Whether you’re looking for a better, more responsive feel to your vehicle’s throttle pedal, or to improve either your fuel economy or ability to tow, the S-DRIVE Electronic Throttle Controller is about the best bang-for-buck accessory you
can find.
Distributed by Roadsafe 4WD and sold locally by 4WDbits.co.nz in the North Island, Opposite Lock in the South and BNT Nationwide, the S-DRIVE Electronic Throttle Controller is a simple, practical and amazingly cost-effective answer to one of the commonest and most frustrating issues associated with modern fly-by-wire throttle systems – a soft, soggy response when you ‘put your foot down.’
As Peter Taylor of Roadsafe 4WD says,
“Everyone knows the sluggish feeling of turbo lag, and it’s not limited just to the current generation of turbo-diesel engine we’re seeing most of the dual cab Utes and a lot of the SUVs today.
“Every vehicle equipped with fly-by-wire technology, be they powered by a turbo-diesel or normally-aspirated petrol engine, has throttle response which could be improved.”
Fortunately, help – in the form of the simple, cost-effective S-Drive Electronic Throttle Controller – is at hand.
A key feature of the S-DRIVE is its simple – and easily reversible – plug’n’play installation (which does not require access to OBD ports). Equipped with a 32 bit processor, there are five different ‘mode’ options – Standard Eco, Comfort, Performance and Sport – resulting in 36 modes for improved fine tuning, all selectable on the fly at the push of a button.
The S-DRIVE unit has particular appeal and application at the enthusiast end of the 4WD market, thanks to its ability to give a driver greater control in tricky off-road situations, in particular reducing unintended ‘accelerator bounce’ in really bumpy, lumpy or rocky going.
Back on the road, and – a the push of a button the same driver in the very same 4WD can use the performance setting to sharpen up throttle response – to keep up with start-stop traffic on the motorway or make the most of momentum on a hilly back road, or when towing the boat to the beach or race rig to the track.
Off-road racer Warren Adams of 4WD Bits on Auckland’s North Shore says that the ability the S-DRIVE unit gives you to shorten or lengthen throttle response is key to its success in off-road applications – the latter being useful for precision work often required in tight going off-road.
“Everybody I have spoken to who has one or has tried one is raving about them,” he said.
In the south, Opposite Lock’s Scott Newble has had a unit on the company’s ‘shop’ Ranger for over a year now, and he says he has also found a measurable advantage in using the unit on its comfort setting in areas of pea gravel where grip is at a premium.
Though he is obviously convinced, Scott says that Opposite Lock will offer a “try before you buy” option for his customers because “we think people have to drive the new technology to appreciate it.”
Both 4WD Bits, Opposite Lock and BNT have application lists to confirm whether vehicles can use the units. There are even applications for ‘soft roaders’ and some road cars.
To find out if there is a unit to fit your vehicle head online to www.4wdbits.co.nz if you’re in the North Island,
www.oppositelock.nz if you’re in the South (Island) or BNT Stores nationally.
