Power Guide Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Check out our Power Guide for Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

In this guide, we take models produced between 2009 and 2021. Prado is renowned for its robust performance and off-road capabilities. Yet many owners want their Prados to be much more powerful. As a result, many owners seek enhanced power starting with ECU remapping (stage 1).

ECU remapping (tune) is the easiest, quickest and the most affordable solution.

We at Brisbane Tuning & Turbo decided to make this Power Guide Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, produced between 2009 and 2021 so that you have a reference article demonstrating what can be done to a Prado to increase power.

Enhancing the performance of your Toyota Land Cruiser Prado through turbocharger upgrades can yield significant benefits. This article provides a detailed overview of Prado models from 2009 to 2021. Focusing on their engine specifications, common issues, stock turbocharger capacities, and recommended aftermarket upgrades.

1. Power Guide Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 3.0L 1KD-FTV Turbocharged Diesel Engine (2009–2015):

Engine Specifications: The 3.0-litre 1KD-FTV engine delivers 127 kW (170 hp) at 3,400 rpm and 410 Nm of torque at 1,600 rpm.

Known Issues:

Some owners have reported piston cracking, particularly between 100,000 km and 150,000 km, often associated with increased turbo boost or heavy towing. This is most likely when the engine is overloaded with a heavy tow (like a caravan) and is taken for instance on Frazer Island.

Stock Turbocharger:

Equipped with the CT16V turbocharger, and designed to balance performance and reliability.

Recommended Upgrades:

Aftermarket options like the 1KD SKS AUS 44mm VNT Turbo offer direct bolt-on solutions, designed for 20-27 psi. Paired with plus (+)30 injectors. This setup can achieve up to 100% gains in power and torque.

Hybrid Turbocharger Upgrade for Toyota Prado 3.0L 1KD-FTV

Upgrading the turbocharger to a Hybrid turbocharger on the Toyota 3.0L 1KD-FTV engine can significantly enhance performance by increasing airflow and boosting power output.

Let’s look at this option from the beginning: -the stock CT16V turbocharger features a compressor wheel with an inducer diameter of approximately 39 mm and an exducer diameter of about 58 mm. To achieve higher performance, replacing the stock compressor wheel with a larger billet compressor wheel is a common approach.

One such upgrade involves installing a billet compressor wheel with an inducer diameter of approximately 42.87 mm and an exducer diameter of about 62 mm.

This modification can increase airflow by approximately 30%, leading to significant power gains.

Another option is the MuchBoost 1KD-FTV D4D Hybrid Turbo Upgrade. This option features a custom billet compressor wheel with a 6+6 blade design. This upgrade is based on an original Toyota turbocharger, ensuring compatibility and reliability.

It’s important to note that while upgrading to a larger compressor wheel can enhance performance, it may also require additional supporting modifications. These can include adjustments to the fuel system, exhaust, and engine tuning to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Consulting with a professional tuner or mechanic experienced with the 1KD-FTV engine is recommended to achieve the best results.

In summary, replacing the stock compressor wheel with a larger billet version can significantly increase the power output of the Toyota 3.0L 1KD-FTV engine. Careful selection of components and professional installation are essential to maximize the benefits of this upgrade.

2. Power Guide Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.8L 1GD-FTV Turbocharged Diesel Engine (2015–2021)

Engine Specifications: The 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV engine produces 150 kW (201 hp) at 3,000-3,400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1,600-2,800 rpm.

Known Issues:

Reports include engine noise concerns, poor fuel economy, erratic idling, and rough running under load at low engine speeds.

Stock Turbocharger:

Fitted with the CT16V turbocharger, optimized for a balance between power and efficiency.

Recommended Upgrades:

Upgraded turbochargers for the 1GD-FTV engine are available, offering enhanced performance over the stock units. These upgrades can increase power, making them suitable for those seeking improved driving dynamics.

3. Toyota Prado 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 Petrol Engine (2009–2017):

Engine Specifications: The 4.0-litre 1GR-FE V6 engine delivers 202 kW (271 hp) at 5,600 rpm and 381 Nm of torque.

Known Issues:

While durable, this engine is noted for higher fuel consumption.

Stock Configuration:

Naturally aspirated without a turbocharger.

Recommended Upgrades:

For those seeking increased power, aftermarket supercharger kits are available. For instance, a supercharger kit can increase the power of the original engine by 30-35%, addressing concerns about the Prado’s power output.

Conclusion

Upgrading the turbocharger on your Toyota Prado can significantly enhance performance, addressing limitations of stock configurations. By selecting appropriate aftermarket solutions, owners can achieve substantial gains in power and torque, leading to a more dynamic and efficient driving experience.