The Toyota Hilux is reliable and powerful, but the right upgrades can increase its abilities even further. Whether you’re looking for increased torque, smoother handling, or improved towing capabilities, there’s a range of effective Hilux upgrades to choose from.
So, you’re wondering what the best Hilux mods are? These need to include ECU remapping, snorkels, and suspensions upgrades, but there are so many upgrades I can mention.
I’ve enjoyed increasing torque and towing capabilities on many Hilux’s over my 2 decades in the 4WD modification and servicing industry. In this guide, I’ll cover the Best mods for Hilux owners to consider. Whether you want improved acceleration or higher towing capabilities, these upgrades can significantly improve your Hilux’s performance.
Quick Summary
- ECU Remapping
- Exhaust System
- Snorkel
- Catch Can Installation
- Performance Fuel Injectors
- Pre-Fuel Filter Kit
- High Flow Turbo
- Long-Range Fuel Tank
- Bull Bars
- Suspension Upgrades
The 10 Best Hilux Mods (In No Particular Order)
#1: ECU Remap
I’m a big fan of the Toyota Hilux and am not surprised by its popularity. It is well known for its impressive torque straight out of the factory. However, ECU remapping can help the Hilux reach its full potential.
What Is ECU Remapping?
ECU remapping is one of the best Hilux upgrades that delivers noticeable results while staying budget-friendly. This popular modification involves adjusting the ECU (engine control unit) to remove factory restrictions. Ignition timing, turbo boost pressure, fuel delivery, and other aspects can be adjusted according to your driving preferences and goals.
What Does ECU Remapping Do?
Benefits of ECU Remapping include:
- Increased torque
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Enhanced throttle response
- No costly hardware upgrades are involved
- May help extend the engine’s lifespan
- Adjust the engine’s control unit to remove factory restrictions and unleash more power
- Improved manoeuverability and handling
- Complete control over the performance of your engine
If you want more power and improved performance out of your Toyota Hilux, our ECU remapping specialists are ready to help. We’ll evaluate your driving needs and goals and tailor upgrades according to your preferences and goals.
I cover more about the benefits of ECU remapping in my guide here: What Is ECU Remapping?
#2: Exhaust System
What Is An Exhaust Upgrade?
An exhaust system upgrade is another one of the best Hilux mods to consider. Upgrading the exhaust involves adding a high-performance aftermarket exhaust system in place of the Hilux’s factory exhaust.
What Does An Exhaust Upgrade Do?
Exhaust system upgrades are one of my favourite modifications because of the instant results. You’ll notice the improved response and smoother ride as soon as you drive away.
A custom exhaust upgrade for your Toyota Hilux can:
- Improve efficiency
- Minimise back pressure
- Deliver noticeable increases in power and torque
- Improve acceleration
- Improve overall performance
- Reduce noise
- Improve exhaust flow
- Increase fuel efficiency
#3: Snorkel
Not a big off-roader? Then you can probably skip this upgrade. But if you push the limits of off-roading and water crossings like I do, a snorkel is a must-have mod.
What Is a Snorkel?
A snorkel raises a vehicle’s air intake to a higher position. This upgrade enables the vehicle to take in cleaner air during shallow water crossings.
I’ve noticed a lot of customers are surprised when I tell them snorkels also make a difference on dusty tracks. Driving through sandy, dusty terrain can be tough on the intake. A snorkel pulls cleaner, dust-free air into the engine during dusty off-roading adventures.
What Does a Snorkel Do?
Benefits of snorkel installation include:
- Peace of Mind: I love hearing stories from customers who now feel more confident tackling water crossing with their Hilux after snorkel installation.
- Stronger Combustion: The colder air utilised by a snorkel contains higher oxygen content. This promotes stronger combustion.
- Protects the Engine: A snorkel pulls cleaner air into the engine, preventing harmful elements, dust, and water from causing mechanical damage.
- Improves Fuel Efficiency: Allowing more oxygen and air to get pulled into the intake manifold can increase power and fuel efficiency.
- Improved Performance: A snorkel can improve overall performance, especially in wet or dusty conditions.
Learn more about snorkel installation and 4×4 water crossings here: 4×4 Tips: How to Safely Drive Through Water Crossings
#4: Catch Can Installation
Turbo upgrades and ECU remapping rightfully steal a lot of the attention when it comes to the best Hilux mods. However, catch can installation deserves more appreciation as one of the best mods for Hilux.
What Is Catch Can Installation?
Catch can installation is a legal way to keep your Hilux’s EGR working and ensure your intake manifold is clean. A catch can is an effective option for reducing buildup, improving performance, and preventing engine issues.
What Does Catch Can Installation Do?
Benefits of catch can installation include:
- Keep the piston rings free of grime and build-up
- Help prevent engine problems
- Budget-friendly
- Reduce oil buildup that can clog airflow
- Eliminate build-up that prevents the cylinders from fully igniting
- Improve performance and reliability
- Improve fuel economy
- Effectively decarbonise the engine
#5: Performance Fuel Injector
What Is a Performance Fuel Injector?
Performance fuel injectors ensure the ideal fuel-to-air mix. They do this by delivering a higher flow rate that matches the higher air intake.
Stock injectors perform just fine if you have an unmodified vehicle and basic driving needs. Modified or turbocharged vehicles benefit from the added efficiency and power of performance fuel injectors.
What Does a Performance Fuel Injector Do?
Benefits of a performance fuel injector upgrade include:
- Improved Reliability: Consistent fuel delivery lowers the risk of the engine misfiring and promotes smoother overall function.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: The precise fuel delivered by upgraded injectors reduces waste, helping you cut costs at the pump.
- Increased Torque Power: High-performance fuel injectors enable the engine to handle faster acceleration and higher loads.
You May Also Like: Can You Upgrade a Hilux’s Towing Capacity?
#6: Pre-Fuel Filter Kits
Another one of the best mods for Hilux I recommend considering is pre-fuel filter kits. There are certainly more exciting mods on our list, but pre-fuel filter kits offer noticeable benefits without a high cost.
What Is a Pre-Fuel Filter Kit?
A pre-fuel filter kit passes fuel through an additional coarse filter before continuing to the vehicle’s stock filter. It then passes through the high pressure pump.
What Do Pre-Fuel Filter Kits Do?
Pre-fuel filter kits are one of the best mods for Hilux due to these benefits:
- Extended fuel filter lifespan
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Cleaner fuel system
- Optimal fuel flow
- Better engine performance
- Prevent issues related to water contamination
- Reduced risk of engine damage due to contaminants
- Lower maintenance costs
- Ideal for off-roading in dusty environments with a higher risk of contamination
#7: High Flow Turbo
What Is High Flow Turbo?
High flow turbo upgrades are a great option if you want more power and torque out of your Hilux. A high flow turbo upgrade involves modifying a turbocharger to enable more airflow to pass through it. With the ability to compress a larger volume of air during each cycle, you’ll see a noticeable power increase in your Hilux.
What Does High Flow Turbo Do?
Benefits of high-flow turbo upgrades include:
- Substantial power boost
- Higher torque
- Improved throttle response
- Reduced turbo lag
- Ability to handle higher boost pressures without compromising on efficiency
- Better fuel efficiency even at higher power levels
#8: Long-Range Fuel Tank
What Is a Long-Range Fuel Tank?
A long-range fuel tank upgrade involves adding a larger capacity fuel tank to your Hilux. This is a common mod for Hilux owners who love off-roading or long distance road trips. Through remote areas.
What Do Long-Range Fuel Tanks Do?
Here are some key reasons long-range fuel tanks are one of the best Hilux mods:
- Ideal for long-distance travel
- Can be installed as an auxiliary tank for maximum fuel capacity
- Effectively enables longer driving distances
- Great for remote areas
- Perfect for off-road enthusiasts
#9: Bull Bars
Bull bars are another one of the best Hilux mods to consider and I have one reason why: Kangaroos. Well, there are other reasons, but roos alone are enough of a reason to consider adding a bull bar to your Hilux. It’s also why bull bars are simply referred to as “Kangaroo Bars” much of the time.
What Are Bull Bars?
A bull bar is a device that gets attached to the front of a vehicle. Bull bars are typically constructed from aluminum tubing or welded steel.
What Do Bull Bars Do?
Bull bars protect the front centre portion against damage during impacts, abrasions, and collisions. Bull bars provide effective protection in the event of an animal collision or impact by protecting the vehicle’s undercarriage and cooling system. Bull bars are also a useful feature when used with winches.
#10: Suspension Upgrades
What Is a Suspension Upgrade?
Our suspension upgrade package improves every aspect of the suspension system for a smoother, more comfortable ride. We focus on coil springs, shock absorbers, rods, and joints to make your Hilux handle better, respond faster, and ride smoother.
What Do Suspension Upgrades Do?
Benefits of suspension upgrades include:
- Easier and more efficient towing
- Improved strength
- Smoother handling
- Improved responsiveness
- Wider range of tyre options
- Improved balance while towing heavy loads
- Superior ride quality
- More headroom and space inside our Hilux, enhancing comfort
Other Considerations
Here are some considerations to help you decide on the best mods for Hilux.
Compatibility
With so many mods available, it’s important to ensure that each upgrade will fit your specific make and model. For instance, if a long-range fuel tank is on your radar, make sure it is compatible with your Hilux’s underbody protection.
Budget
Budget is an obvious concern but I don’t want financial constraints to limit 4×4 enthusiasts. That’s why we offer a broad range of Hilux upgrade packages to suit a variety of budgets.
For instance, if you need the best Hilux mods that are budget-friendly, our Stage 1 package includes a Custom dyno ECU remap, Manta exhaust system, and Odyssey catch can.
Ready to go all out? Our Stage 3 Hilux Upgrade package includes:
- Custom dyno ECU remap
- Full Manta exhaust system
- Odyssey catch can
- Safari Armax snorkel
- Pre-fuel filter kit
- High flow injectors
- High flow turbo
Consider the Whole Picture
I had someone come in recently, I’ll call him John, and he wanted a roof rack and service body upgrade. However, we explained that if we went ahead with the service body upgrade, he no longer had a need for the roof rack. John got the function he needed out of his Hilux, with a lower price tag than expected, and we had a happy customer. That’s my favourite kind of outcome!
Working with 4×4 mod specialists ensures we handle the big picture for you to ensure all mods are compatible with each other and suited to your needs.
Ready to Invest in the Best Hilux Mods?
I love working with owners to upgrade their Hilux and unlock its full potential. The most important part of the process for me is getting to know your driving habits, preferences, and performance goals. Then, I can recommend mods that will get you the most out of your Hilux based on what you need.
From custom ECU remapping to injector upgrades and catch an installation, we offer a wide range of Hilux upgrades.
Whether you’re seeking more power, improved handling, or enhanced off-road capabilities, we can find the best Hilux mods that will meet your needs.
Enquire now for a free quote for your Hilux upgrades or to talk with our ECU remapping specialists.
