79 Series LandCruiser Tune and Performance Upgrades
Performance Upgrades That Deliver Real Power For your 79 Series
- 79 SERIES SINGLE & DUAL CAB | V8 VDJ79 & 2.8 GDJ79 | 2008 ONWARDS
The 79 Series LandCruiser is an iconic powerhouse, loved by diesel performance enthusiasts across Australia. It carries serious untapped potential, and with the right 79 Series performance upgrades that potential becomes real towing and touring capability. We tune both engines, the 4.5 V8 and the 2.8 four-cylinder, including DPF models.
Our 79 Series Testimonials
Complete VDJ79 packages
V8 VDJ79 tuning and upgrades (1VD-FTV)
Our tiered packages for the 79 Series pair a tune with supporting hardware to get more from the V8, so it pulls harder without giving up dependability.
PACKAGE ONE
- Remap or Multimap
- Tuning Tools
- 4" Stainless Exhaust (DPF back or Turbo back)
- Optional: Snorkel Upgrade, Air Box Upgrade
- All VDJ packages require an NPC 1300Nm or 1600Nm clutch and a Snorkel Ram Head.
PACKAGE TWO
- Remap or Multimap
- Tuning Tools
- 4" Stainless Exhaust (DPF back or Turbo back)
- Air Box
- Intercooler Fan Kit
- Optional: Snorkel Upgrade
- All VDJ packages require an NPC 1300Nm or 1600Nm clutch and a Snorkel Ram Head.
PACKAGE THREE
- Remap or Multimap
- Tuning Tools
- 4" Stainless Exhaust (DPF back or Turbo back)
- Air Box
- Intercooler Fan Kit
- JA-VD300 Turbo Upgrade
- Intake Pipe
- Optional: Snorkel Upgrade
- All VDJ packages require an NPC 1300Nm or 1600Nm clutch and a Snorkel Ram Head.
Premium VDJ upgrade parts
Turbo & Injectors
Boost power and performance with upgraded turbos and fuel systems. The JA-VD300 turbo is part of Package Three.
Airbox System
While factory systems support airflow up to about 270hp, our larger, dustproof airbox assemblies allow better airflow to your engine, improve filtration and offer better dust sealing.
Exhaust Systems
Our 3″ and 4″ exhaust upgrades reduce back-pressure and improve exhaust flow, helping your engine breathe more freely and support greater power when combined with tuning.
Clutch Upgrades
Clutch upgrades for Australia’s tough conditions. Increased power and towing capacity. Our packages use a 1600Nm clutch.
Fan Kit
Maintain optimal engine temperature for better performance and longevity.
Custom Upgrade Package
With experience across 70, 76, 78 and 79 LandCruisers, we build custom packages that adjust to suit both DPF and pre-DPF VDJ70 models.
VDJ79 multimapping
Our multimapping is designed for both pre-DPF and DPF-equipped 70 Series. You switch between custom engine maps at the flick of a switch, with no reprogramming. Each map is set up for a different job, so you get the right balance of power, torque and drivability whether you’re towing, touring or on the tracks.
VDJ79 results
With a custom ECU remap or multimapping plus supporting upgrades, customers have seen up to a 167% increase in torque with our 79 Series LandCruiser Package 3 upgrade.
It’s not just about numbers. Towing a heavy load, heading off-road or ducking to the shops, the throttle feels more responsive, gear shifts are smoother and the power is more usable through the full rev range.
GDJ79 packages
2.8 GDJ79 tuning and upgrades (1GD-FTV)
The 2024 update brought the 1GD 2.8 litre four-cylinder diesel to the 70 Series, rated at 150kW and 500Nm from the factory. It’s a capable engine, and it’s tuned conservatively to suit global conditions. Our ECU remapping and multimapping for the GDJ79 are built to get more out of it, especially for towing and off-road work. And our team can help with additional upgrades even if your GDJ79 already has some fitted.
GDJ Package 1
- Remap or Multimap
- Easy Lock
- Ram Head
- Optional: Snorkel Upgrade, Air Box Upgrade
GDJ Package 2
- Remap or Multimap
- Easy Lock
- 4" Exhaust (DPF back or Turbo back)
- Air Box
- Ram Head
- Optional: Snorkel Upgrade
Premium GDJ upgrade parts
ECU Remap & Multi-mapping
Custom engine tuning that delivers more power and efficiency at the touch of a button.
Transmission Lock-up Kits
Reduce transmission slip to support better towing performance and consistent drivability under load. Our Easy Lock kit is software only, no wires, and locks the converter in both low-speed and high-speed driving to cut transmission heat.
Exhaust Systems
Our 3″ and 4″ exhaust upgrades reduce back-pressure and improve exhaust flow, helping your engine run more efficiently and support more performance when paired with tuning.
Turbo & Injectors
Boost power and performance with upgraded turbos and fuel systems.
Airbox System
Most factory intakes support airflow for engines up to approximately 270hp*. Our in-house airbox assemblies are engineered for higher airflow, with a dust-resistant design for better filtration and sealing in Australian conditions. On the GDJ it upgrades the smaller factory filter to the larger VDJ79 air filter.
GDJ79 multimapping
Choose a custom single-map tune for consistent performance, or our multi-map upgrade that puts the flexibility at your fingertips. Switch between driving profiles on the fly, from a smoother everyday setup to a harder calibration for towing or off-road use.
Map modes: Immobiliser, Idle up mode, Stock +, Tow mode, Maxpower, Power +.
GDJ79 results
With Package 2, horsepower at the wheels goes from approximately 160hp in standard form to around 215hp, with torque gains of 150 to 200Nm at the wheels.
How our tuning works (both engines)
Every remap is custom-written by our team
We don’t use generic tuning files.
Here’s How It Works
Connect & Analyse
We hook your vehicle up to our test equipment and monitor air-fuel ratio, boost pressure, RPM and more.
Simulation Drive
Your vehicle goes on the dyno to capture baseline performance, so we know exactly where we’re starting from.
Precision Tuning
Our technicians adjust key parameters to suit your setup and driving.
Final Dyno Check
Back on the dyno to compare and show the full impact of the tune and upgrades.
Built for power. Tuned for precision.
Using our dyno, we assess your vehicle’s condition and performance and write a calibration that sharpens throttle response, adds usable torque and improves drivability. Towing, touring or just after better response, the tune is set up for your diesel without compromising reliability.
DPF? Not a problem. Our upgrades are DPF-safe. Read Can you tune a 79 Series LandCruiser with a DPF?
Built for the farm: the 70 Series AG Pack
For VDJ79 owners on the land. Four proven upgrades matched to work together (Ram Head, 3″ or 4″ exhaust, clutch upgrade, single-map ECU tune), tuned for reliability and drivability rather than dyno numbers.
79 Series FAQs
Both engines (VDJ79 and GDJ79)
How Should I Prepare My Vehicle?
Make sure your car has been well maintained and is mechanically sound. Every car that comes to Just Autos goes through a pre-dyno inspection, where we check the servicing has been done correctly so we can do our job properly. Please bring it in clean too. If you went four-wheel driving the day before, wash the mud off first. Mud everywhere makes our job harder, and we keep our workshop clean.
Should My Wheel And Tyre Combo Be Standard?
No. Run whatever wheel and tyre combo you like. Bigger tyres will change the power number you see on the dyno, but they don’t change the power the engine actually makes. We tune for all load areas, so if you fit 35-inch tyres later, or go back to standard, you won’t need a retune. We’re happy to dyno your car on the wheels you’re comfortable with.
Can I Revert To Factory Settings After My Tune?
Yes. Anything can be put back to standard. With EasyTune we can send you out with a dongle, and we can put your ECU back to standard from the comfort of your own home. We’d also like to know why you want to. If there’s a problem or something’s bothering you, get in touch and we’re more than happy to talk through your concerns.
Should I Remove My Tools?
Only if you need them for work that day. Otherwise leave them in place, because they don’t affect what we do. Our dynos are rated for a fair amount of weight on those trays. Just make sure everything on the back of the vehicle and inside the car is properly secured before you bring it in.
Does Tuning Void My Factory Warranty?
Any modification you make to your vehicle, no matter what it is, can affect your manufacturer’s warranty. As cars get bigger and more powerful, a lot of the time the work won’t be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. The good news for 70 Series LandCruiser owners is that we have our own warranty. For more information on that warranty program, get in touch with the team at the front.
Do I Need A Catch Can?
No. If your EGR system is still fully working, a catch can is probably the best way to avoid clogged manifolds, but we disable that system here, so you don’t get that build-up. Catch cans often aren’t emptied at servicing, which can send oil into the engine and make it smoky. If the valving fails they can pressurise the system and cause leaks. We keep the factory recirculating setup, because simple is most reliable.
Do I Need A Secondary Fuel Filter?
No. Replace your factory filter often, ideally every service. A secondary filter adds a restriction that makes the pump and fuel run hotter, which can cause cavitation problems. The factory filter handles foreign matter well, and the black build-up in filters is mostly asphalt from the diesel breaking down, not dirt. If you already run a secondary filter, make it a 30 micron pre-filter, not an after filter down to 5 or 12 micron.
Should I Run Boost/EGT Gauges?
You don’t have to. Data is great, but without a baseline it can send you down a rabbit hole worrying about things that aren’t a problem. The software we put into the ECU already controls temperatures for you, so there’s no need to watch gauges. A scan gauge is handy gear though. It reads data and can read and clear codes, which helps if you’re stuck somewhere and can’t reach us.
Do I Need The Upgraded Airbox?
Our 79 Series airbox is metal and takes the factory paper filter, which we highly recommend. Genuine is best, you can get it anywhere, and changing it regularly prevents dusting issues. Oiled foam filters are a personal choice, but if they’re over-oiled or not maintained you’ll have problems, and that matters for how we set boost control to stop turbo overspeed. We often see blocked, neglected oiled filters, so we stick with paper.
What Are My Exhaust Options?
There are plenty of exhaust options for the 79 Series. Our pick is the 4-inch exhaust system we run. It looks great and sounds great, and it’s the exhaust note we’re happiest with of everything we’ve tried. There are some performance gains, but mostly you’re getting the sound, especially if you’re only doing an exhaust. DPF-back systems are also available, though again they’re more about the look than the power.
How Does Tuning Affect Operating Temperatures?
Yes, it affects them. More power and load always means more heat. Keep the car serviced and keep the radiator clear of grass seed and silt from water crossings, and your temperatures should stay fine. On a hot day towing a big load up a hill, the ECU pulls back fuelling to bring temperatures down over an extended period. If it keeps overheating, something else is going on, so see Just Autos or one of our distributors.
How Does Servicing Change After My Tune?
With more power comes more heat, and you’re usually towing more weight, so your car should be serviced under the severe maintenance conditions. That means servicing more often than before. The good news is Toyota can still service your vehicle if that’s who you use, and any other mechanic can do the work too. Follow the handbook and stick to Toyota’s severe condition servicing.
What Oil Should I Be Using After Tuning My Vehicle?
Because we’ve increased power and heat, and you’re probably towing more weight, your car is now on a severe service condition and the oil weight changes. Toyota set these vehicles up for certain oils, and once they’re enhanced the oil needs to suit, to protect the engine and its longevity. Talk to our service team at checkout and they’ll recommend the correct oil for your car.
How Often Should I Be Getting My Vehicle Tuned?
As long as the car is maintained correctly and has no problems, you shouldn’t need a retune for the life of the vehicle. If you later fit new turbos or injectors, get the car checked, because fuelling and boost targets change with that hardware. If your tune was done with us within a certain time, we offer updates for free, and we keep releasing new software as we find better ways to improve these vehicles.
What Fuel Should I Be Using After Tuning My Vehicle?
Fill up at big, reputable service station chains and you’re pretty much guaranteed quality fuel. As for premium versus regular diesel, we haven’t seen any real benefit from running the more refined stuff. It may be cleaner, but whether it gives you more power is very debatable. If you service the vehicle regularly and change fuel filters often, there’s no need to run premium diesel.
How Does Tuning Affect My Engine Longevity?
It comes down to maintenance. Be strict about how you maintain and look after your vehicle. Look after your car and it will look after you. Adding power always puts more load on every component, but if the car is maintained and looked after, there’s no reason it can’t do very high kilometres in these modes without any problems.
V8 VDJ79
Do I Need To Upgrade My Clutch Before A Tune?
You don’t need to sort it before you come in, because we can do the clutch upgrade in-house. But if you have a manual, the car 100% needs an upgraded clutch before we start tuning it. So no need to change it beforehand.
Should I Get A Top Or Front Mount Intercooler?
There are top mount and front mount options for the 79 Series, but we choose the factory top mount for reliability. On corrugated roads and in the bush it doesn’t rattle, move or fracture, because it sits where it was designed to sit. Front mounts cool really well, but they get close to other components and can cause rubbing and other niggling issues. We keep it simple and still give you the performance gains.
Should I Get A Turbo Upgrade?
It’s a really good upgrade on a 79 Series. The standard turbo is great down low but struggles in the mid-range and top end, hitting a wall around 2500rpm. Our option adds around another 100Nm across the torque curve. It’s designed for around 300hp, and most cars run 220 to 250hp. The bottom-end response makes a manual on 35-inch tyres a pleasure to drive, and it suits touring.
Should I Get A Plastic Or Stainless Snorkel?
Either is fine. It comes down to the look you want, because the pipes on these cars flow more than enough air for these engines. We like the Safari snorkel for its seamless plastic look and fit. Stainless is still a good option, and on many newer cars there’s no plastic option yet. The one thing to check is the snorkel size going into the airbox, and that your airbox suits it.
Which 70 Series models does the AG Pack suit?
The AG Pack is built for the VDJ V8 70 Series LandCruiser. If you’re unsure about your build, contact us and we’ll confirm fitment before booking.
Will the AG Pack handle constant heavy towing and loads on the property?
Yes. The map is calibrated for heavy loads with safe EGTs, and the 1600Nm clutch is built to take the torque when you’re towing floats, machinery or a loaded tray.
Will the tune affect long-term reliability?
The AG Pack is tuned for reliability, not just peak numbers. Every vehicle is dyno-validated with safe EGTs, so you get a consistent result that lasts on a vehicle that’s worked hard.
2.8 GDJ79
Do I need a clutch upgrade on a GDJ79?
No. The 2.8 GDJ79 is an automatic, so there’s no clutch to upgrade. Our Easy Lock transmission lock-up kit is the equivalent upgrade. It’s software only, no wires, and lets the converter lock in both low-speed and high-speed driving to cut transmission heat and slip under load.
Can you tune a GDJ79 with a DPF?
Yes. Our tuning and multimapping are designed for DPF-equipped 70 Series, and any performance upgrades we provide are DPF-safe.
Ready to build your 79?
Related reading:
- Top performance upgrades for your 79 Series
- Stage tuning guide for the VDJ70
- Tuning a 79 Series with a DPF
Other 70 Series: 76 Series wagon · 78 Series Troopy · All 70 Series