.: Performance Accessories
Which of all the products on the market promising to improve performance and fuel economy really work? I plan to establish a baseline for my Tacoma stock, then add one performance upgrade at a time, proving or disproving the benefits of each. In the end it will be clear which upgrades really work and how well.
.: Step by Step Upgrade
1. PLX Devices 2340 KIWI Wifi & Rev Software for iPhone
This device plugs directly into the OBDII port for a vehicle's computer and provides a Wifi signal to an iPhone or other smart phone. This Wifi signal broadcasts all of the computer's diagnostic information. As for the iPhone or other smart phone, installation of an App is required to utilize this information. I purchased Rev by DevToaster. Of the available choices in the iTunes store this App has the best reviews and the right features for my project. In my Tacoma this combination of hardware and software provides readings for MPG, Rear-Wheel-Horsepower, Torque, RPM, Speed, 0-60 Timer and much more. I will use this interface to enhance the testing required to prove how much my upgrades improve performance and fuel economy.
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I will eliminate as many variables as possible and establish values for rear-wheel-horsepower, torque, and gas mileage for my Tacoma in its stock configuration. These values will establish a baseline against which the benefits of each upgrade will be compared.
3. URD AFR Sensor Calibrator
This device by Underdog Racing Development enables end user calibration of the air/fuel ratio provided for a vehicle’s engine. URD boasts that the preloaded calibration they program prior to shipping this device provides an added 15HP. Further calibration done using software that comes with the device and a laptop will enable the end user to recalibrate after each performance upgrade, in order to ensure that the maximum benefits of each is fully exploited. I will verify URD’s claims once I have installed and tested the device.
4. National Fuelsaver Corporation Platinum Gas Saver
National Fuel Saver Corporation’s Platinum Gas Saver is an EPA-registered automotive fuel-saving system which increases the fuel mileage of gasoline-powered engines by an average of 22-28% while meeting all federal and state emission standards. With a simple connection to a vacuum line, the Platinum Gas Saver injects microscopic quantities of a vapor form of platinum into the gas-air mixture, causing the fuel to burn more completely inside the engine. With platinum in the flame zone, the percentage of fuel burning in the engine increases from 68% to 90%. In addition to phenomenal improvements in gas mileage, National Fuel Saver’s claims include comparable improvements in performance, a boost in effective octane levels by 3-5, cleaning out carbon buildup throughout a vehicle’s power-train, and environmental benefits. I will verify many of these claims once I have installed and tested the device.
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5. TRD Cat-Back Exhaust
Toyota Racing Development’s Cat-Back Exhaust boasts performance and fuel savings. It also improves the sound of the Tacoma. It is made from stainless steel and has a TRD-logo-etched tip. It features a side exit to maximize departure angle, allowing for a less restrictive exhaust path and produces noise levels under the 95-decibel noise limit.
6. Volant Toyota Tacoma Cold Air Intake with Scoop
This cold air intake boasts significant improvements in performance and gas mileage. It utilizes both the stock cold air intake near the wheel well and an optional scoop that pulls cold air from just in front of the radiator. I will verify many of these claims once I have installed and tested the device.
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Enjoy!
