UNICHIP for a PRADO 3.4L

Russell S.....when you say a 'free flow' exhaust, do you mean a larger system..ie 3" etc. How much approx for the exhaust and Unichip?

Steve

Steve,
I can't recall the diameter, and I'm not very mobile at present so can't look for you. Will check when I can. I do know that they replaced the exhaust system from the Cat back, which reduced the restriction, whether through larger pipe size or more open muffler design - it sounds louder now, but how much does that mean??

As far as cost goes, it was getting up near $1800 or so for Unichip, dyno time, exhaust etc. I also got an extra feature - a switch which allows you to use normal unleaded if you can't get Optimax/Mobil 8000. The Unichip is tuned for Optimax, but flicking the switch knocks the tops off the peaks so that it won't ping on normal unleaded. I thought that was a good idea since it's hard to get premium unleaded in some remote places. Proved to be a wise choice, since I didn't see Optimax west of Emerald, although it might have become more available since 2001.

The big questions - is it worth it? and do you notice the difference? We think it made a reasonable difference, particularly when we changed tyre sizes from the RV6 standard 215/80 R16 to 265/70 R16. We also seem to be able to tow the camper trailer quite well with it. I think you need to keep the car for a while after doing it, and get someone good to install it. Bob Romano in Brisbane did mine. As I found out with my Falcon, there are tuners and tuners out there, and a 'free flow' exhaust and a 'high flow' cat doesn't necessarily mean greater power output.

I'm rambling a bit, but I should also mention the other option for powering up - the supercharger..... The Toyota Racing Development mob in the US produce a supercharger kit specifically for the 3.4 Prado motor which would push power output to 200Kw or more. You'd still need a unichip etc, but she would go then! Trouble is the cost - 8 or 9 grand. I decided not to do that because I want to get into a diesel platform, and my Prado already has 120,000 km on it.

If you want the dyno chart, send me an email at fischpond@iprimus.com.au with your address or fax number, and I'll get it to you. Also happy to post it here, but would need help to do that.
Cheers.
Russell S.Russell S
Prado RV6

YES unichip also new ditronic for the diesel .Look in the 4x4 mags there is several different makes.

My understanding is that the people who made Unichip make the Dtronic. When I asked APS, I think they said that they're still developing the Dtronic for the Prado, but it should be out soon. And, as Ray says, there's a few others on the bandwagon too, so check them out too.Russell S
Prado RV6