Originally Posted by GSiGuy

I've had the D3 tuner for at least a year+ by now and have run my car with a combination of 95 and 98RON. In Singapore, that translates to 91 and 94 octane respectively.

Before I got the tuner I did ask Dinesh from D3 if this is a problem (with lower octane fuel) and he says 'no' cos the ECU will detect and retard accordingly. This is a comfort as there is a big price difference between 95RON and 98RON here. So far I do not see any issues except that the car does feel like it pulls harder with 98RON.

As to your next post, my Tuner is currently at D3 as it did not work when I last plugged it in (I usually keep it off the car) and they found that there was a problem with the OBD cable. They will be sending it back to me, so I asked them to load Stage 2 in (I run a HPS charge & turbo muffler delete) and charge me for the stage 2 tune too. They were OK with that. Hope it feels different too...

Originally Posted by Lexus3GIST

The old IS200T thread contains a cluster of shops that have stopped supporting the 8AR platform + Sheddy is inactive/sold his IS200t. I'd like to help change focus to shops that are currently putting in great quality work to earn our support while sharing my experience between the D3 and BMS JB4 devices.
Over time, this thread will be updated with my own dyno charts + a turbo upgrade + intercooler + progress from there. I will also try to update with relevant information to tuning since the other thread is over 200 pages long.

I'm very responsive to messages on IG if you have ANY questions! -> https://www.instagram.com/htxricer/


4 years ago, I took a dive and got the JB4. I used it every day until the week before upgrading to D3. Here's my review:
BMS JB4 - Overview: 0 support. Their device doesn't have the ability to read/clear codes. It can log stuff, but only keeps track of psi and throttle % + RPM. There have been no updates to the software since the device first released...even though updates were "promised" from Day 1. It's hard to draw a direct comparison with a flash vs piggyback device, but the JB4 and D3 Flash Tune are the exact same price. Avoid the BMS JB4 at all costs if you have $600 laying around.
BMS JB4 - Installation: Takes about 10 minutes to install and 5 minutes to uninstall. Way more annoying to deal with. You have to unplug two sensors, plug the JB4 as a "middleman", and run the cables through the pre-cut hole in the firewall, plug the OBD2 in, and have a random USB cable to hide...which is...frustrating to do after a few times. The device must be plugged in 24/7.
Tuning Issues - JB4:I had to drive in "manual" with the JB4 because regular "D" would trip a boost sensor in higher gears and trigger all of the above. This is due to the "boost trickery" that the JB4 device does. Turning the car off for 5-10 minutes resets the error, but it's just a bit annoying. Despite the error message, I never removed the JB4 because the car still felt better than stock.
Review - JB4: I'd pay about $200 for this device/$350. The gains are noticeable on pulls, but the throttle delay still being prominent is the real killer that makes this car such a slug.
JB4 Update Progression: None.

https://d3performance.net/index.php/...ormance-tuner/

In early October 2022, I met the owner of D3 and picked up my device in person. His shop was local, I figured I'd save a few bucks on shipping, and I wanted to meet the guy I was trusting with my engine. Here's my review:
D3 Performance - Overview: D3 Communicates effectively, their device can read/clear codes, read temps, boost, knock feedback, logs (more detailed than JB4), remote emergency recovery service, and they've pushed out multiple updates via their proprietary tuning software to owners in their registered system.
D3 - Installation/Removal: Less than 5 minutes and plugs straight into your OBD2 port. Retains your stock ECU on the tuning device so you can revert to stock if needed. Does not have to be plugged in while driving.
D3 Update Progression: They have already pushed multiple updates via email to users. D3 has got their hands full at the moment: They're working on mass-production for their custom intercooler, chargepipes, turbo muffler deletes, hybrid turbo & they're almost at the finish line for all of this. NOTE: Charge pipes are required for Stage 2 since factory plastic ones can't handle 20+ psi. They're also using my car as a mule to get more power out of our platform.
Tuning Issues - D3: 0 problems, 0 CEL's, 0 Engine Malfunction, and 0 Limp Mode warnings. Absolutely solid tune.
Review - D3: The D3 Performance Tune is how this car should have came stock. It actually MOVES, throttle delay is eliminated, shift points are more aggressive yet refined, eco, normal, sport actually feel like what they say, and so much more. It's the best $600 you'll ever spend on your car.

Modifications + Current Progress
11/9/2022 - Purchased an N1X Evo mid pipe from Josh @ Meraki Autoworks to complete my full Apexi N1 Evolution-X system (144-KT03P). I am going to also be getting a turbo from D3 Performance instead of a GoTuned 380. Will keep you updated.
11/14/2022 - I have purchased a de-catted downpipe from PPE through Figs Engineering. Don't need any other parts now. Just need to put them on.
11/30/2022 - Picked up the D3 Performance Hybrid Turbo, D3 Chargepipe, D3 Turbo Muffler Delete. Will install this weekend 12/3/2022 with some buddies. Picture below

12/3/2022 - D3 Performance Turbo, D3 Chargepipe, and D3 Turbo Muffler delete are installed. Pending a revised tune now. Please leave your email below if you'd like me to forward you the .pdfs from the service manual regarding installation/removal of the turbo. The total install time between 2 noobs and 1 experienced fella was 11 hours. Someone with experience or a shop could knock the turbo install out in under 8 hours.
Tools used for turbo install:10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 3/8 socket wrench, 1/4 socket wrench + wrenches in the sizes mentioned, swivel socket wrench, extensions for both socket wrenches, normal screwdrivers, (a little) extra coolant, small fingers, and PICTURES BEFORE YOU START REMOVING STUFF. No lift needed — just a floor jack to adjust the downpipe angle when clamping the new turbo on & to grab the 10mm through the engine multiple times.
12/8/2022 - I dropped my car off at D3 Performance so they could continue development for their tunes. I'm assuming all with a D3 device and the appropriate supporting mods will probably get an update if they're able to make progress with the platform (AGAIN: unconfirmed)

12/21/2022 - My car is still with D3 as they continue R&D for the 8AR-FTS. I reached out to D3 today to see how things were going: No updates yet. Even though the engine is capable of putting out ~400HP (with supporting modifications), it will take time, patience, and a lot of hard work from D3 to get there. As the holidays approach, I'm thinking things will probably move a tad slower. Just wanted to touch base with an update as I went silent for a bit here. I'll do my best to let them hold onto it for as long as they need, and will keep you all as updated as I can.

I hope this helps anybody that is on the fence of deciding between Orange Virus/VFTuner/OVFlash (lol), TTI, BurgerMotorsports, MForce, AFE, Vivid, Toms, or any of the other shops that are no longer supporting our platform.
check out the highlight "IS200T build" for whenever I make updates.
instagram.com/htxricer/

1/1/2023 - Happy New Year! Small update: I had to pick the car up for some errands, so D3 was kind enough to let me have the car back for a bit. It'll go back to them on 1/9 for an undiscussed period of time. The car is on an unreleased tune making about 250whp (if I remember correctly) and did 190whp with FBO NO TUNE My phone was dead so I wasn't able to take a picture of the charts. They hit over 270whp, but that tune hit a few walls regarding how locked down and difficult the Lexus/Toyota ECU is. D3 is committed to cracking the case. I'm stoked to see where we go from here.
**EDITED** The car pulls significantly harder. Editing my previous statement because the numbers were way off, and are not a reflection of a finished product. Roads that I used to think were long are now a bit shorter.

1/6/2023 - Went head to head and did 4 roll races with a 2015 Mitsubishi Evolution X (Final Edition). Each race was dead even. DM me on Instagram for the video: htxricer
1/17/2023 - Dropped the car back off with D3.