Throttle controllers and exhausts

[WAGSNZ]

Hi all!

 

Any YD25 R51 drivers have experiences with throttle controllers?

Looking at this:

EVC-IDRIVE THROTTLE CONTROLLER NISSAN PATHFINDER 2005 - 2012 (R51) – iDRIVENZ

 

They seem like a good idea. The increased weight of the accessories have made poor Wags a little sluggish trying to get into traffic and while towing.

I like the idea of better throttle response on the road as well as the economy modes, and better control in low range.

 

I've seen YouTube videos on them but I'm after some real world reviews.

 

Whether I get one or not, in the next few months it will be getting a dyno tune, trans cooler and catch can.

 

My second question is whether a DPF back exhaust is actually worth it. I've heard mixed opinions.

[WAGSNZ]

Update for any R51 owners that are interested.

 

I bought and installed the standard EVC Throttle Controller (above) and WOW, it has completely transformed it.

 

I've used:

- "E4" Eco 4 for every day driving which has slightly improved fuel economy.

- "A/C" (Automatic Control) for some mild off-roading through some mountain passes. Great for all conditions.

- "E9" Eco 9 for some riverbed driving. This mode was perfect for the large rocks and technical driving requiring smooth throttle control. This mode was also great for reversing the trailer.

- "U5" Ultimate 5 while towing my trailer. This was the most eye opening. It drove like there was no trailer, throttle response was incredible! Also use this mode when entering traffic at roundabouts, or while overtaking.

 

I found U9 - the highest and most responsive setting - was a little too responsive and spent a lot of time dropping, then searching gears (auto trans).

 

Otherwise, I'd highly recommend it!

 

 

I'm still after some advice on DPF back exhausts if anybody has experience/an opinion.

[Nd4SpdSe]

A guy I know put an EVCX into his VK swapped Frontier and came to me, raving about it, along with a video and how well it works. I'm sold. I know with my V8 and the 90mm TB she can be jump and does worry me about tine control for off-roading. This will likely resolve that problem. I've also been concerned about DBW throttle for off-road and really liked my cable throttle in my old X for vehicle control. This may be just what I need.

 

[Slartibartfast]

I wonder whether the benefit from those is from the new/different modes, or more from overriding whatever "optimization" the ECU does. I've been annoyed by that meddling in almost every E-throttle vehicle I've driven. Small adjustments ignored, smooth inputs made jerky.

 

I much prefer the cable throttle in my '93. The old VG30 may be gutless, but at least it tries to do what I'm asking!

[Nd4SpdSe]

Indeed. I also miss the throttle cable from my old SC 5-speed Xterra, the control was wonderful.

[WAGSNZ]

@Nd4SpdSe It has made a huge difference to the control off-road. Have switched to using "E7" and it's no longer as jumpy in low range over larger rocks or bumpy tracks.

I've also noticed a ~1L/100km improvement in economy driving in "E7" over standard settings 50/50 city/open road driving.

I'll use this setting more often than not for every day driving. It feels pretty gutless, but I'm rarely in a rush (especially when heading to work!)

Conversely, the instant response when taking off from a roundabout/entering traffic and towing has been great in "U5". 

 

@Slartibartfast Did you play with the settings at all? It's very customizable.

As mentioned, I found "U9" far too responsive to the extent that I found the trans searching for gears, or not changing up until I lifted my foot.

The ability to choose Auto or even revert back to factory settings is also good.

 

It's not for everyone, just my honest feedback.

[Slartibartfast]

I've never used a throttle controller! I'm talking about the meddling in the OE system, which I assume the controller is overriding.