Tuning Facts - Understand Your 4Runner Like We Do at CAMTuning

[CuttingedgeSport]

Do you have an idea on the maximum torque input for the AL80F trans?

Sponsored

 

[CAMTuning]

Do you have an idea on the maximum torque input for the AL80F trans?

Toyota doesn’t publish a hard “max torque input” number for the AL80F, and anyone quoting a specific figure is guessing.
In the real world, it’s less about a single torque number and more about heat, shift management, and how the torque is delivered. Smooth, controlled torque is what keeps them alive — not chasing a peak spec.

 

[CuttingedgeSport]

I get it, just hoping that the trans is up to holding the torque if we can keep it cool enough and if the pressure can be increased enough to keep clutches alive.

I would love to find a decent core trans and torque converter to inspect and check out for improvements/mods.

 

[Vincenzo]

A transmission with a “shift kit” will last longer than a transmission in stock form. That cushy shift that every car has is actually more damaging. The clutches are slipping, which causes heat and wear to achieve a comfortable gear change. I prefer to feel my shifts. I found these guys a long time ago when I had my Tundra. I never pulled the trigger though. https://www.importperformancetrans.com/

 

[CAMTuning]

I get it, just hoping that the trans is up to holding the torque if we can keep it cool enough and if the pressure can be increased enough to keep clutches alive.

A transmission with a “shift kit” will last longer than a transmission in stock form. That cushy shift that every car has is actually more damaging. The clutches are slipping, which causes heat and wear to achieve a comfortable gear change. I prefer to feel my shifts. I found these guys a long time ago when I had my Tundra. I never pulled the trigger though. https://www.importperformancetrans.com/

yes that comfort is intentional slip. With tuning have full control of shift behavior for each gear, and each mode (normal, sport)

 

[CAMTuning]

Session 8: Pulling these concepts together, and what to monitor on your Cobb Accessport

If you’re running a tuned 4th Gen Tacoma / T24 truck, your dash should give you context, not anxiety. Here’s the clean setup I recommend:


1. KCLV (Knock Correction Learn Value)
This is your long-term knock learning value.

It shows how the ECU is adapting over time based on fuel quality and operating conditions.

You’re not chasing a perfect number — you’re watching for stability.
If it lives in a consistent range and behaves predictably, that’s healthy.

Sudden sustained changes are what matter.

2. Knock Correction Angle
This is real-time knock response.

You will see small corrections. That’s normal closed-loop strategy.

Important reminder that:
-3° = effectively 0.
Seeing -3 doesn’t mean you’re “losing 3 degrees.” It’s essentially baseline behavior.

What you’re watching for isn’t small blips — it’s repeated, large corrections under steady load.

Trends > single events.

3. Boost
Keep it simple. Just boost.

Know what your truck normally makes in:

• 3rd gear
• 4th gear
• Typical temps

Toyota torque targeting means boost isn’t just a “max PSI” number — it changes based on load and conditions.

If you know what’s normal for your truck, you’ll instantly spot when something is off.

4. Charge Air Temp (Post-Intercooler)
Not generic intake temp — charge temp.

This is the temperature of the air the engine is actually ingesting after compression and intercooling.

This directly affects:

• Ignition timing
• Knock sensitivity
• Torque consistency

If charge temps climb, the truck may feel softer — even if nothing is wrong mechanically.

5. Long Term Fuel Trim
This is one of the most underrated parameters.

Stable trims = sealed system, healthy airflow modeling.
Sudden swing = possible boost leak, vacuum issue, or MAF contamination.

It’s an early warning system.

What I don’t recommend:

• Staring at AFR constantly
• Chasing peak boost numbers
• Turning the Accessport into a stress device

The goal isn’t constant monitoring.
It’s knowing what’s normal.
Once you understand your truck’s patterns, you’ll recognize changes early.

What are you running on your dash?

Sponsored