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This thread was created to provide information regarding tuning products that are available for the 8AR-FTS (4 cylinder turbocharged) motor available in the Lexus IS200t,RC200t,GS200t & NX200t. For the 2018 MY they have dropped the "200t" and are now renamed "300". The 2 most popular tuning options that's currently available for our motor.
ECU reflash- "An ECU reflash or remap works by altering the software inside the ECU – a vehicle’s on board computer that’s responsible for controlling vital engine functions including ignition timing, fuelling and boost pressure. "
Tuning box- "Tuning boxes work in a different way – essentially overruling the ECU and tricking it into increasing engine performance. Fitted between the engine sensors and the actuator, a tuning box sits down the line from the ECU, and alters the data that the ECU receives and sends to the engine"
From my personal experience with both tuning systems.
ECU reflash Pros- Makes power than tuning box, throttle delay is improved, ECU limitations are bypassed & it can be returned to stock with ECU tools. Cons- More costly, if not loaded properly it can cause ECU damage, can be detected by dealer if they need to read your ECU, tuned program cannot be sold & is more complex to install.
Tuning box Pros- Makes good power gains over stock, resonably priced, easy to install (plug and play), leaves no traces on the ECU & can be re-sold. Cons- Less peak power gains than re-flash, doesn't help with throttle delay issue and doesn't remove ECU limitations set by manufacturer.
These are actual results from my testing.
All dyno runs were done on 93oct fuel.
Modifications
OEM & Stage 1- K&N drop in filter.
Stage 2- HPS intake tube w K&N drop in filter and TTI sports catalyst down pipe.
I get a lot of inquires/concerns about the low hp/tq gains of these tunes, but they always look at the "peak" and not the actual graph.
For example-
Between OEM tune and Stage 2 theres a +19.45whp/+24.26wtq peak difference in power, but the graph shows the powerband at 4500rpm (232.68-202.12) +30.56whp (271.65-235.98) +35.67wtq. Even if the peak numbers are not greatly impacted, the power gain throughout the powerband (rpm range) will move the car faster from point A to B therefore making the vehicle's acceleration faster.
This plug and play tuner attaches to easy to access sensors in your Lexus engine bay and works with your factory DME tuning to remap your boost, timing, and fueling for optimal performance and reduced turbo lag. It features a 64mhz processor allowing sensors to be sampled 800 times per second using dedicated 10 bit digital to analog converters, ensuring smooth and powerful performance.
For the IS200t power gains are up to 45 crank horsepower and up to 45 crank torque over stock, at the default +4psi setting. With race gas or E85 mixtures higher power gains are possible. Boost is adjustable using a BMS Data Cable or Bluetooth adapter.
Installation is very discrete and it quickly removes without a trace when needed. Fuel economy during normal driving is unchanged.
• Increases horsepower/torque making your Lexus faster
• Plug and play installation to easy to access plugs
• Factory quality wiring and connections
• Fuel economy is unchanged during normal driving
• Boost can be adjusted using BMS data cable/bluetooth adapter with either a laptop or smart phone.
• Removes without a trace
• Compatible with all driving modes
• Made in USA
In your opinion, what are the PROs and CONs of each?
Will your car still work with the ODB-II with the Reflash ECU? Is it easy to reverse back to OEM if reallllly needed (thinking warranty claim here). Thanks.
Loving all the research you keep putting in!
prob best choice for us ca guys (and gals) is to put a box on, so there can be easy removal if nec.
would love to do the down pipe though! That looks to unleash a bit more power! Wouldn't want to remove for smog test though.
Keep us westcoasters in the people's republic of ca in mind while you do your thing. We appreciate all of your hard work even if we can't always benefit.
thanks again for the toms box, makes driving the trucklet more fun!
looking forward to the next new thing.
TTI Motorsports is proud to announce the following products and pricing list.
Stage 1 - $799.99 ECU tune with tools.
Stage 1 + TCM tune - $999.99 with tools.
Stage 2 - $949.99 ECU tune with tools.
Stage 2 + TCM tune - $1149.99 with tools.
All transactions will be done via Paypal.
The tools are necessary for the reading/writing of the tune into your ECU and can be used to revert to stock as well as for those wanting to upgrade from Stage 1 to Stage 2. For customers not wanting to keep the tools, they can return them to TTI within 7 days of installation and we will refund $200 back to your Paypal account.
All prices are subject to change without prior notice. Please email for current prices and availability of products. We reserve the right to discontinue products as necessary because of quality, durability, price or other reasons. All pricing is in US Dollar for the USA market only
Loving all the research you keep putting in!
prob best choice for us ca guys (and gals) is to put a box on, so there can be easy removal if nec.
would love to do the down pipe though! That looks to unleash a bit more power! Wouldn't want to remove for smog test though.
Keep us westcoasters in the people's republic of ca in mind while you do your thing. We appreciate all of your hard work even if we can't always benefit.
thanks again for the toms box, makes driving the trucklet more fun!
looking forward to the next new thing.
No problem, glad its working out for you! Yes the Republic of California got the bad end of the stick when it comes to modifying but, the ECU reflash is reversible so that can be an option as well.
Originally Posted by Hubs
Any data on 0-60 and 1/4 times with these tunes?
No sorry, theres no actual testing on that sort of data. Its pretty much engine power output as of now.
I've been reading your thread on the IS performance page and love what you've done there. Thank you for posting the summary on the NX page as well!
Any chance you know what's going on with Orange Virus Tuning? The link doesn't work and the tuning packages for the IS and NX have been removed from the revamped website.
I've been reading your thread on the IS performance page and love what you've done there. Thank you for posting the summary on the NX page as well!
Any chance you know what's going on with Orange Virus Tuning? The link doesn't work and the tuning packages for the IS and NX have been removed from the revamped website.
No problem
I spoke to OV a couple days ago and they are still finalizing the tune to achieve maximum gains. They do have the alpha tune available for purchase and once they are done with testing they will send the update.
That's a relief. I was thinking they may have found a problem with the NX ECU and couldn't do the reflash anymore. Hopefully the tune doesn't increase just maximum gains but driveability as well. I doubt NX owners are looking for just top-end power.
Since you had both the TOM'S piggyback and the TTI reflash, how would you compare the two? Looking at the dynosheets provided, it looks like the only significant difference is the reflash keeps improving over stock from 4K to redline. Whereas the TOM'S just gives a bump from 3300RPM to 5K RPM.
NX200t tuning list
