78 Series LandCruiser Troop Carrier Tune and Upgrades
78 SERIES TROOP CARRIER | V8 VDJ78 & 2.8 GDJ78 | 2008 ONWARDS
Fit a Troopy out for touring and it gets heavy fast. Water, fridge, drawers, a pop-top, long-range fuel. We tune the V8 VDJ78 and the 2.8 GDJ78 for that weight, so it pulls cleanly up hills and sits comfortably on long highway runs.
Built for touring weight
A loaded Troopy works its engine harder for longer than most 70s. That’s where a tune and the right supporting parts make the biggest difference:
- More usable torque. Fewer downshifts on hills and into headwinds.
- A tow or touring map. Multimapping lets you switch to a map set up for the load, then back for everyday driving.
- Keeping temps in check. Our intercooler fan kit helps maintain engine temperature on long, hot runs.
- Breathing and dust. A larger, dustproof airbox and a snorkel for the dirt roads and crossings.
- Driveline. A clutch upgrade on the V8 manual, or a lock-up kit on the 2.8 auto, to handle the extra torque and weight.
V8 VDJ78 tuning and upgrades (1VD-FTV)
- The VDJ70’s factory setup across the 79, 76 and 78 already delivers impressive torque and power. The 78 runs the same 1VD-FTV V8 as the 79, so the same upgrade parts are on the table:
- Multimapping or custom ECU remap. Switch between custom engine maps at the flick of a switch, no reprogramming. Designed for both pre-DPF and DPF-equipped 70 Series.
- Turbo & Injectors. Boost power and performance with upgraded turbos and fuel systems.
- Airbox System. Factory systems support airflow up to about 270hp. Our larger, dustproof airbox assemblies allow better airflow, improve filtration and offer better dust sealing.
- Exhaust Systems. 3″ and 4″ upgrades that reduce back-pressure and improve exhaust flow.
- Clutch Upgrades. Built for Australia’s tough conditions. Increased power and towing capacity.
- 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 for both DPF and pre-DPF VDJ70 models.
The AG Pack also suits the VDJ V8 70 Series.
Complete VDJ78 packages
V8 VDJ78 tuning and upgrades (1VD-FTV)
Our tiered packages for the VDJ78 Troop Carrier pair a tune with supporting hardware for the 1VD-FTV V8.
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.
2.8 GDJ78 tuning and upgrades (1GD-FTV)
The 1GD 2.8 litre four-cylinder arrived in the 70 Series with the 2024 update, at 150kW and 500Nm from the factory. It’s an auto, so the key supporting upgrade is our Easy Lock transmission lock-up kit rather than a clutch.
- ECU Remap & Multi-mapping. A custom single-map tune, or multi-mapping so you can switch from an everyday map to a towing map on the fly.
- Transmission Lock-up Kits. Reduce transmission slip to support better towing performance and consistent drivability under load.
- Exhaust Systems. 3″ and 4″ upgrades to reduce back-pressure, paired with tuning.
- Airbox System. Higher airflow and better dust sealing than the factory intake.
GDJ78 packages
2.8 GDJ78 tuning and upgrades (1GD-FTV)
Packages for the 2.8 GDJ78 pair Multimap with Easy Lock and supporting hardware, based on GDJ79 2024+ development.
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
How our tuning works
Every remap is custom-written. We don’t use generic tuning files.
Connect & Analyse
We monitor air-fuel ratio, boost pressure, RPM and more.
Simulation Drive
A dyno run captures your baseline.
Precision Tuning
We adjust key parameters to suit your setup and driving.
Final Dyno Check
Another run to show the full impact.
What 70 Series owners say
78 Series FAQs
Do you tune the 78 Series the same way as the 79?
We work across the 70, 76, 78 and 79 LandCruisers, and our multimapping is designed for both pre-DPF and DPF-equipped 70 Series. The V8 and 2.8 engines are shared across the range, so the tuning approach is the same. We set up each calibration for your vehicle, its weight and how you use it.
Can I get a clutch upgrade on a GDJ78?
No. The 2.8 GDJ78 is an automatic, so there’s no clutch to upgrade. Our Easy Lock transmission lock-up kit is the equivalent. It reduces transmission slip and heat under load.
Will a tune help my Troopy with a full touring load?
Yes. A heavy, fitted-out Troopy is where extra usable torque shows up most, on hills and at highway speed. We set up the calibration for your vehicle and how you use it, and multimapping lets you run a separate map for the load.
General 70 Series questions (video answers)
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Build your 78 Series package
Other 70 Series: 79 Series · 76 Series wagon · All 70 Series