Throttle Response Controllers ?

As always if this is already a thread apologies, link me? …

so as I was looking into some instant gratification mods for my ‘14 Limited, found the pedal commander, among other things…
I always dig deeper for finer details. And especially for my 4R, to ensure it will be a good long-term fit for me and that I am not just completely nuking potential resale value down the road.

But I started to discover (as with all things 4runner), there are a number of note worthy equal alternates
Opinions could very well be a mixed bag. But l I’m hoping the responses here or on another thread will indicate in undisputed master of kings, best of the best option for throttle response controllers for 5th gen.

I would prefer considerations like “best for budget” or “best bang for your buck” take back seat to any other features, on this one. It’s not that low price point is not worth consideration. Definitely looking for “within reason“ opinions..

But I want long-term satisfaction, ease of use, communicative customer support if necessary. Maybe thats asking a lot. But im of opinion that, Toyota (but more specifically 4runner) community is filled with a lot of top-notch companies. So often I leave a transaction just thoroughly impressed and satisfied with quality and service. Well.. maybe with possible exception to dealerships, just one in my personal experience.

it’s my daily driver and secondary work vehicle that includes towing equipment up to 2 ton, and toys on the weekends not beyond that weight.
Also used for long drives to and from mountains beaches off grid camp sites, 3-5X/year 200-300 miles each way, and half the distance once a month to. But frequently a lot less about half of that 1-2X/month.

Definitely not stopping here so also wondering about other considerations..like I’ve heard if you install Magnuson supercharger, any other performance mods are inadvisable.

Would something like a throttle response controller qualify for that “not recommended” list? I don’t know that I would go for Magnuson but I just don’t want to box myself in with a short term mod, even if easily removable.

these are the main three I’ve come across feel free to add on or notify me if something else should rank higher

1. Pedal Commander
2. Sprint Booster v3
3. iDrive USA

 

I installed the Sprint Booster when my 4R has less than 20 miles on it. The stock throttle response for daily driving diminished my enjoyment of the vehicle. I see no downside to the SB. It's very small, unobtrusive and has plenty of settings to suit any situation. I'm glad such a thing exists for the 4Runner.

 

I had the pedal commander and it worked fine. I ended up returning it, as I just didn't need it. If I need instant power I just mash my for down.

 

My kids gave me a PC for Fathers Day in June of this year. I had only had my 2021 for about 6 months. Coming from an F-150 with the 5.0 that absolutely screamed I was not impressed with the 4Runner’s ability to accelerate quickly to pass. Mashing down further didn’t work for me. I was so in love with everything else that I had resigned myself to just tolerating the dog ass performance. Then came the PC. 30 minute install and I’m in heaven. Game changer. I highly recommend. And welcome to the forum.

 

The Pedal Commander and Sprint Booster seem to be the most popular here. I haven't really heard anything negative about either one. Everyone who installs either one seems to think it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either of them if I were looking for one.

It's probably in the directions somewhere, but I have read that it will throw a CEL if you change settings while the pedal is depressed. Just something to keep in mind.

Also, one member here had a different issue with a CEL if I recall correctly. I think that member ended up getting rid of it. I don't remember which version it was.

 

Pedal Commander, my best mod. Buy it, set it, forget it. For less then $300 you just have a different 4R, less stress, making the wife happier, the kids now enjoy the family event in the 4R, your left foot feels better, etc.

 

This is the way. In a throttle system in which the response of the throttle body is linear then mashing the throttle pedal harder or faster absolutely makes the throttle body open faster. The trouble here is that the throttle pedal in the 4Runner is not connected via a cable to the throttle body, it's electronic. These electronics are programmed to dampen the throttle response to make your inputs less "jerky" in off road conditions or if you just have a jerky application of the throttle. So no amount of mashing will result in a quicker rate of opening of the throttle as the vehicle is programmed to soften this response. This is where pedal commander, sprint booster and the like come in.

If you come from a vehicle with a quicker throttle response then the 4R will seem dog slow. It's actually not but you'd never know it with the factory throttle response.

The Sprint Booster is a godsend if you want a better throttle response. I can see how it's not for everyone though so mash away!

 

@Beachguy thank you! Man yeah that’s just like the kind of opinion everyone’s got about PC. Even though it’s the most expensive of the options, it’s also the most frequently spoken of through satisfied users. Really thinking of going through door number 1..

But then…
@achtung6
Sprint booster has also, from what I can see, nothing but positive rave reviews..
The difference appears to be with user populations.
Maybe it is just boiling down to market share? Could it be just a more effective marketing campaign or budget for PC than SB? Or something to that effect. And they’re both as much an equal alternate as the other.

Has anyone owned or used both options #1 and #2? I think there’s a difference in number of setting options, but besides that, is anyone aware of any features (or lack there of) that Its competitor is falling short on or just completely missing?

It’s all these aftermarket 4runner fabricators and mfg’s being so freakin fantastic! it really makes choosing difficult

 

There have been a few reports of PC and SB failures where they fail, the ECU detects it, puts the 4R into limp mode, and sets an error code(s). It’s easy to recognize by the code and the resolution is to remove the throttle pedal interface plug and restore it to OEM.

Apparently there have been more PC failures than SB.
There’s a vendor on the other forum who sells Sprint Boosters with a 5 year warranty.

 

@ElectroBoy nice thank you!!

 

Early on I bought a Pedal Commander, but it sat on the shelf for six months...I never could get over how big the box was. I ended up selling it new in the box and replacing it with a Sprint Booster. Happy ever since. Just another take...

 

I heard hikeit is decent and has a discount going right now for about $120. Having said that, I am getting a SB from the guy mentioned above with the 5 year warranty. I think his name is Jason B

 

Hikeit for $118. Never had an issue in 2 and now 3 different vehicles. They all do the same thing so get the least expensive IMO.

 

Just installed the hikeit 9x. Pleased so far for $118 and a buddy has been running one for 4 years with no issues.

 

Injen makes one. I use it and happy with results. About $200.

 

I'm going to give the hikeit a try, for only $104 (on sale) it seems like low risk to give it a shot.

I find myself "just mashing it" more and more, and it does not give the desired effect.

 

I like the dead gas pedal. It’s the only 4x4 where you can precisely dial in the throttle when crawling.

 

With my Pedal Commander, If I want to crawl or go off-road I turn mine off with the app, I don't even have to touch the thing, it's Bluetooth, takes me 10 Seconds. I don't know if the other devices have an easy app or an app at all?

 

Don't waste your money. Just use a heavier foot.

 

I had exactly the same opinion, till I tried the PC...

 

No app needed on SprintBooster. Just push a button to turn it off for rock crawling. SB and PC are kind of expensive, but I use and enjoy mine every day. Unlike other expensive accessories that only come into play if you bash into things.

 

It's drive by wire. No matter how heavy a foot you use, the computer still does what it wants, when it wants.

 

I can touch a button that takes less than 2 seconds

 

Well, I'm old, bending down to see the little buttons takes more time for me, plus, I can read the screen on my cell better. Just saying.

 

Pedal commander all the way. Easy to install and great results.

 

https://midatlanticoffroading.com/c...4-toyota-4runner-throttle-response-controller You could take a look at this. It's the same thing as the Drive, just a lot cheaper. I ran it for about a year with no issues. I took it off because I didn't really use it and was worried about the transmission. Can't think that aggressive throttle pick-ups are good for it.

 

Another vote for Hike-it. Low cost, nice interface. Installed for one year now, no issues.

 

Worried about the transmission? What do you think happens if you put the pedal on the metal, mashing the throttle?

 

Can I just say how friggin awesome it is here (4Rdotcom)? Just how active and open this community is, I love it.
I’m new here and wasn’t really sure what the response would be for new questions or posts to likely already discussed topics

but truly, warm and fuzzies firing on all 6 cylinders

 

Oh, you can bet the PC has been discussed...and discussed...and discussed...and discussed...and discussed...and discussed...