Throttle Controllers, Are they a SCAM? or do they work?

Throttle Controllers? what are they? how do they work? are they a scam? should you buy one?
shop for your car parts at www.btrcarcustoms.com

[@jjloewenstein]

No better feeling like 1:1 throttle response! Great video Sam. Man I miss my Genesis.

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Couldn't agree more!

[@kwmulligan]

Excellent description on what it does..Thanks!

[@eltony69]

In a few words, it helps and more to the way of driving that one prefers, it is great if you are not looking for false horsepower, but it greatly helps, as you say at the end of the video, I think it is good to have one of these

[@sszhao11]

I love my apr throttle controller for my GTI. I can put it on slow throttle 0.7x and car feels smooth like a s class for city driving and prevents me from speeding. And 1.5x, car is eager, light and makes highway driving a breezes. Highly recommended

[@richarcm]

Another thing people notice but don't really factor in are traction issues. When the vehicle gets closer to 100% throttle when the gas pedal is pressed the more the tires will want to spin at launch. Which means the vehicle is performing BETTER but the tires aren't adequate to handle the additional performance. Thereby decreasing times and giving the PERCEPTION that the vehicle is not performing differently or is performing "worse".

[@eltony69]

What I can say is that it does help a lot with the turbo lag, well that's how I felt it

[@Stanging84]

The best explanation for throttle controller - Thank you for this.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

No, it's inaccurate because throttle ramping is not controlled at the pedal, it's controlled at the engine ECU.

[@Stanging84]

@@Beer_Dad1975 The Computer? Will this cause a mis-fire / or and the check engine light to come on?

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@Stanging84 Nope, shouldn't do, it's just changing the output of the throttle pedal so the ECU (engine control unit, or computer) thinks the throttle is at a different position. If you are getting misfires and a check engine light it's most likely ignition or fuel related. Plug in a diagnostic tool to your cars OBD-II port and read the codes to find out - might be as simple as changing coil packs or spark plugs. Actually buying a scan tool would be money much better spent than on one of these things IMO.

[@Richie_308]

I have a OTR and tuned. Installed a throttle control and definitely instant response. Definitely noticeable.

[@richarcm]

I wish people would stop testing whether or not these "work" by comparing 0-60 on a Draggy (or whatever). And instead people would start testing them at the track. You would see the benefit more when the tree turns green than when the Draggy detects movement.

[@dooley4334]

Best description I've seen so far..

[@TilakRajVerma]

You are a gem, great explanation. Keep doing the good work. I am in 🎉👍

[@NoOne56488]

Gets rid of pedal lag and also smooths out pedal response.( some cars have a very sensitive pedal )

[@Dexxx5757]

What's the difference with the standar Eco Mode in the car?

[@Area-cf1gt]

how does this affect cam phasers? would quicker engine accel break this?

[@jjhelios7214]

What are the long term effects of throttle controls?

[@machead57]

At best you get around 85% better throttle response. You're sending the signal from the pedal, to the controller, to the ECU, to the throttle body. It's not the same as old school throttle cable straight to the carburetor. You won't get that instantaneous "punch" with any of these controllers. I run mine in full race mode P3.9. When I got it I set it up at P2.5 and did notice a good bit of difference, but also still felt the delay somewhat.... and that's what I wanted to get away from. So my next move was P3.5. P3.7 and finally P3.9. I never run in any economy modes. I never want the throttle response to be less than the stock setup. On long trips I set it to normal mode (off) & run the cruise control. So, for me, this is a set it and forget it thing.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

Yes you are so right - all they do is remap the pedal, they don't do anything else. You can for example make 25% throttle behave like 85% throttle would normally - but you get exactly the same result as if you have the OEM mapping and put your foot to 85% throttle. It's not going to make a lick of difference to improving the cars performance. It can improve fuel economy by making you less likely to over-apply throttle, or even restrict maximum throttle - but it's not going to make your car faster at all. If you want a different throttle pedal feel though, they sure do that.

[@ThatBoyMichael1]

How is it holding up? Any issues?

[@machead57]

@@ThatBoyMichael1 I don't use it at all anymore, but I also don't have any complaints from using it. Mine is a 2010 Challenger R/T. Got the HEMI tick in September, which turned out to be a dropped lifter on #6 cylinder. Went to the local speed shop. Had a Texas speed Stage 3 cam kit with Hellcat lifters, springs and oil pump, an MDS delete, TSP Long tube headers, and a Circle D 3200-3400 stall torque converter installed. While we had the heads off they reworked them,... took care of all valve seats and cleaned them up. The dyno and tune took care of the delay. The delay doesn't exist any longer. I could have gone back stock for 1/3 of the cost but from what I understand, it's the MDS lifters that fail, and I don't want that problem again. The best part now is the look on the face of someone in a Scat Pack that can't pull away from me,.... or drops behind. 😆

[@ThatBoyMichael1]

@@machead57 Dammm lol sounds nice a nice build!! Thank you for replying! Thinking of getting one

[@machead57]

@@ThatBoyMichael1 I hope you find one you like. I'm a retired long haul trucker. I wanted one for years, but wouldn't have any time for it back when I was working. So, it basically became my retirement present..... to me 😃

[@VS97VS]

Great explanation of what it actually does, it stops the Ramping. Thank you.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

No, it doesn't - he's wrong - it only changes the throttle pedal mapping. It won't make your car any faster, only an ECU tune will remove throttle ramping.

[@VS97VS]

I never said it made your car faster because it doesn’t.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@VS97VS Removing throttle ramping (in vehicles that have it) will usually result in some torque gains through the low and mid rev range, and thus make the car a bit faster. Standard trick when remapping an ECU for extra power is to remove any such fuel and emissions saving features to get a quick win - but these units won't do that as they can't override the ECU.

[@DanielMoore-nq8fl]

@@Beer_Dad1975 Are you sure it does not remove ramping? I saw a shorts called "improve your Vehicles Acceleration with Sprint Booster" that video shows their product eliminating the ramping.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@DanielMoore-nq8fl I can't imagine how, though there might be odd designs out there I'm not aware of - the ramping is normally controlled by the ECU in response to throttle input (along with a load of other data from other inputs), not the simple voltage data coming from the pedal, which is all these things can alter. They are, IMO a waste of money unless you find the standard throttle settings on your vehicle unacceptable - and given many modern cars already have both very sensitive throttles, and usually at least a couple of different settings to choose from - and the various claims you see made about them - well I just think they are snake oil.

[@SuperTambo69]

can you 'tune-out' this throttle ramping effect?

[@1963TOMB]

I'd like to see someone do a demonstration with a throttle pedal connected to its potentiometer and show this delay on either a DVM or on an oscilloscope: just to prove that the delay is in the throttle side of things and is not programmed into the ECU. Please accept my challenge!

[@coreyw427]

There is not much critical thought happening here. As you’re suggesting, the pedal has no delay in it, it is in the ECU. Intercepting the pedal signal can only change the relationship of real pedal position to the pedal position the ECU sees. If the ECU is now seeing 50% as 100% the delay will still exist and apart from 50% pedal being marginally quicker to get to than 100% any delay/filtering will be the same as stomping on it.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

No need to, these things don't change anything other than the pedal map, so if the ECU is programmed to progressively open the throttle body, it'll still do that - because that is in the ECU - this guy is just flat wrong. All you get from these is a change in the amount of pedal input required to get the same result - they don't change anything else - so all you get from them is the ability to tune your pedal to better suit your driving style. If you just train yourself to modulate your pedal inputs according to how you want the car to respond instead, you'll get exactly the same results. They give you the impression they are doing something amazing because they do make the pedal respond very differently to what you are used to - but are in effect, a waste of money performance wise unless you really feel the need to re-map pedal response. You're far better of spending the money on a better exhaust system or a ECU remap.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@coreyw427 Yup you are right, throttle ramping is a real thing, but it's controlled at the ECU level and re-mapping your pedal inputs won't do anything about it - only reprogramming or replacing the ECU will do that. These things do make your car feel more responsive by being able to make the car behave like you have put your foot most of the way down when you have just touched the pedal, but they won't actually make your car any faster.

[@223rockmaster]

There is a video of I believe the JMS throttle controller interacting directly with a visible throttle body. It has an immense difference in speed.

[@223rockmaster]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWaaep15rLRnjpI

[@thaik56]

I was interested in understanding how they stop they stop the ramping effect.

[@gcraig0001]

A more direct method of fixing the designed in lag would be to use a tuning product to directly alter the throttle pedal movement to throttle body movement percentages in the ECU. Unfortunately the use of such a tuning product will void your powertrain warranty. On the other hand, the throttle controller products do not affect your warranty. Even so, if you have to take your car in for warranty repair I would still disconnect the controller to avoid an over-zealous dealership employee trying to tell you your warranty is void. These controller products tend to be overpriced (the electronics involved are relatively simple and the parts relatively cheap), so don't assume the highest priced products are somehow better. I wouldn't go with the cheapest, or the most expensive.

[@austinkerr6197]

Thanks for that explanation it made it so much clearer

[@yuvalkapellner2551]

Got one of the cheap ones for my car and at start all went well. A year after i now have issues. The car would occasionally start accelerating on its own and i have to side cick the pedal to shock it which probably affects it it mechanically and then rpm goes to normal. I am killing my brakes due to this unexpected behavior that happens occasionally. Not to mention that in traffic and parking situations it almost caused an accident. I just bought padel commander, i hope this wont have this issue which could be quite dangerous.

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Sounds like the unit is dying / shorting out Definitely remove it for now until you can replace it

[@carllrac2000]

Is this safe to get if I got a cam in my truck and a tune ?

[@Sacrosanct7]

Can the afr be a bit too lean by doing this?

[@LulaPlays]

I’ve had several of these on several of my Corvettes and even my Lexus LS. They are simply amazing if you want to get rid of that horrible lag…it’s amazing how night and day it changes the feeling of any car.

[@ColtonL-xr8hw]

My 2013 civic was gutless and boring to drive I put in a 8 drive and now the thing is so much fun to drive used to be into building cars and got out of building them now simply because if the 8 drive and how much fun it is to not have a gutless car again I'm getting back into building my car up again. In two weeks time I'm throwing in a k24 with some mods nothing crazy. But because I spent 103 dollars and had a little fun I'm getting back into my hobby that I have missed for may years. :)

[@MisterPokeylope]

Is the ramping happening inside the pedal electronics? Are the throttle controllers able to read the actual pedal position in addition to the ramped value?

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

Bought cx5 the worse pedal response. Can’t wait to get my Ultimate9 exvc.

[@TijmenJanssen]

Don't believe this nonsense. The delay is in the ecu, not the pedal. All these devices do is make the pedal reach 100% earlier. Without having to push it in all the way. So the gas response difference comes from your foot needing to travel less distance. And it comes with the downside that you have less granularity in between.

[@movazi]

What is a good brand for Audi RS?

[@dangermartin69]

What I want to know is will the rpms drop faster when I take my foot off the throttle? I have a manual transmission and it's a pain when shifting gears that the rpms dont drop quickly.

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Throttle controller does not change rev hang

[@user-ff5jl2ri9u]

Does it affect the stock air fuel ratio of the engine.?? Since it is controlling the throttle valve opening and closing degree.??

[@BTRcarcustoms]

No it does not

[@archelfrancisco]

Hi, I like your videos a lot and I am a subscriber because it helps me and others, if you don't mind can you give feedback regarding safety issues, My question is what if the throttle controller's device suddenly fails? or was the little wire accidentally cut? Do we still have the control of gas pedal, especially on the highway? or it will be back to normal mode? Thank you for hoping you can enlighten us. thank you again!

[@ColtonL-xr8hw]

Alls you would do is just unplug the controller and plug back in the oem plug and the your back in business. These are fantastic I love my 8 drive!

[@archelfrancisco]

@@ColtonL-xr8hw thank you

[@jamesf3801]

In my 2014 Porsche Boxster 2.7 it is amazing. Even at speeds of 50 mph, I press the pedal it speeds up faster. The reason is cause the throttle opens quicker letting in more air mix with gas ultimately giving you more force on pistons to increase RPM. I know sprint booster company will not say it increase horsepower, but it potentially can with the right car from my experience. For my car it's around .5 secs faster from 0 to 60. Also driving normal mode I can reach 2-3k RPM around 50 mphs. When turn on sprint booster at 50 mphs then press gas it shoots up to around 5k RPM and car takes off. Horsepower = Torque x RPM. If I get the torque force down on my pistons from the throttle providing more air quicker then potentially horsepower gains maybe attainable. One day I will pay for dyno test to confirm.

[@adaboy4z]

My 2011 Regal CXL 4 cylinder non turbo was quick and would spin the tires, now my 2024 Camry is slow picking up speed in comparison. I need this mod.

[@azizahmad8132]

If your car doesn't modified anything not recommended, unless you already done with full system and ecu remapping so it's really helpfull , you tune based on how you want to drive , my car ? Ofcourse it's for performance and streetrace 😅

[@PCPAyLOAD]

Do they "work" ?.. well yeah they work. Do they work how you want them to? Depends on what you were expecting.

[@cristianduran2092]

So by it means , it is still functionable?

[@guledaden2508]

Do you think long term this isnt good for the car

[@MichaelD429]

I bought a 9 drive for my Challenger $60 off Amazon. Works great

[@1andoncanady480]

Would it work on a charger?

[@kstng3683]

I've always read that my tune does the exact same thing, 1 to 1 throttle. Sam tuned my Bk1 couple yrs ago. Will this accentuate with my current tune maybe?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

tune cannot do the same, this will definitely help

[@kstng3683]

@@BTRcarcustoms thank you sir. I'm gonna try this then. And ill probably like it.

[@luissantiago7772]

I got a tune. My Genesis got an increase in torque and HP way faster. The throttle response helps a lot turbo kicks in faster.

[@richarcm]

The problem is that many people expect them to do something they aren't designed to do. So for THEM...."they don't work". Which is VERY misleading. The problem they fix for ME is in my F150. When I'm getting onto a highway and need to punch the gas to smoothly fit into traffic WITHOUT a controller it can be very scary. I hit the gas needing the truck to move. NOW. And it doesn't. It takes a few split seconds. It isn't safe. And in terms of the cars coming up quickly behind me getting onto the highway a controller like this allows me to "beat" them. Because although it doesn't make my truck "faster" (more HP) it DOES make it faster in that the truck has a more 1:1 reaction time from stabbing the gas to the truck getting up and moving.

[@1994emman]

If the car has a racechip GTS black tuner does it till need a racechip throttle?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

yes the racechip throttle will improve your throttle response :)

[@matnardone5529]

Since for me the lag is only on start, I'd want additional sensitivity initially and then more normal as you go. A non linear change. Does it do that?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

It has numerous different settings so im sure you can find the setting that you find fitting to your style of driving

[@ColtonL-xr8hw]

Yes it will I bought one because of that on my 2013 honda civic was gutless and annoying to drive I threw a 8 drive in and now the car is so much fun to drive I love it now. Removed all lag. Also you can tune it to your liking they have a bunch of settings.

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

I'll let you know how it goes I've got one in the mail already but for me... I can't re gear my Jeep.... So when I put bigger tires on the only way to get the throttle feel back is to use one of these....

[@bojidarmartinov5949]

any info ?

[@off-roadingexplained8417]

@@bojidarmartinov5949 works great. In fact , there are cases where I can crawl in 4 high with the throttle controller with less slip than in 4 low. Weird , but it works like that sometimes. Tons and tons of control off road. Also, it removed the perception of "bog" from larger tires. The throttle feel is back to normal or better on road. Also, eco mode can boost me 2mpg or more in eco 9 with the hike it 9 throttle controller. Zero downsides honestly. Also, very easy to install. A+.

[@timmytfpv7316]

yes they work but so many people having issues with limp mode while going at speed bad news or the car takes off on its own i was going to put pc on my 22 is350 till i read lots of posts with this problem very dangerous if someone knows of one thats safe on my car let know please

[@Youtubelombocustoms50]

hi nice video I know you said doesn't give you more power . but does it give you better 0 to 100klm time and 1/4 mile time because opens the full throttle earlier . thank you

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Maybe? In theory it should help

[@davoroxi]

​@@BTRcarcustomsbut it does not get rid of ramping. It makes 25% behave like 85% throttle etc.

[@LukeEsther]

Can you explain HOW it gets rid of the ramping? The throttle controller just maps the voltage output of the pedal, and the pedal is not where the delay is programmed. So HOW does it work?

[@Beer_Dad1975]

They don't get rid of throttle ramping at all - you'll need an ECU tune to do that. They simply alter the throttle pedal mapping - so you can make say, 25% throttle behave like 85% throttle or vice versa. Anyone claiming anything else doesn't understand what they do.

[@LukeEsther]

@@Beer_Dad1975 exactly! As we can see no one is willing to provide an explanation of how it can possibly alter the throttle ramping or anything other than pedal sensitivity.

[@Beer_Dad1975]

@@LukeEsther IMO the only thing they are good for is saving a bit of fuel by dialing back throttle sensitivity if you are unable to control your own right foot properly. Everything else you feel with them when the sensitivity is turned up is just your brain telling you the car is being more twitchy and therefore must be "faster"

[@ColtonL-xr8hw]

​@Beer_Dad1975 I just got a 8 drive one and I'll tell you my 2013 honda civic was so gutless off the line it barley move now my civic is like a rocket if I want it to be its not in your brain and buddy is right it just changes the throttle response threw the ecu that's it doesn't add hp but it's a pretty simple concept. We used to just tighten our drive by cable up a bit and achive the same thing on our 1996 honda civic and these basically do that except threw the ecu you that's all they take the crappy lag out of the oem down tune.

[@LukeEsther]

​@@ColtonL-xr8hwit 'feels' more powerful now because you're basically flooring it around everywhere without realising, which is not great for your engine. I've used them too, and I know how they work internally, it's psychological.

[@tonyng3883]

Sprint booster and pedal commander put me in limp mode. Is there a way to fix this?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Try different settings. Sometimes the throttle coming on too fast can trip limp mode from overboost on certain vehicles

[@djsthemetereman]

Trust me these are not a scam nor a gimmick I just installed Shift Power and man it makes my car feel quicker

[@mikehatfield7791]

Great info 👍

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Thanks for watching!

[@StefanBacon]

Sounds like snake oil to me. looks like it's tweaking the curve of the pedal, not bypassing any ECU software.

[@ryanpatrekur3974]

Can a throttle controller increase idle/coasting RPM?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

No it cannot it only adjust response

[@lfc214]

does this improve or worsens the fuel consumption? planning to use on 2010 Mazda 3 (2.0liter sedan)

[@BTRcarcustoms]

We would have to assume that if you kept it at a sportier setting it will spend more gas

[@Nissan370_z]

I got one for my 2015 370z but after plunging it in the car goes into limp mode. Now it was a cheap throttle booster from amazon. I don't know how to make it work.

[@machead57]

One thing I found out installing on my Challenger was to let the car shut completely down. Turn it off and wait 5-10 minutes for all accessories to turn off. With the Challenger, the stereo will shut off once I stop the engine and open the door. Leaving the door open, since I needed to install the controller anyway, ....waited for dome light to automatically turn off. Then installed the controller. No limp mode or check engine light. Doing the install before the ECU "sleeps", causes it to determine a change,... and giving you an error...limp mode,... or check engine.

[@Fredevolve]

thanks for the info

[@BTRcarcustoms]

You bet!

[@Gs9wwide]

Wouldn’t that put stress on your gearbox ?

[@davoroxi]

Putting your foot down further does the same exact thing. So no

[@Gs9wwide]

@@davoroxi yeah but from take off , if you put let’s say 30% and the throttle controller made it go let’s say 60% :/ your gearbox wouldn’t like 60% throttle from stopstart, although till see some use when in motion, also depends if manual I guess and the make of the car

[@davoroxi]

@@Gs9wwide Yes but it's the same as just putting your foot down further and faster. The only differnce is how fast you can put your foot down on the pedal. So if you do a 0 - 60 and you smash the throttle, it will be the same outcome with and without the throttle controller. (Btw I have a throttle controller on my car and I enjoy it, i like that the pedal feels more sensitive) :)

[@luxurygeneration407]

So for real it works with a tune because some say it acts funny.

[@Velocity0428]

My car is remapped. Will there be improvement if I use a throttle controller or will it just be a waste of money?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

yes, simply put, ECU tunes modify throttle response by adjusting the signal from the ECU to the throttle body, Throttle controllers modify the signal from the pedal to the ECU. so you are essentially improving both sides of the coin when you combine them together (although some settings may feel TOO sensitive, you can most definitely find a good setting that can advance the throttle feel without being too much)

[@Velocity0428]

@@BTRcarcustoms I see. Thanks a lot for the info. Will get a throttle controller this week. Thanks again!

[@junt.belamide1422]

Hi sir...just want to ask what is the best affordable throttle controller in the market..thankdms a lot

[@flybobbie1449]

They work......

[@brown5252]

Beware you'll get pedal codes with that mod.codes p2122 and p2138

[@accountemail9712]

Will they go away after unplugging it?

[@brown5252]

@@accountemail9712 No I did that also disconnected battery for 15mn. problem remained...I would recommend sticking with tow/haul feature..

[@GiovanniEsposito5]

How can this get rid of the ramp, if it fits between the pedal and the ecu? The ramp is programmed in the ecu, so this can never change that, the only thing that it does is changing the pedal map. You are completely wrong.

[@bgtubber]

Can these damage your car in any way? Does it void car warranty?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

There are some instances where it doesnt play nice with the car. certain cars have been thrown into limp modes and throttle codes due to the throttle being too sensitive. In most cases though they work perfectly fine

[@bgtubber]

@@BTRcarcustoms Thanks for the quick reply! Do they sell these in Europe and would it void my car warranty if I install one of those?

[@BTRcarcustoms]

@@bgtubber they sell them world wide and they are easily removable. So if you had concerns about warranty and aren’t sure how the dealership would react, you can always just unplug it before you take the car in

[@bgtubber]

@@BTRcarcustoms Awesome, thanks!! 😄

[@accountemail9712]

Can adding a throttle controller create misfire codes in the future?

[@brown5252]

Yes I went through that..codes p2122 and p2138 2018 ram express 5.7..

[@BTRcarcustoms]

Honestly not sure how they can related. Opening a throttle early shouldn’t cause mis fires in theory

[@brown5252]

@@BTRcarcustomsfor myself I'll just keep it off my truck. It was 400.oo to fix the issue.

[@ercysuazo8420]

Thank you my chigga

[@jeffreycattelino3996]

Scam yes work no

[@BTRcarcustoms]

you should watch the video before commenting.

[@ThatBoyUrks]

You should buy one , put it on its highest setting , then tell me it doesn’t work 😂

[@joshman2951]

Definitely works

[@luissantiago7772]

Theres is always a Hater. It works

[@harithdiznie6585]

You should try