

Thanks, very helpful!
451hp - assuming it's on wheels. Will the car still run on 93 octane regular gas with the E85 tune? Do you mind posting the parts list with links or names/part numbers if you still have them?

Considering that LC500 engine is 471hp, but on the dyno it shows ~390hp on wheels, that's about 17% hp transfer loss.
Loui tune shows 451hp on wheels with stage 2 mods, that translates to about 15.5% HP increase over stock, or ~522hp on the crank.

If the overall cost per HP gain stays within $50-70 territory, then it’s something worth considering.

 

My car was the first LC tuned by Loi. I had his tune on my RCF as well. I had a thread on this a while back, but the tune has been great overall and I’ve been running e85 since Dec 2022. 91 Oct tune didn’t have enough gains, but e85 made a big difference on a mostly stock car. After I get headers I’ll do another dyno.
here’s the video for the 91 octane tune.
it’s not too hard to switch back to pump gas from e85. If you don’t have an e85 station nearby you can still fill up 91-93 but likely the CEL will turn on and go into partial limp mode. You can clear that when you’re home and it’ll be fine once you get ethanol content back up to around 75. You could also flash back your stock tune and be fine filling 91-93 without a CEL and limp mode.