2026 4Runner TRD Sport Dyno Results (Stock vs Tuned on 86 Octane)

[CAMTuning]

Had the opportunity to get a 2026 4Runner TRD Sport on our dyno.


Truck is bone stock, ~3,000 miles, running 86 octane.


For context, I have extensive remote tuning experience with this platform, and have many Tacomas on our dyno, both gas and hybrid.
This was a great opportunity to have a local one on the dyno and validate what we’ve consistently been seeing in logs.

Baseline

• 255whp / 353wtq
• KCLV: 13
• Lean behavior through peak torque
• Roughly ~15whp lower than most Tacomas we’ve tested

So not just low octane — also a softer baseline than expected for this platform.

After Tuning (Still 86 Octane)

• 292whp / 404wtq
• KCLV increased to 17
• Fueling corrected — especially in the peak torque region, now safer than stock under load

Gains

• +37whp
• +50wtq

Observations

• The lean condition in the torque region matches what we’ve seen on the dyno and remote tuning.
• Same engine/platform — Baseline and gains are in line with 91, but lower peak numbers due to octane limitation.

Bigger Picture

Having tuned a large number of these remotely, the patterns were already there in the data.


The dyno just confirmed it:

• Stock calibration isn’t always ideal under load
• Even on 86 octane, you can improve power and safety at the same time

Not trying to turn this into a stock vs tuned debate — just sharing what shows up when you actually measure it.

Bottom Line

• Same 2.4T platform (Tacoma / 4Runner)
• Same trends in logs and on the dyno
• And even on 86, there’s meaningful room for improvement when it’s calibrated properly

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[HVLA]

Wish you would have done a run on premium before tune to have another dataset of the difference octane makes in these engines.

 

[CAMTuning]

Wish you would have done a run on premium before tune to have another dataset of the difference octane makes in these engines.

It showed up with a full tank of 86, so no opportunity to do that.
I've had a number of Tacomas on the dyno on 91 and have a stable baseline what what they make with both factory size and oversized tires. I typically see 267-270whp on 91 on stock tires with the stock tune.

He's going to switch to 91, and when he does, I'll gather some dyno data on the stock tune. With the Accessport it only takes a couple of minutes to load the stock mapping back and do some runs.

 

[Suprman_82]

What tune are you using and where to purchase it at?

 

[CAMTuning]

What tune are you using and where to purchase it at?

This is a custom calibration done by me using the COBB Accessport. I’ve been a COBB Protuner for about 15 years and have over 20 years of experience working with forced-induction 4-cylinder platforms.

You can find more info and purchase options here: https://camtuningperformance.com/

If you have any questions or want to go over your setup, feel free to reach out. Most of the tuning I’m doing on this platform is handled 100% remotely.

 

[Suprman_82]

Awesome thanks!! And the only option for my 2025 trd sport would be the $900 one correct?

 

[CAMTuning]

Awesome thanks!! And the only option for my 2025 trd sport would be the $900 one correct?

Reflash Tune + Accessport ($969):
This is a pre-built calibration that I’ve developed and refined across a lot of these trucks. It’s a big improvement over stock in throttle response, power delivery, and overall drivability.

• No revisions required
• Quick turnaround
• Great option for mostly stock vehicles or with common intake modifications.
• We still review data from your vehicle after flashing to make sure everything is operating exactly as it should. If I see something that needs changed, I will change it at no charge.

Custom Tune + Accessport ($1,169):
This is a fully personalized calibration built specifically for your truck. We go through a revision process (typically 3–5 revisions) where you send logs, I make adjustments, and we dial everything in based on your fuel, environment, and how you want the vehicle to drive.

• Tailored to your exact setup
• Can be more/less aggressive depending on your preference
• Ideal if you want everything as dialed as possible or plan to modify

Right now, COBB is running a 10% off sale through the 30th, and that discount applies to the full bundle:

• Reflash bundle: $969 → $873
• Custom bundle: $1,169 → $1,052

 

[John2112]

Wish you would have done a run on premium before tune to have another dataset of the difference octane makes in these engines.

Octane makes almost no difference, I've done similar tests. That's always been a myth that you get better performance with higher octane. That only makes a difference if you have a high performance engine that requires it.

 

[spyder40]

Reflash Tune + Accessport ($969):
This is a pre-built calibration that I’ve developed and refined across a lot of these trucks. It’s a big improvement over stock in throttle response, power delivery, and overall drivability.

• No revisions required
• Quick turnaround
• Great option for mostly stock vehicles or with common intake modifications.
• We still review data from your vehicle after flashing to make sure everything is operating exactly as it should. If I see something that needs changed, I will change it at no charge.

Custom Tune + Accessport ($1,169):
This is a fully personalized calibration built specifically for your truck. We go through a revision process (typically 3–5 revisions) where you send logs, I make adjustments, and we dial everything in based on your fuel, environment, and how you want the vehicle to drive.

• Tailored to your exact setup
• Can be more/less aggressive depending on your preference
• Ideal if you want everything as dialed as possible or plan to modify

Right now, COBB is running a 10% off sale through the 30th, and that discount applies to the full bundle:

• Reflash bundle: $969 → $873
• Custom bundle: $1,169 → $1,052

How long is the sale going on? In the middle of taxes and owe unfortunately

 

[CAMTuning]

How long is the sale going on? In the middle of taxes and owe unfortunately

Through 3/30. I know the pain! A nicer driving 4Runner will help you cope with the sting of sending all your money to the IRS though

 

[spyder40]

3/30 is my birthday! Any extra discount

 

[HVLA]

Octane makes almost no difference, I've done similar tests. That's always been a myth that you get better performance with higher octane. That only makes a difference if you have a high performance engine that requires it.

100% wrong when it comes to this engine. Camtuning even just confirmed it with their tacoma dynos. So did Stillen. It is right around 15-20hp increase.

 

[CAMTuning]

Octane makes almost no difference, I've done similar tests. That's always been a myth that you get better performance with higher octane. That only makes a difference if you have a high performance engine that requires it.

On an 11:1 Compression engine with a turbo, it absolutely matters. I have a deep understanding on how the ecu works on this platform, and while it "can" safely run lower octane, there are a number of reasons I wouldn't.

Lower octane = lower knock resistance.
When knock starts, the ECU pulls ignition timing to protect the engine.

When timing is pulled:

• Combustion happens later
• Less power is made
• More heat goes out the exhaust

That directly means:

• Higher EGTs
• More heat through the exhaust valves and turbo
• Less efficient combustion overall

 

[John2112]

100% wrong when it comes to this engine. Camtuning even just confirmed it with their tacoma dynos. So did Stillen. It is right around 15-20hp increase.

The tuning yes, but octane does not make a difference. 15 to 20 horsepower is barely perceived.

1. Octane Measures Stability, Not Energy
Most people assume high octane fuel has more "energy" or "explosive power" than regular fuel. It doesn’t.
In fact, regular and premium fuel contain roughly the same amount of chemical energy. The octane rating actually measures the fuel's resistance to detonation (also known as engine knock).
Low Octane: Ignites more easily under pressure.
High Octane: Harder to ignite; designed to withstand higher compression without firing prematurely.
2. The "Pre-Ignition" Problem
In a high-performance engine, the pistons compress the air-fuel mixture much more tightly to extract more power. If you put regular gas in a high-performance engine, the heat and pressure might cause the gas to explode before the spark plug even fires. This is called "knocking," and it can destroy an engine.
In a regular commuter car, the compression is much lower. Regular gas works perfectly because the engine never reaches the pressures that would require the stability of premium fuel.
3. Why It Won't Improve Your MPG
If your car is designed for 87 octane, its computer (ECU) is tuned for that specific combustion timing.
Using 91 or 93 octane doesn't change how the engine breathes or how much fuel it injects.
Because the energy density is the same, your car will travel the exact same distance on a gallon of premium as it would on a gallon of regular.
The Result: You are essentially paying 20–50 cents more per gallon for a capability your engine isn't even using.

 

[CAMTuning]

The tuning yes, but octane does not make a difference. 15 to 20 horsepower is barely perceived.

1. Octane Measures Stability, Not Energy
Most people assume high octane fuel has more "energy" or "explosive power" than regular fuel. It doesn’t.
In fact, regular and premium fuel contain roughly the same amount of chemical energy. The octane rating actually measures the fuel's resistance to detonation (also known as engine knock).
Low Octane: Ignites more easily under pressure.
High Octane: Harder to ignite; designed to withstand higher compression without firing prematurely.
2. The "Pre-Ignition" Problem
In a high-performance engine, the pistons compress the air-fuel mixture much more tightly to extract more power. If you put regular gas in a high-performance engine, the heat and pressure might cause the gas to explode before the spark plug even fires. This is called "knocking," and it can destroy an engine.
In a regular commuter car, the compression is much lower. Regular gas works perfectly because the engine never reaches the pressures that would require the stability of premium fuel.
3. Why It Won't Improve Your MPG
If your car is designed for 87 octane, its computer (ECU) is tuned for that specific combustion timing.
Using 91 or 93 octane doesn't change how the engine breathes or how much fuel it injects.
Because the energy density is the same, your car will travel the exact same distance on a gallon of premium as it would on a gallon of regular.
The Result: You are essentially paying 20–50 cents more per gallon for a capability your engine isn't even using.

You said it yourself (or maybe AI did):
In a high-performance engine, the pistons compress the air-fuel mixture much more tightly to extract more power.
11:1 and boosted is VERY high cylinder pressure.

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