2013 LX570 with a Plot Twist (1 Viewer)

[xThrower]

Probably not my wisest decision, but I couldn't help myself. I've always wanted a supercharged Toyota, ever since I borrowed my uncle's SC'd T100 a long time ago. I've had two Tundras I intended on installing SCers on, but flex fuel tune wasn't mature yet. I got a 2020 4Runner I wanted to SC, but the new ECU wasn't supported yet (it is now). I saw this LX pop up, and I hastily jumped on it. I'm loving it so far. I hope it's relatively trouble free. I'm still checking records, but the SC seems to have been installed new in '13. 110K miles on the LX. The SC was serviced at 100K so I'm told.

Any suggestions are very welcome.

 

[Blackbirdaerial]

Nothing to add. You have my jealousy points! Would love for you to keep us update on reliability

 

[scottm]

Love it! I was really hoping to see a "shaker" hood when I clicked, but still awesome. Coming from 80 and 100-series, my 200 feels like a rocket when I floor it, but more is better.

 

[xThrower]

I'll keep updating on reliability. So far it handles very nicely. The power is always there when called upon but feels factory at the same time. My Tundra on 35s going 85 mph in high elevation with the famous constant 20-40mph headwind would ever so slightly struggle. I have to floor my 4Runner going over the same mountains. The LX doesn't even care. The LX feels like a diesel minus all the noise cruising 85+ mph down the freeway.

 

[bloc]

If you have any desire to have it set up with a proper tune my understanding is HPTuners can accommodate your 2013 LX ECU.

 

[doru]

Congrats! That's the proper way.
How are the brakes?

 

[xThrower]

If you have any desire to have it set up with a proper tune my understanding is HPTuners can accommodate your 2013 LX ECU.

Fantastic! I hit up D.A.P. but haven't heard back. Not really their specialty.

 

[xThrower]

Congrats! That's the proper way.
How are the brakes?

The brakes leave much to be desired. Any recommendations on some proper brakes?

 

[TeCKis300]

Nice! The rare supercharged unicorn. Looks like it's got a Unichip piggy to handle tuning duties.

The brakes leave much to be desired. Any recommendations on some proper brakes?

BBK info here to step up to 2016+ 200-series / Tundra rotor sizes.

You can also try some more aggressive pads. Hawk LTS pads stepped up the friction level dramatically at the cost of some squeaking on my setup.

Or both.

EDIT: link - DIY Tundra Brakes (BBK) - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/diy-tundra-brakes-bbk.1222890/

 

[bloc]

Significant difference from 16+ (same size as tundra) front brakes on my 13LC.. this is how they should have come. And eventually did.

 

[xThrower]

If you have any desire to have it set up with a proper tune my understanding is HPTuners can accommodate your 2013 LX ECU.

I just got this back from HP Tuners. I may inquire a bit more:

Thank you for contacting HP Tuners support.

Unfortunately we do not support any Lexus applications, sorry.

 

[bloc]

I just got this back from HP Tuners. I may inquire a bit more:

Thank you for contacting HP Tuners support.

Unfortunately we do not support any Lexus applications, sorry.

Ask about a 13LC. They are nearly identical, and HPT just may not know how similar they are.

My experience with their system is limited to tuning a GM engine but even if they can edit the identical Toyota, for Lexus it could come down to a VIN range not working. Might be a good question for an actual tuner in your area vs HPTuners corporate.

 

[xThrower]

Ask about a 13LC. They are nearly identical, and HPT just may not know how similar they are.

My experience with their system is limited to tuning a GM engine but even if they can edit the identical Toyota, for Lexus it could come down to a VIN range not working. Might be a good question for an actual tuner in your area vs HPTuners corporate.

Yeah. Might have to go another route.

Me:

Thanks for the speedy reply! The LX570 is basically a Toyota Land Cruiser. It might be worth a shot to try.

HPT:

Unfortunately Toyota applications work a little bit differently than other make vehicles so just because they are very similar in body/frame style doesn't mean much when it comes to the ecm read, mapping & flashing.

 

[TeCKis300]

Me:

Thanks for the speedy reply! The LX570 is basically a Toyota Land Cruiser. It might be worth a shot to try.

HPT:

Unfortunately Toyota applications work a little bit differently than other make vehicles so just because they are very similar in body/frame style doesn't mean much when it comes to the ecm read, mapping & flashing.

Isn't the Unichip already working as a piggyback to tune?

 

[xThrower]

Isn't the Unichip already working as a piggyback to tune?

Yeah. It's been perfectly adequate, so I should just let sleeping dogs lie. I had bad experiences with another brand of piggyback chip just for a speedometer correction. Better brakes would be a better mod to work on. I would not tow with these brakes right now.

 

[LTSR]

Yeah. It's been perfectly adequate, so I should just let sleeping dogs lie. I had bad experiences with another brand of piggyback chip just for a speedometer correction. Better brakes would be a better mod to work on. I would not tow with these brakes right now.

if the SC has been on since new, it's most likely ok, right? if it bothers you, you can always put it on a dyno with a wideband to satisfy your curiosity.

 

[TeCKis300]

Yeah. It's been perfectly adequate, so I should just let sleeping dogs lie. I had bad experiences with another brand of piggyback chip just for a speedometer correction. Better brakes would be a better mod to work on. I would not tow with these brakes right now.

I use to tune cars and have dealt with various tuning devices. There might be better devices (or flash) to tune, but what's more important is the tuning itself. Assuming the Unichip has been there as long as it has, and with your impression that it behaves without drivability issues, I'd agree it's best to leave as is.

Tuning is a whole can of worms. Beyond just getting the right tools and knobs to perform a tune. And I've seen many "tuners" work that is questionable, where they basically crank up everything and let the ECU ride the knock sensor.

Not unlike some on these boards telling LX owners (with stock motors) to run 87 octane fuel and ride the knock sensor...

 

[bloc]

Not unlike some on these boards telling LX owners (with stock motors) to run 87 octane fuel and ride the knock sensor...

Funny to me that the standard of "it worked for 135k miles why mess with it" doesn't apply to LXs happily running RUG for 2-300k, when there isn't a whiff of evidence of it having caused problems on anyone's engine.

The part about finding a good tuner was implied. Unichip may work well, a non-piggyback ECU tune done by a reputable shop with the understanding that this is about reliability, not extracting every ounce of power, would be better. But if HPT won't touch a Lexus it's all moot anyway.

 

[xThrower]

All great insights! I'm more than pleased with the performance so I'll let it be. I read a few Tundra TRD supercharger catastrophic failure stories that freak me out a bit. I imagine tunning is a lot like overclocking a computer. I used to spend all my time trying to get the perfect overclock and not enjoy the games it was meant to play. My perfect overclocks would work perfect for months and summer temperatures would hit and crash my computer. haha

 

[TeCKis300]

All great insights! I'm more than pleased with the performance so I'll let it be. I read a few Tundra TRD supercharger catastrophic failure stories that freak me out a bit. I imagine tunning is a lot like overclocking a computer. I used to spend all my time trying to get the perfect overclock and not enjoy the games it was meant to play. My perfect overclocks would work perfect for months and summer temperatures would hit and crash my computer. haha

As a fellow overclocker, that's a great analogy. It's easier these days as there's thermal and power throttling logic, but surely can still take it too far.