Throttle Response Units…. Thoughts?

So… we all know that a stock 4Runner has a moderate “get up and go” feel that could definitly be improved. Some people resort to Superchargers and hey that’s pretty neat but for a man like me who might as well stick a wrench on both terminals of a battery if asked to do engine modifications.
im not mechanically incline.
I have read about throttle response controllers and wanted to get people’s thoughts on them/experience with them I.e Pedal Commander and Roar Pedal Etc…

 

Hey OP

I’m a very happy customer of Pedal Commander. I have no engine mods besides upgraded battery and air filter. I truly notice and like the difference. I like the response it gives at all speeds. My 4R is surprisingly peppy off the line and once at higher rpm’s

Also, many people swear by Sprint Booster throttle controller over PC.

goodluck

 

I had a pedal commander for a couple of years and always doted it to be my favorite upgrade.
The only thing better is a tune.

 

A fellow great white northerner! Thanks for the info, I read a lot into them but saw a bunch of people criticize them, so this points me towards first upgrade!

 

Yeah idek how to go about a tune near me, this helps a lot! Thanks!

 

Very interesting talk by Gale Banks
https://youtu.be/BL3pKztZirA?si=gdOO4JC3qz0vHPFL

 

Floor it for the same effect.

 

Doing so you won't get check engine light excitement.
Jokes aside it's very interesting to hear why these famous throttle controllers give check engine light and limp mode as explained by Gale's video.

 

I’d definitely go with the Banks product over the others but after owning a PC and being lucky enough never to see a CEL, my foot can replicate the same effect. Now I just get CELs from my remote start.

 

I have had a Sprint Booster on mine for almost 3 years and love it. No problems, no codes and the throttle responds like there's a cable instead of wire. No lag in response but not too sensitive either, just install it, set it and enjoy. I think I have mine set at S5 or 6. Makes driving the Runner much more enjoyable, highly recommended.

 

Very well done presentation. My ‘21 had a PC and I took it off before I sold it. I don’t think I’ll put it on my ‘24 and will get a Banks instead.

 

Get an OTT tune. From everything I've heard that is a better solution than most pedal controllers.

More usable mid range torque. They ask you what kind of throttle response you want and you can select how mild or spicy you want it to behave.

 

The Gale Banks vid is pretty damning to the PC. He raises more than a few serious flaws in the PC. Enough for me to stay away. Digital control systems can be flakey, even from the factory. Why chance it w/ suspect aftermarket designs?

 

Best thing since sliced bread for 4 Runner. Has sprint booster on other cars now on 4 Runner. So far, so good no issues.

 

It's like a quick twist throttle on a motorcycle. Absolutely no performance improvement, just the illusion.

 

Learn how to modulate the throttle with your foot.

 

I run the Banks Petal Monster. Best upgrade so far. It now feels like a real vehicle and not like a Prius. It is now fun to drive.

 

Spend a little more and just get an actual tune. slight gain in hp/torque with an adjusted shift strategy

 

https://aguyagirlandatrail.com/2023/03/08/throttle-controllers/

 

This throttle respond below is inexpensive with great reviews as well. I'm not an expert on this topic and don't know how much technology and thought went into it, but I think that bigger companies want a lot more money for something that cost a lot less to build. To me, they all do the same and they all may have their ups and downs. If you can save hundreds, why not!

 

Well of course, I’d love a tune and I’d toss my PC. But the costs are apples and oranges, and a tune guy typically isn’t coming to your house so there’s time and gas involved too.
4R’s really benefit from tunes, short of regearing.

OP don’t be scared away, the price is right when it comes to SB and PC. If I could do it again I’d go SB. And 100% you’ll notice the difference ignore the noise - I don’t enjoy flooring my 4R or paying the tank.

@kmeeg
Banks schmanks, Gale’s a girls name anyways

 

No ya ur right for sure. But at least in British Columbia, a tune is not just a little more money.

 

Your foot doesn't work? Perhaps you need to see a podiatrist.

 

The 4runner doesn’t need it. It drives perfectly fine. I swear some of you guys think you bought a Camaro SS or a Mustang GT. Its a body on frame 4x4 suv FFS. Its a smooth drive and has plenty of power for what it is.

 

What throttle modulation on a 15 year old bread box??! This is no Subaru Impreza or Citroen WrC and you are no Colin McRae.
The 4Runner is poorly geared and the throttle does nothing untill you beyond the half way point , keep doing whatever modulation you want. And speak of throttle modulation, even on my unrestricted Hayabusa, in street use, there is hardly any throttle modulation needed.
Or have you also invented a device where your foot becomes a wire by throttle since all you ve been doing since the 70s is invent stuff.

 

^

 

My 06 GTO uses throttle by wire and has much snappier response but it also has the power to back it up. The Runner is a slow turd no matter what you do and when I turn my foot to race level foot mashing power, it responds to it...but it's still slow.

 

It was never engineered to be a fast suv. Its not a sports car and I honestly don’t think its as slow as people make it out to be on this forum. If you are comparing it to say a Nissan 370z, SS, GT or something then yes its slow.

 

It Seems to me that a quicker throttle response would be nice on a 4runner. That's why these are purchased.

 

Had a Pedal Commander for a couple years. Great little upgrade and was very pleased with the increased pedal sensitivity. I recently sold it because I swapped over to a Banks Pedal Monster as I feel it has overall better safety features than any other unit (there is a video out there showing which units have/don't have certain features and benefits). I feel that the Banks unit has smoother responsiveness than a Pedal Commander as well. If I ever buy another 5th gen, a throttle unit would be the first thing I install. It definitely changes the driving experience.

You will hear a lot about people not liking these units - mostly coming from people who have never used one. Majority of the people who have actually installed one loves them, me included.