First Gear Load Control – Cobb Platform Update

[CAMTuning]

There’s been a lot of discussion around first-gear load limits on the T24A platform, so here’s a clear update.

This applies to the hybrid as well

Earlier calibrations had a defined load ceiling in 1st gear. That meant even if boost targets were raised in higher gears, the ECU would limit commanded load in 1st as part of its torque management strategy.

Recent calibration updates within the Cobb platform have expanded access to those control tables.

I’ve validated these changes on my development truck and multiple customer vehicles this week. With the new tables properly calibrated, full commanded load and boost can now be achieved in 1st gear when appropriate.

A couple important points:

• This is not about simply “removing a limiter.”
• The ECU still models torque and protects the drivetrain.
• Proper implementation requires balancing load targets, torque request, and boost control to maintain smooth delivery.

Done correctly, the result is consistent acceleration behavior across gears without artificial first-gear suppression.

For clarity — I have tuned Toyota with Cobb since the beginning, and I will continue to tune with Cobb. It remains the most transparent solution for this platform, and development within the ecosystem is ongoing. I’m actively validating these updates as they’re released and integrating them responsibly into customer calibrations.

As always, the goal is controlled, repeatable torque — not just peak numbers.

Sponsored

 

[xp0nex]

I wasn’t a big fan of that part, even though I get why it works that way. I’m definitely interested in tuning, but I’ll wait until the basic warranty is up. By then I’ll probably have enough mods to justify a tune.

 

[CuttingedgeSport]

Looking forward to this 1st gear tuning.

I have needed to accelerate to get out of the way of a dangerous situation a few times now and found the throttle very unresponsive and having no boost to get me moving, as well as getting out of first gear way too early.

I understand torque limiting and management, but Toyota should build the trans stronger if that is the weak link. I want boost and I want it Now!

There is a reason my old musclecar now has a built TH400 in it….



Also, to add a question about your tune, Cam.

Will you be updating all your tunes and allowing people who have purchased a tune from you previously to load the update including the new 1st gear strategy and update their vehicles at no charge?

 

[Joey_Midnight]

Nice thats great news, definitely one of my gripes was that first gear. Does the new mapping now prevent boost from bleeding off when maintaining steady throttle? Stock it always when holding say 40% pedal it will boost to 10psi then just open the wastegate and dump the boost even tho pedal is steady. A weird feature I blame torque management for.

 

[Vincenzo]

My biggest gripe is 3rd gear. You are driving down the road, make a turn, and there it is. 3 rd gear seems to be the default. You give it gas and it struggles. You literally have to mat it, so it will go. 2nd gear makes more sense to me. Before you ask, “Vincenzo, how do you know it’s in 3rd gear everytime“? Cuz my ScanGauge says so.

 

[CAMTuning]

My biggest gripe is 3rd gear. You are driving down the road, make a turn, and there it is. 3 rd gear seems to be the default. You give it gas and it struggles. You literally have to mat it, so it will go. 2nd gear makes more sense to me. Before you ask, “Vincenzo, how do you know it’s in 3rd gear everytime“? Cuz my ScanGauge says so.

Part of that is torque demand, but a lot of it is TCM mapping. By tuning the transmission to be in the right gear at the right rpm and throttle input, it can keep the engine in a more responsive range. This is one of the best benefits of tuning. I am less concerned with full throttle power and more with daily drivability.

 

[CAMTuning]

Nice thats great news, definitely one of my gripes was that first gear. Does the new mapping now prevent boost from bleeding off when maintaining steady throttle? Stock it always when holding say 40% pedal it will boost to 10psi then just open the wastegate and dump the boost even tho pedal is steady. A weird feature I blame torque management for.

I can help it hold boost by demanding torque at lower throttle and higher rpm. The stock mapping does just what you mention, although there are a lot of layers to how torque and load are managed in these vehicles.

 

[Joey_Midnight]

I can help it hold boost by demanding torque at lower throttle and higher rpm. The stock mapping does just what you mention, although there are a lot of layers to how torque and load are managed in these vehicles.

Ya i had to fight the torque mangment when tuning my camaro on HP tuners, a couple bolt ons and the car starts closing the TB for making too much power. Finding and testing all those TM maps is a challenge, thanks for sourcing out better drivablilty for us. Does you map adjust the constant downshifting for smalling throttle inputs on the highway?

 

[CAMTuning]

Ya i had to fight the torque mangment when tuning my camaro on HP tuners, a couple bolt ons and the car starts closing the TB for making too much power. Finding and testing all those TM maps is a challenge, thanks for sourcing out better drivablilty for us. Does you map adjust the constant downshifting for smalling throttle inputs on the highway?

A downshift at highway speeds with added throttle input isn’t necessarily a bad thing — especially on a small displacement turbo 4-cylinder. In many cases, it’s actually preferred.

If the transmission stays in a tall gear and you roll into the throttle, the engine can lug at low RPM while trying to build boost and load. That increases cylinder pressure and isn’t always the most efficient or responsive way to accelerate. A controlled downshift lets the engine move into a more efficient RPM range where it can make power cleanly without excessive load.
With Accessport tuning, I have full control over TCM mapping by drive mode (Normal, Sport, etc.). So we can:
• Make Normal mode calmer and hold gears longer
• Make Sport mode more responsive and decisive
• Adjust throttle sensitivity vs. downshift thresholds
• Change how aggressively it responds to small vs. large pedal input
It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer — it depends on how you want the vehicle to behave.

If you decide to tune, we can absolutely discuss the specific driving feel you're after and tailor it accordingly.

 

[Vincenzo]

Hence, being in 3rd when 2nd is a much better idea

 

[spyder40]

Been looking at tunes but haven't pulled the trigger. Looking at the options. If I buy custom tune can I have two tunes, one for normal driving and one for pulling my 4000lb trailer?

Sponsored