200hp Vigo!

[VTR1000]

I was at my local Toyota dealers the other day talking to my friend who is actually the owner. He mentioned that there is a replacement 'ECU' box you can buy for around B35,000 that will give an extra 40+ horse power. Anyone heard about these as I'm tempted. Cheers

[taxexile]

hmmmmm , i'd want to upgrade the brakes and rear suspension before putting another 40hp under my right foot.

[terdsak_12]

I'd be keen to find out more about this.

[Nordlys]

hmmmmm , i'd want to upgrade the brakes and rear suspension before putting another 40hp under my right foot.

Right. I don't really feel comfortable about having drum brakes on a vehicle of that size (and weight, especially for Fortuner). I wonder if there's a way to fit disk brakes on rear wheels.

Edited April 3, 2006 by Nordlys

[taxexile]

i have heard that there are workshops that will fit discs on the rear , but if the rear brakes are changed to discs , and they are not correctly configured or specced , couldnt they end up being be more powerful than the fronts and send the car into unpredictable skids etc ???

if you are knowledgable about braking upgrades nordlys , perhaps you could elaborate.

[Skyline]

Shouldnt need to replace the ECU.Just have the existing ECU chipped or modified.Speak to someone at TRD in Srinakarin or any tuned engine specialists,all can be found in any Thai car mags.

Sky.

[Nordlys]

i have heard that there are workshops that will fit discs on the rear , but if the rear brakes are changed to discs , and they are not correctly configured or specced , couldnt they end up being be more powerful than the fronts and send the car into unpredictable skids etc ???

Maybe TRD can fit disk brakes on the rear wheels? But you are right, it can have some adverse effect on brake distribution, differential control, etc with are probably all electronically controlled so better seek some professional advice before making any modification. Drum brakes are obviously cost cutting alternative to 4 wheel disks but I would guess if Toyota really figured four wheel disks are necessary for Vigo/Fortuner, they probably would not have compromised safety for the cost. In any event better to leave the brakes untouched as manufacturer will not be responsible from any accidents/malfunctions attributing to brake modification.

I've just ordered a new fortuner today and it's a bit of uneasy feeling to think it only takes two disk brakes (+ two drums) to stop a vehicle of that body size that can seat seven passengers.

[Plus]

Find some old posts about modifying Fortuners by Emilio. He's got a chip and new wheels and new breaks, all at TRD.

I think he said it was 192 hp.

In Bangkok Post article TRD mentioned measly 185 hp. Their total kit was 300,000 baht.

[cleverD]

Most diesel engines with electronic injection can have their ECU's remapped,make sure whoever does it knows what he is doing as it normally involves opening the ECU and unsoldering the relevant chip putting this on to a reader connected to a laptop and remap the chip.This is only going to be as good as the information used to remap.In the UK most of the chipping is done using information developed on rolling roads in Holland,to give the best balance of power and economy.

All manufacturers give themselves some safety margins in their power outputs and by chipping you are going to stress your engine more,but the dealer will not be able to tell if its been modified so as long as you are under warranty period just enjoy the power.

[chanchao]

Remember Jenson Button last Sunday when he stressed his engine.

[sbkpeterpan]

Most diesel engines with electronic injection can have their ECU's remapped,make sure whoever does it knows what he is doing as it normally involves opening the ECU and unsoldering the relevant chip putting this on to a reader connected to a laptop and remap the chip.This is only going to be as good as the information used to remap.In the UK most of the chipping is done using information developed on rolling roads in Holland,to give the best balance of power and economy.

All manufacturers give themselves some safety margins in their power outputs and by chipping you are going to stress your engine more,but the dealer will not be able to tell if its been modified so as long as you are under warranty period just enjoy the power.

If only it was that simple, Most ECU's are sealed, so how are you going to replace the Chip?

What is normally down is to install an intercepter unit such as those made my Autronic's, These sit between the ECU and Injectors (and ignition) enabling you to load various fueling maps, which are usually programmed on a Dynometer to get the best solution to what ever tuning modifications you have previously carried out, Ie exhaust mods, higher boost pressures etc.

Edited April 4, 2006 by sbkpeterpan

[chanchao]

So, why exactly would you even want to fiddle with something when Toyota obviously know best? Is it not fast enough? It does close to 180 kph straight out of the showroom, I'd say that's more than enough to kill yourself and a few others, some cattle, etc?

[Maigo6]

I want one!!!

[Maigo6]

I've just ordered a new fortuner today and it's a bit of uneasy feeling to think it only takes two disk brakes (+ two drums) to stop a vehicle of that body size that can seat seven passengers.

Nordlys, I have a Fortuner and I was in a situation once where I had to really slam the brakes on, the Fortuner behaved well, dry road, me and 2 passengers. Slowed me down very very quickly, just as well too.

They seem very capable.

They're a good motor Nordlys, hope you enjoy it.

[Nordlys]

Nordlys, I have a Fortuner and I was in a situation once where I had to really slam the brakes on, the Fortuner behaved well, dry road, me and 2 passengers. Slowed me down very very quickly, just as well too.

They seem very capable.

They're a good motor Nordlys, hope you enjoy it.

Thanks Maigo6, good to know. I met a sales at Toyota Thonglor again yesterday and she told me TRD can fit the disk brakes on the rear, for about 30,000 Baht. She said TRD warranty will take over Toyota from that point on and said they are very reliable. But I'll probably leave them "as is".

So, why exactly would you even want to fiddle with something when Toyota obviously know best? Is it not fast enough? It does close to 180 kph straight out of the showroom, I'd say that's more than enough to kill yourself and a few others, some cattle, etc?

Toyota sales said the same thing yesterday, that it can go up to the top speed of 190km/h. More than enough speed for SUV.

[Gary A]

I'm always amused when people complain about drum brakes on the rear. Your rear wheels have VERY little braking power and the drums are quite adequate. The only advantage to having rear disk brakes is heat dissipation and I doubt we have too many serious road racers here. Maybe a few insane road racers but they tend not to use the brakes much anyways!

[Plus]

I forgot to add that TRD's ECU upgrade/chip came at 4WD's expense. They marketed it at people who don't drive off-road.

Trading off 4WD capability for better on-road performnce seem to be what TRD can do and Toyota won't, but Pre-runner, 2WD Vigo apparently has the same ECU management. Why? It's a little effort for Toyota to re-program ECU, and if they can claim 180-200 hp, that's a good marketing point as well.

Does anyone know what exactly they can do to VIGO's ECU to increase the power? Do they do any dyno tests at TRD or any other modifiers?

[zel]

Dramatically transform throttle response, pulling power and acceleration

One of the many specialist automotive services provided by Oxfordshire based Owen Developments to manufacturers, importers, dealers, motorsport teams and private customers are the provision of proven and durable-to-use power upgrades for standard production vehicles.

The latest models to be added to the range of vehicles that can benefit from a power upgrade are the new Toyota Hilux pick-ups.

Brian Owen, Managing Director said, "We have developed, and can now supply, two power-grade packages, one for the 2.5-litre common rail turbodiesel models imported by Toyota into the UK and the other for the 3.0-litre turbodiesel variants which are imported independently."

"Any competent do-it-yourself customer can fit these upgrades to their vehicles in less than 15 minutes."

He added, "Whether the owner of the new Toyota Hilux uses their vehicle for towing, carrying loads up to the maximum weight for this vehicle or just wants more performance and better driveability, our power upgrade will dramatically transform the throttle response, pulling power and acceleration. The microcomputer we supply is already programmed and it comes with a plug-in adapter loom to link it to the engine’s standard ECU. As we supply all the fitting instructions it is just a case of plug it in and go."

Toyota Hilux 2.5-litre power upgrade

* Power increased from 101 to 120bhp at 3,758rpm

* Torque increased from 178 to 213lb ft at 2,334rpm

* Retail price £420 plus VAT

Toyota Hilux 3.0-litre power upgrade

* Power increased from 152 to173bhp at 3,470rpm

* Torque increased from 242 to 290lb ft at 2,274rpm

* Retail price £420 plus VAT

[Plus]

Well, great, but why doesn't Toyota offer the same thing? From this advertising piece it looks like there are no trade-offs, which is very unlikely in real life.

[nikster]

I've just ordered a new fortuner today and it's a bit of uneasy feeling to think it only takes two disk brakes (+ two drums) to stop a vehicle of that body size that can seat seven passengers.

Nordlys, I have a Fortuner and I was in a situation once where I had to really slam the brakes on, the Fortuner behaved well, dry road, me and 2 passengers. Slowed me down very very quickly, just as well too.

They seem very capable.

They're a good motor Nordlys, hope you enjoy it.

Just got a new Fortuner, and I always do the full brake test with unknown cars (well at least if they have ABS). Go really fast on a country road and when there's no other traffic, slam the brakes as hard as you can.

The Fortuner behaved very well, anti locking system engaged as expected. It's not a BMW 3-series, but it stops reasonably fast.

I am no expert but I am also thinking that if the drums are good enough that the car has to engage the anti locking system, then discs are no better. You can't stop more than that physically.

Discs don't overheat so they are of course better. But as for braking power, I would be surprised if it made a difference. And I would also like to hear the explanation as to why it should. If I brake so hard that the wheels would be slipping along how can I brake any harder?

The stop path for the Fortuner is a combination of momentum (speed + weight of car) and the efficiency of the anti locking system. I don't think disc brakes would affect this equation in a significant way.

With drums, I just use low gears to brake as much as possible when on the mountain so they don't overheat.

[nikster]

Well, great, but why doesn't Toyota offer the same thing? From this advertising piece it looks like there are no trade-offs, which is very unlikely in real life.

First of all, I would take these HP ratings with a grain of salt.

Second, you get worse gas mileage.

They don't do anything magical, they just adjust the settings, and there are certain fuel consumption / power trade-offs. From what I read, it's so expensive because Toyota hasn't made it easy for others to adjust the settings, so they have to install a box that basically hacks the engine electronics.

For now, I am pretty happy with the power of the engine though. It's really hard to tell what kind of difference a purported 20 HP increase would make in real life.

[GoodHeart]

He mentioned that there is a replacement 'ECU' box you can buy for around B35,000 that will give an extra 40+ horse power.

Actually, the Wikipedia has a nice page about ECUs . The first reference from that page will take you to a page full of Automotive Technical Articles , and most of those are Toyota related.

Here are some more good articles on the 'how' and the 'why' of using performance chips.

Edited August 12, 2006 by GoodHeart

[roytheboy]

Try this website......... van Aaken developments, I can reccomend them, the simple plug ins for the ecu you can fit yourself, seen a Dodge ram with a 5.9 cummings turbo diesel boosted to 500 bhp with one of them...............................................Awsome !

Any diesel engine is made to take a lot more stress than it is governed to !

But in some countries if the vehicle is under warrenty, and goes wrong with one of these on some franchises will not honour warrenty.

But simple to take off..........Roy

[sinkorswim]

I have just bought one of these units back for my friend when I went to the UK for a holiday.

It cost £479 and boosts the BHP to approx 198. My friend has had it installed for approx 6 weeks and he says it is great. Better acceleration and better response thoughout the rev range. It is a inline upgrade so you just plug it in addition to your ECU no need to change anything and if you need to take the car to the garage you can just remove it in approx 10 minutes.

I am sure he told me you can get your rear breaks upgraded at Toyota for 35000baht. I have a Vigo and the brakes are fine I have had no problems and I have been brake tested several times when driving to BKK. My Vigo is plenty fast enough and dont feel I really need the extra BHP.

[soic]

I have a 2006 3000cc Turbo-Diesel. I think it's perfect... it's plenty powerful enough. We got the midsize body style. The wife wants to trade it for the large body style, I like the look of the bigger one, but why would I? I already have the biggest diesel you can get for that truck in my mid size. More weight and additional cargo space would just slow it down. It runs like a scared deer now. I wouldn't change it for anything. My wife says that I love my truck too much, I told her not to worry... I love her a little more.... I think!!!

[F1 Visa Runner]

hmmmmm , i'd want to upgrade the brakes and rear suspension before putting another 40hp under my right foot.

This must be this threads joke right..?

Seriousely do you think the pickups are made for stopping 2 farangs with 2 skinny thai girls or a couple of tons of vegetables?

i have heard that there are workshops that will fit discs on the rear , but if the rear brakes are changed to discs , and they are not correctly configured or specced , couldnt they end up being be more powerful than the fronts and send the car into unpredictable skids etc ???

Maybe TRD can fit disk brakes on the rear wheels? But you are right, it can have some adverse effect on brake distribution, differential control, etc with are probably all electronically controlled so better seek some professional advice before making any modification.

Do you know what TRD is?

TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development and is Toyotas right wing whats concerning Toyota factory racing and tuning parts. It will be similar to

Mercedes Benz - AMG

Bmw - M POWER

Nissan - NISMO

Mitsubishi - RALLIART

Subaru - STI (SUBARU TECNICA INTERNATIONAL)

Honda - MUGEN

Well, great, but why doesn't Toyota offer the same thing? From this advertising piece it looks like there are no trade-offs, which is very unlikely in real life.

First of all, I would take these HP ratings with a grain of salt.

Second, you get worse gas mileage.

"First of all, I would take these HP ratings with a grain of salt."

Why..Please explain..

"Second, you get worse gas mileage."

Really.. please explain..

[bangsaenguy]

How does one contact TRD? Did an internet search could not find info on the Thai branch. I've ordered a new Prerunner and am interested in boosting horsepower.

[F1 Visa Runner]

TRD Thailand (Arto Co., Ltd.)

902 Srinakarin Rd., Soun Roung, Bangkok

Tel: 02 362 5078

Fax: 02 321 4984

Contact person: Mr. Suttipong S. / Mr. Samran P.

E-mail: [email protected]

Definately best to show up in person

-----------------------------------------------------------

Brembo Grand Turismo braking kit is available for Vigo and Fortuner by some shops in Bk.

This kit includes only the front end and is available for about 95.000 B.

The discs are 335 mm in diameter.

As seen on the +500 hp Triton below there are other and much cheaper options as complete braking sets from Nissan Skyline GTR R-32 and R 33 can be used with some modifications. These will be available as second hand in Bk.

http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m305/Th...on/CIMG9041.jpg

[Plus]

OK, if they add extra power, where does it come from? If the engine burns more fuel, don't they need to modify exhaust system, too? Obviously fuel consumption increases, but probably no that much, and I certainly don't expect "squid effect" - black smoke coming out every time you step on gas.

The safest way to explain the power increase is stressing the engine a bit more than Totoya wanted, they surely leave some space. If you are going to sell your car well before it's natural expiry date, than you have nothing to worry about. But why should I, the inquiring would be customer, keep myself busy explaining how those chips work? Why doesn't that Brian Owen do that?

When I searched the Internet for information about these chips, I couldn't find a resonable explanation, only soft sell, couldn't find a single reliable source or independent review. I didn't look very hard, granted. There are some links mentioned in earlie posts, I'll check them out tomorrow.

[F1 Visa Runner]

Well, great, but why doesn't Toyota offer the same thing? From this advertising piece it looks like there are no trade-offs, which is very unlikely in real life.

First of all, I would take these HP ratings with a grain of salt.

Second, you get worse gas mileage.

OK, if they add extra power, where does it come from? If the engine burns more fuel, don't they need to modify exhaust system, too? Obviously fuel consumption increases, but probably no that much, and I certainly don't expect "squid effect" - black smoke coming out every time you step on gas.

The safest way to explain the power increase is stressing the engine a bit more than Totoya wanted, they surely leave some space. If you are going to sell your car well before it's natural expiry date, than you have nothing to worry about. But why should I, the inquiring would be customer, keep myself busy explaining how those chips work? Why doesn't that Brian Owen do that?

When I searched the Internet for information about these chips, I couldn't find a resonable explanation, only soft sell, couldn't find a single reliable source or independent review. I didn't look very hard, granted. There are some links mentioned in earlie posts, I'll check them out tomorrow.

I asked you to explain it as you are posting things that are not correct.

Basically what happens when you are chip tuning a car is that you are programming the cars electronics to give you a more perfect mix between fuel and air compared to the cars originally factory settings. This is the basic of chip tuning and is the reason for why you see a drop in fuel consumption when driving normally but a power increase when giving it full throttle.

When chip tuning a car with turbo wether it is with a diesel or a gasoline engine the chip is also programmed to adjust the boost preasure on the turbo making the turbo capable of feeding the engine with more air. As more air is able to run through the engine also more fuel will be able to run through and be burnt giving it more power.

Note that the chip is raising the max boost preasure level. When driving a turbo car your boost preasure is not constant but depends on how much throttle you are giving it. The car will because of this only use more fuel when running on higher boost than what was possible before.

This is one of the big advantages of having a turbo car compared to non turbo if you want an increase of power. The change in boost preasure is the most effective way to give a turbo car more power. This is the simple reason for why chips for turbo cars always states more power.

Chip tune your car give it to your mother and the fuel consumption definately drops from standard settings.

But can you drive like that, probably not. With more power also comes more fun.

The squid effect you will get if you do heavy modifications to your diesel engine. Not only with a chip. I think the post clearly says if trying to go for a 300 hp diesel upgrade this will happen.

Edited August 15, 2006 by F1 Visa Runner