The Toyota Hilux is the world’s best-selling pickup truck outside of the USA. A robust and reliable mid-size model, more than 18 million of them have been sold since the earliest version was first produced in 1968.
But people still love how the Hilux is able to navigate challenging terrains and carry or tow heavy loads with ease. It also has a reputation as a safe vehicle which now comes equipped with 7 airbags and the latest seatbelts. Its strong build makes it resistant to wear and tear even with heavy use.
However, the Hilux has the potential to deliver an even greater driving experience for drivers willing to invest in a few performance upgrades. These will help to increase the power and performance of the truck, and they range from upgrading the turbocharger to fine-tuning the exhaust.
This guide will introduce the different upgrades that are available, then you can make an informed decision about which ones most suit your needs for the vehicle.
The exhaust system:
One of the most immediately effective enhancements you can make is to change your Toyota Hilux exhaust. The performance of the factory option can easily be beaten by many of the high-performance systems available on the market.
The replacements are carefully designed to reduce back pressure and increase your engine’s efficiency. Among the things you can expect to notice about the way your car performs are increased power and torque, more powerful acceleration, and a louder, deeper sound from the exhaust. Some options feature mufflers which can reduce noise from the exhaust inside the car too.
The turbo charger:
This is another component where the factory option, although it is a solid performer, is easily outperformed by the higher-end options which can be purchased and installed. The turbo charger helps manage the air going into your engine, rather than out of it. But, like the exhaust, its effects show up in the power of your vehicle.
What a good turbo charger can also do is help improve fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run. Tweaks such as this also benefit those who use your car after you, so they have the added advantage of helping maximise your car’s resale value.
Intercooler:
Another vehicle modification you can make is to upgrade the intercooler, the component that cools air from the turbocharger before it is delivered to the engine. Some third-party intercoolers are more efficient than the Toyota factory parts, and this can help your car’s performance, especially if you are often driving far or transporting heavy loads.
However, you do not necessarily need to upgrade the intercooler if you upgrade the turbo charger. The factory intercooler will be able to handle the increased air flow but perhaps not as well as a third-party option.
ECU remapping:
The engine control unit manages the operations inside the engine, including fuel delivery and ignition. However, the default settings of this system can be tweaked, resulting in greater fuel efficiency and a better throttle response.
The latest models are far different from the early ones which were simple and favoured by farmers. The Hilux now features a powerful 2.8-litre engine, heated seats, automatic gears, and a touchscreen dashboard.
