M/T Tacos, tell me something you did to improve your truck.

i have run both KD & Coyoza, and Coyoza has been so so good for me. but the truth is KD Pro is better... better power, better consistency, better throttle control, less peaky. in fact, KD Pro was so smooth that it affected my throttle lift, so Kreg (the K in KD) modified one of the tables to sharpen that up, and after that it simply blows away Coyoza and is much easier to drive as well. but if KD Pro wasn't available and i didn't have it customized, i would still be super happy with Coyoza.

 

I like it (running regular throttle right now), but heard Coyoza was somewhat better for gears 1-3 as far as zip without losing the smoothness driving in higher gear.

KD Pro? Damn, back into that thread I go, didn't even know they came out with something new.

 

This and the KD Tune made a huge difference. The shifting went from notchy to smooth.

 

Tires, suspension, and front/rear steel bumpers.. With all the weight I don’t believe a tune will help me get better MPGs.

 

better than before the tune... but with all the weight

 

There is a built in launch control, clutch start cancel, which I so rarely use I forget it exists, it's perfect when you stall uphill when wheeling. Put it in 1st, cover the foot brake, turn key to accessory, press csc, it lights up. Turn key to on, once you start moving get off the brake, Toyota does the work for you.
Has anyone gone from OV tune to KDMax? I have OV, after about 18 months seems like I'm losing throttle response taking off from a stoplight.
I have 2lo, ADM, Core shifter tho I haven't installed it yet, shifter boot and emergency brake boot in leather from Redline, Richard's shifter knob which I took off, just felt a little too big in my hand. It's a work of art, tho.

 

I paid it off.

 

Makes the shifting real smooth.

 

Thank, I have no issues starting on hills. My reason for learning heel toe is purely to build a new skill and have fun on corners. Smooth hill starts are really just a matter of knowing the bite point.

 

Can one of you heel-toe masters post a picture of your foot position?
I tried on my previous car (my first m/t) and never could figure it out, and I still haven't gotten it in my Tacoma.
Something just isn't clicking for me

 

Definitely agree with the accumulator delete as the best mod for a manual. I also replaced the shift knob.

As for heel-toe, the pedals in the Tacoma make it tough. It's really easy in my Lotus, but it's set up for that. I can do it in the Tacoma, but I'm really using the side of my foot for the gas: the pedals are a bit too far apart and the height is just different enough to make it tough. Also, every now and then you'll get the "you hit the brake and gas at the same time" warning, which is annoying.

 

Heel-toe seems ridiculous in this thing. It’s a truck. It shifts lazy and it’s throws are long. I did the ADM and changed the knob. Everything else is fine from factory, for me anyway. I even got used to the accumulator, and wasn’t gonna do the ADM, but I was lucky enough to drive a truck that had it done and it definitely did make a difference.
Maybe because I’ve driven everything from heavy haul transports to high performance track machines, I very much enjoy the throws on the tacoma. I see no reason for shirt shifters or tunes or any of that, but that’s me. Everything is subjective. I get a kick out of all the complaining/whining about the dumbest things on TW though. Mofos expecting a body on frame ‘cheap’ truck to handle like a Porsche, have the quality of a Rolls, have the tech of a Tesla, go through mud like a Unimog, and get mileage like a Prius. /rant

 

I cant do it in my Tacoma, pedals are just a hair too far apart for me to comfortably do it.

 

Honestly, don’t worry about it. Heel-toe is another one of those things that manual drivers like to brag about for some reason. If you can’t do it or get the hang of it it’s alright, especially on the street. And it’s also useless offroad. Toyota has the CSC built into their system and hanging on to the bite point instead of just using the handbrake isn’t a good thing (they even write that in the manual - realistically it should be common sense though).
You’re not a pro driver and you’re not looking to maximize your shift points and shave time… in slow as hell truck that’s not at all set up for or meant for ‘performance’ shifting. Enjoy your truck, enjoy your manual the way you know how.
There’s no legit reason why your footwork needs to look like this on the street;

Shift the way you know how.

 

Remote starter. My dealership wouldn't install one. Either would the first 2 places I asked. Third place the manager drove a stick Tacoma with a starter. Said they install them all the time. Best $500 I spent on that truck.

 

Did you get a vsst compustar? Bought my used 6spd with one installed in it already, but can't get it to remote start. I'm not sure how it was programed, need to follow a certain sequence when turning off to vehicle to enable remote start...

 

When parking, apply the park brake. Do not touch the service brake. Remove the key. The engine should remain running. Get out and as soon as the last door closes the alarm should turn on and doors lock. The system is now primed for remote start. As long as you don't open a door again. That will cancel it, so will touching the service brakes.

 

Thanks, will try that. It will be a nice feature in both hot and cold weather!

 

I realize it's completely unnecessary, just sounds like a fun skill to learn.
And it sounds like it could be at least a little useful when approaching a turn or curve that requires slowing down and downshifting but not a complete stop.