Sprint Booster

Installed one of these bad boys today. What...a...difference. Throttle response is more to my liking. Took about 15 mins to put it in, and 10 of that was trying to get the factory plug unhooked. (Be prepared to get a sore finger. It is difficult to get enough leverage to pull the factory plug out. Also, be aware of the hot metal tube above the gas pedal.) She has some giddy-up now. Way more satisfying to drive it. Only drove around the block, about 5 miles. But it was a lot more fun to drive.

2018 SR5

https://www.sprintboostersales.com/SprintBooster.cfm?pa=List&zsb=0&sc1=1327&sc2=1995

 

I've had mine about a year and love it. It makes driving the 4Runner a lot more enjoyable for sure. I have it set to Sport 5. Those who say "just press the pedal harder" really have not experienced the difference and don't have a clue. There are those who comment about it not being a race car etc. Yeah I know but there's no excuse for so much throttle lag. I'm not trying to make it a race car, just respond like the good old days of a throttle cable which is exactly what this product does.

 

“The good old days of a throttle cable”. That’s exactly the right way to describe it. Mine is the PC but the difference is night and day.

 

I also have the Sprint booster and keep it in Red / Race 6 when on pavement. Off pavement I turn it off.
The 4Runner is a dog without it.

 

I think that's usually just in response to people who actually think it makes the 4Runner faster, which it doesn't.

On another thread, someone mentioned that the throttle is set up in a way that's better for off-road driving, but makes it feel slow to respond in regular driving. That's what's nice about those devices is that you can get a better driving experience on road and then bypass them when off-road.

I personally have gotten accustomed to the pedal as it is.

It's the same engine with or without those things. It just feels more peppy because the pedal is more responsive. I can still get mine to move. It just requires more pedal input. I must just be accustomed to the delayed reaction when I punch it.

 

I didn't "have a clue" before I installed this unit. I bought it on the great reviews I had read in other threads. Put blind faith on the honesty of 4R.com strangers. I am very happy. The Sprint Booster does not increases the horse power, but it sure feels like it does.

 

This is what I hear, and it makes sense why so many people are satisfied with these products. I have no intention of getting one, but I recommend them to anyone who wants a better pedal feel.

 

Honestly they sound neat, but I worry about possible damage to the ecu or other christmas tree dashboard lighting events. While not common when these types of units are discussed, you do see the occasional install that causes problems.

 

It's definitely worth considering. I thought the CEL's were usually caused when people would change modes while driving/accelerating. But, I do recall a thread where someone had repeated CEL issues and ultimately returned or sold the device.

It would be interesting to hear from someone who has had one installed for several years.

 

I love how sprint booster looks. Looks very small vs bulky pedal commander. I've seen pedal commander in person and I don't like the look.

But me personally don't buy either of it because I don't want to stress the components and "maybe" reduce reliability. For the price hell no. Also I have no complaints on stock performance in mountain highways here in Colorado. Again I'm not a fast driver. I love to drive comfortably on our trips.

 

"S" mode rules in the hills! It seems a lot easier to just downshift it myself than wait for it to do it on it's own. Plus you can engine brake.

 

Sounds like the SB is a nice add on. I'm just very reluctant to do any electronic modifications.

 

I am a Pedal Commander user, I love it! I picked it up locally from a guy that sold his 4R. I think I Paid $200.

I use City mode. the acceleration zone is awesome! it is exactly the way it should be from factory. It is still a hair touchy from a stop but perfect from 1mph on...

Other than the obvious throttle curve, the first thing I noticed is I hear the TRD CAI more often through the entire throttle range. That tells me the throttle must be opening much more than the stock curve.. (with obviously it is, thats what these devices are made to do)

 

I have a Sprint Booster but have not installed it. The harness connector at the gas pedal is on very tight. I'm afraid I will damage something trying to wrestle it off.

 

I had the same problem installing mine. Patience is your friend. Keep working it back and forth. Toyota did not leave much room to get enough leverage to pull the connectors apart. Was frustrating at first. Patience, patience, patience. Did you remember to pry open the connector clip?

 

My eyes have trouble focusing on that connector. Is the clip on the back side toward the center of the truck?

Thank you for the help!

 

After 11 years of owning an FJ Cruiser I'm use to the throttle lag by now. LOL

 

Yep, the tab is on the backside toward the center of the truck. The tab has a slot in the middle for the "nub" on the other connector. This keeps the 2 from separating. Simply pull/pry ( LOL ) the tab just enough to get the nub to clear the slot. Even getting the tab away from the nub, there is not much room to get proper leverage to separate the 2 pieces. Especially when holding the tab out with a finger. Gently, but firmly, jiggle and wiggle til the 2 pieces separate. Hope this helps. Good luck. It's an easy mod (on paper). Not so much in real life. Took me about 15 mins. to get the damn thing apart.

Small hands and being somewhat flexible would help.

I was also concerned about breaking something. I went for it anyway. Firmly, gently, jiggle and wiggle. Glad I did.

 

Thanks again. I appreciate it.

 

I'm getting used to it, but want to see what it's all about anyway

 

I had the same issues. It will eventually just come out.

 

After installing it, use it for about a month then set it back to stock. The difference is amazing. This is how it should have been right from the factory.

 

i took the pedal off and did mine it is so much easier and no problem to remove the gas pedal two 10 MM bolts and you got it

 

I had not heard about removing the gas pedal. That would make the install much, much easier.

Is that a 1 man or 2 man job?

 

It's a 1 pedal job.

 

I'm admittedly not a mechanic. I see one bolt easy to get to but not the second one you mention.

 

There's always going to be those who refuse to make any electronic modifications to their truck, and that's fine. Their choice.

My reluctance was if the SB would negatively affect what is already so-so fuel mileage. I've done extensive testing with and without it on, and see no difference in mpg. My best mileage numbers have been recently, during which I've used the SB for months. To me, the best feature is the response the SB gives when you need a quick lane change with acceleration. But, again, you'll always hear from those lightning-toed drivers that they can do the same thing by mashing the pedal manually. I guess that works for them. No one's going to convince someone who doesn't want one to change their mind.

I run mine in Sport 5.

 

Race 2 here. I tried Race 7 just to see what that did. Seemed like I was beatin' the hell out of it. I switched back after 2 miles.

 

You can toggle back and forth between off, Sport, and Race (it will go back to the last setting in each), but after trying Race, I never felt the need.

 

What's really surprising is 4Lo in some mild sand. The factory throttle map is cancelled out and with the lower gearing it will go right to the rev limiter in a heart beat. That's why negotiating a technical trail in 4Lo takes some finesse and not just stomping it, like the roll over video posted the other day.
Love my SB and paired with the URD Y-pipe, it gives a little better response.