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Boosting Power and Style: Upgrade Ideas for Your Toyota Hilux GUN126R
Date Posted: 7 October 2024
The Toyota Hilux GUN126R is a powerful and durable vehicle, but some of its stock components prevent it from reaching its full potential. On the other hand, with the right upgrades, you can enhance performance, improve handling, and add a stylish edge, making the Hilux what it was meant to be. Here are our top recommendations for transforming your Hilux into the ultimate powerhouse, starting with the exhaust system.
Exhaust System Upgrades
Upgrading your Toyota Hilux GUN126R's exhaust system can significantly improve engine performance and fuel efficiency by enhancing exhaust flow and reducing back pressure. A more efficient exhaust system allows your engine to breathe better, resulting in increased horsepower, better torque, and even improved towing capacity.
It’s not important whether you're looking for off-road power or better daily driving performance - an exhaust upgrade can make a noticeable difference in all cases. Naturally, the difference depends on what part of the exhaust system you replace and what you replace it with. So let’s start with the most comprehensive exhaust upgrade for the Toyota Hilux GUN126R - when you replace your entire system.
Option 1: Installing a Turbo-Back Exhaust into Your Toyota Hilux
The entire exhaust system is replaced by a turbo-back exhaust, which starts from the turbocharger and extends to the tailpipe. By reducing restrictions in the exhaust flow, this upgrade allows exhaust gases to exit more efficiently, resulting in better engine performance, increased horsepower, and improved torque.
Plus, it helps enhance fuel efficiency and engine responsiveness, making it ideal for both off-road and everyday driving. We’d recommend the Manta 3" turbo-back exhaust system. with cat. Made from aluminised steel, this Australian-made system fits Toyota Hilux GUN126R models with a 2.8L 1GD-FTV turbo diesel engine. It includes all necessary gaskets and clamps for simple installation, but a tune will be required for optimal performance.
Option 2: Installing a DPF-Back Exhaust
If you're not looking to replace your entire exhaust system, a DPF-back exhaust upgrade is a fantastic alternative. Unlike a turbo-back system, which starts from the turbocharger, a DPF-back exhaust begins at the diesel particulate filter (DPF) and extends to the tailpipe. While it won’t offer the same level of performance boost as a turbo-back system, it still improves exhaust flow, enhances engine efficiency, and can provide a noticeable increase in torque and fuel economy.
We recommend the Manta 3" stainless steel DPF-back exhaust system. This exhaust system is specifically designed for Toyota Hilux GUN126R models with a 2.8L turbo diesel engine and comes with all necessary gaskets and clamps for straightforward installation. Specifically designed for DPF-equipped models, it ensures durability and reliable performance.
Suspension System Upgrades
Moving on from exhaust upgrades, let’s talk about suspension. While the Toyota Hilux GUN126R is renowned for its ruggedness, capability as a workhorse, carrying heavy loads, and tackling challenging terrains, the stock suspension may struggle under these conditions, leading to reduced ride quality and stability.
As a result, upgrading the suspension system is crucial to enhance handling, load-carrying capacity, and overall driving comfort. Improved suspension not only boosts performance but also ensures a smoother ride, making your Hilux even more reliable for work and play.
Control Arms
Upgrading the control arms on your Toyota Hilux GUN126R is a basic improvement for better handling and stability, especially when carrying heavy loads or navigating rough terrain. We recommend replacing both the front left and right lower control arms simultaneously to ensure balanced performance and maintain proper alignment.
Aunger manufactures superb aftermarket control arms, so you could consider their front right and front left control arm - both come with bushes and ball joints. Upgrading the control arms together reduces wear and tear on the suspension system, promoting longevity and improved driving.
Coil Springs
Continuing from control arm upgrades, enhancing your Toyota Hilux GUN126R with upgraded coil springs is another essential improvement. Quality coil springs play a crucial role in supporting the vehicle's weight, improving ride quality, and enhancing handling dynamics. Raised coil springs provide even greater benefits.
We suggest these 50mm raised coil springs from King Springs. These springs elevate your ute by approximately 50mm, offering improved ground clearance that is very beneficial for all off-road uses. Plus, in addition to enhancing your truck's capabilities by allowing it to tackle rough terrain more effectively, they also add a stylish edge to its appearance. This upgrade is a blend of performance and aesthetics, making your Hilux stand out.
Airbag Suspension Kits
Airbag suspension kits are a suspension upgrade that most people are unfamiliar with. While this upgrade may not be worthwhile for many vehicles, it is a great one for the Toyota Hilux GUN126R, as it is often under heavy load. When you load up the back of your truck or hook up something heavy, you're likely to notice the rear end drop.
This can lead to your suspension bottoming out, sway and body roll, unpredictable braking, and an overall rough ride. Installing an airbag suspension kit can mitigate all of these issues. These kits work by adding inflatable airbags to your suspension system between the leaf springs and the frame, allowing you to adjust the air pressure to support varying loads and maintain a stable ride height. For a high-quality kit, we’d recommend the Polyair airbag suspension kit.
Miscellaneous Upgrades for the Toyota Hilux
Now, let's discuss three non-essential upgrades for your Toyota Hilux GUN126R that are both cost-effective and simple.
- Throttle Controller: A throttle controller is an excellent upgrade for improving your vehicle's responsiveness. This iDrive throttle controller eliminates the noticeable delay common in "fly-by-wire" systems, allowing you to tune the accelerator's sensitivity to your driving style. With multiple modes, including Eco for improved fuel economy and Ultimate for maximum responsiveness, this controller ensures a better driving experience in various conditions.
- Catch Can: Installing a catch can (like the Provent catch can by Diesel Dog from Provent) helps prevent harmful oil vapours from entering your engine's intake system. This kit includes all necessary components for an easy installation and is specifically designed for the Hilux GUN126R. By keeping your engine cleaner and reducing carbon buildup, a catch can help keep your truck running longer.
- Snorkel: If you often drive off-road, a snorkel is a useful upgrade as it enhances airflow to your engine while providing protection from dust and water ingestion. The Safari Armax snorkel is designed for maximum performance, and the snorkel's raised air intake helps ensure your engine runs efficiently, regardless of the environment.
Order Aftermarket Parts for Your Toyota Hilux GUN126R at Perform-Ex Auto
We’ve listed what we think are the most beneficial upgrades for a Toyota Hilux GUN126R - if you agree with us, you can order all of them right here. At Perform-Ex Auto, we’ve been providing high-quality aftermarket parts to Australians since 1976, and all of the parts come with a genuine warranty, so don’t hesitate to place your order today and we will ship the items right to your address!
Finally, the best upgrades are subjective, so you may want something different. Don’t worry! If you want upgrades not listed, we probably have them. Browse our range of aftermarket parts for the Toyota Hilux GUN126R to find what you need and contact us if you need any assistance in your selection or have any questions!
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