PDI Front Mount Intercooler Kit suit Toyota Landcruiser VDJ 76/78/79 Series

Single Entry vs Dual Entry 

Both the single entry and dual entry kits use the same intercooler and identical hot side piping to the turbo. The difference lies in the cold side piping configuration.

From factory, the engine uses two throttle bodies (butterflies) facing left and right, feeding into the top mounted intercooler.

• Dual Entry Kit:

  The Dual Entry Kit retains the factory style intake layout by connecting to both throttle bodies, with the intercooler outlet split to feed each side while maintaining the original intake path and OEM configuration.

  On late model (2022) VDJ79 vehicles, it is understood that the ECU may trigger a check engine light and reduce engine power if EGR flow is not detected, with de rating occurring after extended driving. This kit is designed to maintain the factory configuration and airflow strategy, helping to preserve normal ECU operation by keeping the system’s intended flow characteristics intact.

  The design also retains the factory butterfly throttle valves within the system, ensuring smooth engine shut down and maintaining the original safety and drivability functions. For vehicles fitted with automatic transmissions, this also preserves the ability to shut the engine down in the unlikely event of a runaway condition caused by  running on its own fumes, a low probability but high risk scenario.

  Single Entry Kit:
  

• This setup removes the throttle bodies and their mounting section entirely. This section also incorporates the EGR feed. The single entry design offers a cleaner installation and improved throttle response.

Why Front Mount Beats Top Mount

Top mount intercoolers are popular due to ease of installation and bonnet scoop aesthetics but they simply can’t match the performance of a properly designed front mount.

A front mount intercooler delivers:

• Better cooling at both low and high speeds
• Consistent airflow regardless of driving conditions
• Lower intake temps and improved engine efficiency
• Works with any bull bar and winch installation, no cutting like other models.
• Has all of the core above the bumper and bull bar for exposure to cool air.

On standard injectors, a late model dual cab has made 220rwkw with the assistance of our PDI front mount. In a single quick run you can do that with other intercoolers but our kits have shown they can repeat this many times due to the superior heat dissipation.

Tests we’ve done have shown the drop in post intercooler intake air temperature was 3x greater with the PDI intercooler than the best of the aftermarket top mount options available. The intake air temperatures were cooler at all speeds.

Note: for the 2022-2023 VDJ79, fitted with adaptive cruise control, we have a bracket together that will allow the sensor (positioned behind the Toyota emblem) to be mounted further forward to clear the intercooler. This is not required on earlier models and also not required if you select a bullbar that allows the sensor to be relocated into the bullbar. The sensor itself is not very compact so to allow it to fit in front of the intercooler means it will sit 70mm forward of its current location and therefore the Toyota logo will need to be removed from the grill and mounted further forward too.

We have installed a number of the PDI front mount kits with great results. When done on its own, the difference it makes to the performance is immediately detectable as the engine control system is adjusting performance based on inlet air temperature and the performance is more spirited under all conditions.  The cooler the weather the better your turbo engine performs and this is due to cooler intake temperatures.  Customers have reported the PDI intercooler is the best mod they have done for both regular driving and or chasing all out power.

Upgrades are now allowing tuners to push beyond 300kW at the wheels, so we have designed the Mk3 core to be even more effective. It has been made to have the maximum width (700mm) with custom end tanks and 3” outlets that go through next to the headlights into the engine bay. The increased width gives the core better cooling capability as more fresh air is being pushed and drawn through for further improved cooling. The improved position allows the new Mk3 core to be closer to the condenser, which means there will be more effective pull from the engine cooling fan at low speed. Being close, it will be possible to make the seal even better with foam packing to further increase the draw through.

Our PDI kits do not interfere with the airbag sensors at the front so these kits can be installed on current model 70 series. No cutting of the structure needs to be done. Only the grill and lower painted panel will need to cut and ground to make room.

NOTE: Due to change in single cab chassis following the 2016 update (to get ANCAP rating) we can only supply this kit in single entry design and this needs to run the OEM airbox. This is due to the steering box being relocated, where our pipe routes under the airbox.

The single and dual entry kits use the same intercooler and same hot side piping to the turbo – only the cold side piping is different. The factory setup has two throttle bodies facing left and right which go into the factory top mounted intercooler. The dual entry option connect into both of these, but splits the outlet from the intercooler. The single entry removes the butterflies and the section they bolt to, which also has the feed from the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation emissions system) so the EGR input becomes blocked off with a plate. For all 200 series and post 2013 VDJ79/76/78 the two throttle bodies must be plugged back in to prevent the engine throwing codes and de-rating the power. For early 70 series they can be left off the engine with an ECU reflash to clear the fault from them not being connected. We supply a bracket to mount the throttle bodies and hang either side of the single entry intake adapter.

EGT Gauges

If you plan to install an EGT probe, we recommend doing this into the dump pipe after the turbo. Recently we have decided to stock an EGT probe system that uses a Class A probe with 2m long lead and digital display making it easy to read and mount. We have another option in green that has a smaller thread for mounting into intake air temps if you wish to see how you system is performing. These can be purchased HERE

Brake Booster Upgrade

PDI have the only brake booster upgrade on the market for the ABS and non-ABS VDJ79. The factory booster is a small single diaphragm unit which is insufficient in when towing or when wheel size is increased. The PDI upgrade for the 79 is a dual diaphragm unit with larger than standard diameter giving an increase in the mechanical advantage able to be applied to the master cylinder by 50% and has transformed the vehicle for many 79 series owners. Can be purchased by clicking the link 79 ABS (including traction control models) and 79 Non ABS

Upgraded Airbox

PDI have their own design airbox that is cast aluminium (for better sealing), works with our intercooler kit, using a 200 series panel filter (for increased surface area) and has stainless steel latches to hold the lid down. They can be purchased HERE

3.55 Diff Gears

To drop your engine RPM in all gears and spread the RPM in each gear we stock 3.55 gears and solid spacers. They can be purchased HERE.

Short Shifter for Manual Transmission.

Our short shifter goes into the top of the box and reduces the shifter throw by 60%. These give a much more positive feel on the engagement. Available HERE

Automatic Transmission Upgrade

PDI have also developed a auto conversion using a Ford 6 speed transmission, currently installed in our own VDJ79 making driving, smooth and effortless even with towing heavy loads.  Available HERE.