Ultimate9 EVC Throttle Controller – Install & Review

Throttle controllers’ popularity for the 5th Gen 4Runner has grown exponentially. With its sluggish start and gear hunting, 4Runner owners are constantly looking for ways to put a pep in our trucks’ steps.

Ultimate9 has decided to throw its hat in the ring with a safe mod that improves your pedal response by modifying throttle mapping. This isn’t like a tune that will result in horsepower gains, but it will make a noticeable difference in how hard you need to step on the gas pedal.

The controller comes in two options, the EVC and EVCx. We’ll be taking a look at the former, which is the more affordable one. To see their premium oofering, check out the EVCx review.

Installation

This install can’t go any faster or be any easier!

• Locate the pedal
• Reach above the pedal and unplug the controller
• Install the provided module inline
• Run the cable to where you want the control unit mounted, adding provided zip ties where needed
• Connect wire harness and mount!

I had an issue that Ultimate9 promptly resolved – the heater bar (blue line in the picture above) was too close to the controller. So, they sent me a controller that moved the connection to a dongle.

Ultimate9 was easy to reach via email and sent me a replacement dongle the next day.

Overview

There are 20 modes available from the controller’s display, comprising 3 primary and several levels within those to fine-tune to your liking. Level 1 means a slight change in response, and level 9 means the largest change.

MODES

• “U” – Ultimate – Level 1 removes some lag when pressing the pedal, while Level 9 is hyper-responsive. Try the latter when you have a lot of space and no traffic around.
• “E” – Economy – Level 1 adds a little lag in the pedal and Level 9 slows you way down. Think of driving in a school zone with the pedal 50% engaged.
• “A.C” – Auto Control – The controller automatically picks the Level (1-9) based on how hard you press the pedal over time.
• “–” is the Factory setting.

It also comes with a lifetime replacement warranty!

Testing

I decided early on that I would test the 3 modes in specific situations:

Ultimate Mode

I tested this mode in light traffic and wide street driving.

Level 1 was noticeable, and a quick reminder of how sluggish the throttle response is from the factory. I drove for a short while before parking and switching to Level 5. Wow. The throttle came to life almost immediately with good pressure and maintained the RPM climb well past usual levels before upshifting. I eased off and the 4Runner found 2nd gear.

Level 9 was a treat. I burned out on an empty 2-lane road and laughed at the “torque”.

Economy Mode

I tested this mode for grocery getting, flat highways, and stretching the gas tank.

Ultimate9 really did their homework on this setting. The higher the level, the harder I needed to press the gas pedal to get a response from the engine. I also obtained the best MPG over one tank that I’ve ever experienced: 18.7 (80% street and 20% highway).

Pushing the engine to accelerate even to normal, pedantic speeds was a real chore, but I saved a good amount of fuel.

Auto Control Mode

I used this mode heading East on Highway 80 between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe: 80 miles and a 7,000ft elevation change.

On flat streets, the 4Runner felt zippier and the stop light launch picked up. When I was towing, the throttle never jumped too high or quickly, but still gave me good power for gear changes on hill climbs. After 200 miles in the mountains with a light trailer, I can definitely say I appreciated this setting more than any others.

Removing The Controller

If you’re ever unsatisfied, you can remove everything following the process below.

1. Set the controller to — (factory mode).
2. Make sure the 4Runner is completely off, with no ignition, and no accessory power. Remove keys from the car just in case.
3. Disconnect the throttle cable from the module.
4. Remove the module from the throttle input.
5. Reconnect the OEM cable back to the throttle.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve heard of iDrive, this is the same company, rebranded. They’ve been working in the throttle controller space for years now, and they even have a good OBD2 reader and computer for a great price.

A quick comparison puts the EVC Controller pricing (at the time of this article) in the middle of the pack between questionable Amazon brands and well-known name brands like Pedal Commander. For its value, I would definitely recommend this controller for its simplicity and wide range of settings.