Question about throttle response controller. (1 Viewer)

[Spectre1775]

I have been looking at the Shiftpower 4.0+ Throttle Response Controller for the GX 460. I recall getting very sluggish and insensitive throttle response when I had my last GX. And research tells me this is still the case with late models. This seems like an inexpensive and from what I can tell, fairly highly rated device that is easy to install. It also includes a anti-theft, lock-out mode and a reduced max throttle "Valet mode."

What I would like to know if any of you have or are running one on your GX 460 is what are the pros and cons.

Specifically:

-Is it a help or detriment for when driving off road, 4 wheeling, etc. I am not building a rock crawler but it must be capable on sustained, moderately difficult, off-road and overland situations.

-Could it conceivably be hacked and someone via the app, etc. take over throttle control of my vehicle?

Trying to figure out if the juice is worth the squeeze. Thanks.

 

[misteracng]

I think all the GX has the same sluggish throttle response. Once I installed mine issue was fixed, it’s more sensitive now, just pick the setting you like. Take just a few minutes to install, I started using about 25% but now I use 50%. It’s the best mod I have done so far. I did the same mod in my LX570 which has the same sluggish throttle, it’s the same unit and made the same huge improvement. Basically you don’t need to push the throttle way to the bottom to get downshifts for power, the car revs quicker and will downshift much quicker if needed all determined by what setting you use.

I guess it could be hacked but difficult due to Bluetooth range and they would have to enter the password to connect. An then they would only be able to change the settings. You could also just remove it if any issues.

 

[MrTorgue]

I'll also chime in and say I was satisfied with my Pedal Commander using the City +1 setting. Completely eliminated the sluggish throttle response and made driving around town and parking much more enjoyable. I've since tuned the ECU to do all of this and to change up the transmission shift mapping for even further improvements.

 

[Spectre1775]

Thank you very much @misteracng and @MrTorgue that is much of what I am looking for.

Have you done any moderate off road trails with it? Snow, mud, sand, rock? Any issues with the throttle being too sensitive, getting loss of traction due to revving to quickly (response, not RPM?)

 

[MrTorgue]

Thank you very much @misteracng and @MrTorgue that is much of what I am looking for.

Have you done any moderate off road trails with it? Snow, mud, sand, rock? Any issues with the throttle being too sensitive, getting loss of traction due to revving to quickly (response, not RPM?)

I've done all of the above but rock crawling. So far I've been able to maintain traction with proper tire tread. When I had bald ATs going up a muddy ravine was challenging to maintain traction and I had to be rescued. Otherwise I'd say it's far beyond worth it. USFS mountain trails in any form and in any state wet or dry are nearly effortless.

 

[Spectre1775]

I've done all of the above but rock crawling. So far I've been able to maintain traction with proper tire tread. When I had bald ATs going up a muddy ravine was challenging to maintain traction and I had to be rescued. Otherwise I'd say it's far beyond worth it. USFS mountain trails in any form and in at state wet or dry are nearly effortless.

Good to hear, thank you. I am ordering one tonight.

 

[snowGX460]

I'll also chime in and say I was satisfied with my Pedal Commander using the City +1 setting. Completely eliminated the sluggish throttle response and made driving around town and parking much more enjoyable. I've since tuned the ECU to do all of this and to change up the transmission shift mapping for even further improvements.

Who are the major tuners for the GX?

 

[markthegrea]

If I might ask, which one are you buying?

 

[Spectre1775]

If I might ask, which one are you buying?

I am going with the SP26 Shiftpower 4.0+

I ordered it through Beat-Sonic. Looks to be a very easy install and simple system to use.

 

[Cold Iron]

I have it in my 19 GX Lux and glad I got it. Originally got it more for the lockout feature when in large cities than anything else. Coming from a 11 year old Taco that couldn't get of its own way the GX is a huge improvement. I have the Shiftpower set to above the factory response but not much, noticeable but not outrageous.

From a risk assessment standpoint and bluetooth I am not even slightly worried. Haven't gone rock crawling with it but still have throttle sensitivity on mixed hard\soft bottoms where you can't see bottom and different throttle response is required.

GX*Bob is a bit dramatic in his evaluation of it, you can take it with a grain of salt especially on the lower end. But his install directions are spot on. Well I didn't have any issues disconnecting existing connections and connecting it in line. He has some showmanship which makes his videos interesting.



I installed the switch below the start button.

He put his up on top but I didn't want anything sticking out and obvious. Doubt many if any thieves would know what it is but like it cleaner and out of the way.

I feel the purchase was worth it. To me.

 

[Rednexus]

IMO you would be better served with a tune. I have a YotaWerx on mine, but other tunes are available. I opted for a single-VIN license of VF Tuner and the OBDII-USB adapter and loaded the tune myself, which is super easy. It can also be reverted to stock easily in 15 minutes via a laptop. This should alleviate any concerns with data security while also improving transmission performance and probably giving you a bit more power (which a throttle controller will not).

 

[Spectre1775]

I have it in my 19 GX Lux and glad I got it. Originally got it more for the lockout feature when in large cities than anything else. Coming from a 11 year old Taco that couldn't get of its own way the GX is a huge improvement. I have the Shiftpower set to above the factory response but not much, noticeable but not outrageous.

From a risk assessment standpoint and bluetooth I am not even slightly worried. Haven't gone rock crawling with it but still have throttle sensitivity on mixed hard\soft bottoms where you can't see bottom and different throttle response is required.

GX*Bob is a bit dramatic in his evaluation of it, you can take it with a grain of salt especially on the lower end. But his install directions are spot on. Well I didn't have any issues disconnecting existing connections and connecting it in line. He has some showmanship which makes his videos interesting.



I installed the switch below the start button.

He put his up on top but I didn't want anything sticking out and obvious. Doubt many if any thieves would know what it is but like it cleaner and out of the way.

I feel the purchase was worth it. To me.

Thank you for the very helpful write-up. I did see GX Bob's video. Seems like a very easy install. I may have to get more creative with mounting solutions as I have a few things I will be mounting switches for in the coming months/years. I like your low mount, nice and clean and out of the way.

 

[MrTorgue]

Who are the major tuners for the GX?

I've got a YotaWerx 89 aggressive tune and I Iove it.

IMO you would be better served with a tune. I have a YotaWerx on mine, but other tunes are available. I opted for a single-VIN license of VF Tuner and the OBDII-USB adapter and loaded the tune myself, which is super easy. It can also be reverted to stock easily in 15 minutes via a laptop. This should alleviate any concerns with data security while also improving transmission performance and probably giving you a bit more power (which a throttle controller will not).

Agree 100%.

 

[Spectre1775]

IMO you would be better served with a tune. I have a YotaWerx on mine, but other tunes are available. I opted for a single-VIN license of VF Tuner and the OBDII-USB adapter and loaded the tune myself, which is super easy. It can also be reverted to stock easily in 15 minutes via a laptop. This should alleviate any concerns with data security while also improving transmission performance and probably giving you a bit more power (which a throttle controller will not).

Thanks, I know nothing about tunes, I will have to do my research and figure out which will suit my needs the best.

 

[Spectre1775]

IMO you would be better served with a tune. I have a YotaWerx on mine, but other tunes are available. I opted for a single-VIN license of VF Tuner and the OBDII-USB adapter and loaded the tune myself, which is super easy. It can also be reverted to stock easily in 15 minutes via a laptop. This should alleviate any concerns with data security while also improving transmission performance and probably giving you a bit more power (which a throttle controller will not).

I've got a YotaWerx 89 aggressive tune and I Iove it.



Agree 100%.

Well... I just spent 30 minutes in the phone with Christian, the owner of YotaWerx. Bright guy, and very generous with his time and patient with my many questions. Seems like a tune will do more of what I want than just the throttle response device. He is coming out with a new update by the end of the year so I will consider getting a tune after the update.

 

[Cold Iron]

Thanks, I know nothing about tunes, I will have to do my research and figure out which will suit my needs the best.

Why not both? Like I said I got the Shiftpower: Originally got it more for the lockout feature when in large cities than anything else.

No one is stealing it when you disable the throttle which takes only a few seconds. I'm more worried about theft then anything else when I am attending a shoot at some place like Northbrook in North Chicago. After I park at a hotel before I even get out I disable the throttle and the vehicle. With a push of a button, can use the phone app if you desire but the button is too easy to use.

I had Terry Gilomen do a custom tune on my first Polaris Ranger Northstar XP1000, as well as the Trailboss I replaced it with last year. You should know what you are looking for in a tune, wants and needs for your use. Terry only lives an hour from me and he has people sending him ECU's from all around the world. Most are looking to turn their Ranger into a RZR. On the other hand I want to go the other way, for my needs. Reliability where there is no cell phone reception. Extend belt life, disable limp modes, cooler running engine, etc. So I have him do a low RPM tune. I shoot for low end torque and don't care about going 80mph in the woods, I want a billy goat.

Evaluate your needs and what you would like improved over what the factory provided when getting a tune done is my recommendation.

 

[Spectre1775]

Why not both? Like I said I got the Shiftpower: Originally got it more for the lockout feature when in large cities than anything else.

No one is stealing it when you disable the throttle which takes only a few seconds. I'm more worried about theft then anything else when I am attending a shoot at some place like Northbrook in North Chicago. After I park at a hotel before I even get out I disable the throttle and the vehicle. With a push of a button, can use the phone app if you desire but the button is too easy to use.

I had Terry Gilomen do a custom tune on my first Polaris Ranger Northstar XP1000, as well as the Trailboss I replaced it with last year. You should know what you are looking for in a tune, wants and needs for your use. Terry only lives an hour from me and he has people sending him ECU's from all around the world. Most are looking to turn their Ranger into a RZR. On the other hand I want to go the other way, for my needs. Reliability where there is no cell phone reception. Extend belt life, disable limp modes, cooler running engine, etc. So I have him do a low RPM tune. I shoot for low end torque and don't care about going 80mph in the woods, I want a billy goat.

Evaluate your needs and what you would like improved over what the factory provided when getting a tune done is my recommendation.

Good points, thank you. I do want the lock out mode as well. As I learn more I will be able to make a more informed decision on a tune.

 

[MrTorgue]

Well... I just spent 30 minutes in the phone with Christian, the owner of YotaWerx. Bright guy, and very generous with his time and patient with my many questions. Seems like a tune will do more of what I want than just the throttle response device. He is coming out with a new update by the end of the year so I will consider getting a tune after the update.

A tune is for sure way more than a throttle controller. I get much better elevation performance and also get better cruise control performance as well. Two things the GX lacks.

 

[Hehena]

I've had good luck with Pedal Commander. Recent app updates have made it better, especially if, like me, you hide the control pad behind the dash.

 

[re_guderian]

...and also get better cruise control performance as well...

Good Lord, this is worth thou$and$ alone. The CC in the GX is atrocious.