Landcruiser 70 Series V8 Tuning: Stage 1, 2 & 3

Suits the VDJ76 wagon, VDJ78 Troop Carrier and VDJ79 cab-chassis. Pre-DPF and DPF models.

A legend, held back from the factory

The 70 Series has been part of Australian life since 1984. It has done the work on stations, mine sites, farms and outback tracks that few other vehicles could. When Toyota put the 1VD 4.5 litre V8 diesel under the bonnet in 2007, it created one of the most loved Landcruisers ever built, and the V8 70 Series is now a vehicle people hold on to.

What most owners don’t realise is how much of that V8 Toyota left untapped. In the 200 Series, the same 1VD runs twin turbos and makes considerably more power and torque. In the 70 Series it runs a single turbo with output kept conservative, to the point that at launch it matched the peak figures of the six-cylinder it replaced.

That’s why the V8 70 Series is one of the most detuned vehicles we see, and why it responds so strongly to the right calibration. The gains we achieve are among the most dramatic of any platform we tune.

What every V8 70 Series needs first

A clutch upgrade

The factory clutch in the V8 70 Series is already at its limit with standard power. Any 70 Series we tune needs an upgraded clutch if one hasn’t already been fitted.

We use NPC Performance Clutches and offer two kits:

• NPC 1300Nm clutch and flywheel kit: a strong step up from factory, suited to tuned vehicles.
• NPC 1600Nm clutch and flywheel kit: heavy-duty capacity for higher-output builds and hard work.

The team will recommend the right kit for the stage you’re going to and how the vehicle is used.

A forward-facing snorkel head

The Toyota mushroom-style snorkel head needs to be replaced with a forward-facing head. A tuned V8 moves much more air, and the intake has to keep up.

Stage 1: Tune

Stage 1 is a remap of the engine calibration. It delivers a big lift in power and torque, with sharper throttle response and far stronger pull through the midrange. On its own, it changes how the 70 Series drives: it tows harder, climbs more easily and overtakes with confidence.

The remap is done through the OBD port, with no chips, piggyback modules or cut wires.

Stage 2: Turbo upgrade and tune

Stage 2 builds on Stage 1 with a GTurbo G333 turbocharger upgrade and a calibration written to match it. The larger turbo gives the V8 the airflow it was never given from the factory, so power keeps building where the standard turbo runs out of breath.

For owners who want even better response, Stage 2 can be fitted with a ball-bearing turbo. It spools faster and delivers boost sooner.

Stage 3: Injectors, airbox and power pipe

Stage 3 completes the package. It adds GTurbo Pro95 injectors, the GTurbo airbox and the GTurbo power pipe to the Stage 2 setup, with the calibration revised to suit. The fuel and air delivery are matched to what the upgraded turbo can do, and the result is our highest-output V8 70 Series combination.

Pre-DPF and DPF vehicles

All three stages are available for both pre-DPF and DPF-equipped V8 70 Series models.

Talk to the team

If you want your 70 Series to finally deliver what that V8 has always had in it, give the team a call to talk through which stage suits you.

Please Note: due to the increase in power and torque on the vehicles, they cannot be remapped without an upgraded clutch. All 70 series vehicles will also require a free flowing, upgraded exhaust prior to tuning. These can be added to any package, if you do not already have a aftermarket exhaust or upgraded clutch installed. Please contact us to discuss.

Please note

• Before and after figures are engine figures. They are calculated by applying the percentage gain achieved on our dyno to the manufacturer’s quoted power and torque, and are based on vehicles running standard wheels and tyres. They are provided as a guide only.
• Results vary between vehicles depending on kilometres, engine condition, modifications fitted, and wheel and tyre size. The before and after dyno print-outs supplied with each tune show figures measured at the wheels, which will be lower than engine figures. Larger or heavier wheels and tyres will reduce measured figures further.
• Vehicles must be in good mechanical condition prior to tuning. Increases in power on high-kilometre engines are assessed case by case.
• Additional parts and labour may be required where worn or faulty components are identified, and these will be quoted before any work proceeds.
• Prices are subject to change without notice. Images are for illustration purposes only.