Estimate reading time: 7 Minutes
The HDJ100 with a 1HD-FTE is one of the most satisfying diesel engines to tune. It comes from the factory with a solid foundation, and with the right parts it can be transformed into a genuinely powerful, reliable daily driver or tow vehicle. Whether you’re pulling a caravan around Australia or just want more confidence on the highway, this article covers everything you need to know about the 270HP package for the HDJ100.
This article is focused on the 5 speed A750 automatic – that’s where this package really shines, and it’s what the vast majority of our customers are running. We also offer a 270HP package for the 5 speed manual for customers who want something between stock and the full 330HP build, but we’ll cover that briefly at the end. Both are available as a fitted-in-store option at our workshop in Brisbane, or as a DIY kit with a pre-tuned Unichip for customers who can’t make it to Queensland.
Why 270HP?
It’s a fair question. The 1HD-FTE responds well to more power, but there’s a sweet spot where reliability and performance line up. We covered this in detail in our HDJ79 Performance Guide – but the short version is this: standard injectors cap out around 220HP. Once you go beyond that, you need to upgrade to high flow injectors to provide more power safely. The 270HP package uses +17 high flow injectors, which sit comfortably in the sweet spot for the 1HD-FTE – particularly with the A750 automatic – giving you strong, usable torque without pushing things into territory where the driveline can’t handle it.
It’s also worth noting that 270HP on a 4.2L diesel is a very different experience to what that number suggests on paper. These engines produce smooth low-down torque as well as high end power. 270HP with a properly tuned package is genuinely a pleasure for us to drive – we still enjoy test driving every single build.
Great for Towing
This package is particularly popular with customers pulling a caravan or camper trailer, especially those who already own the 100 series and have decided against upgrading to a newer 200 or 300 series Landcruiser. The A750 automatic is a smooth, well-designed gearbox, and at 270HP it works in a very comfortable range – the torque curve is broad, our Unichip Tow map is specifically tuned for towing, and the PDI intercooler keeps temps down on long runs. We have no problems recommending this setup for towing. It’s one of the most trouble-free performance builds we do.
What’s in the Package
1HD-FTE 270HP Performance Package – Automatic HDJ100 (A750)
- UFI 18G Turbocharger
- High Flow +17 Injectors (270HP 1HD-FTE)
- PDI 100 Series Front Mount Intercooler with Heavy Duty Trans Cooler
- Pre-Tuned Unichip Uni-X with 5 Map Select and Electronic Boost Controller
- A750 Valve Body Upgrade Kit
- HD Auto High Flow Airbox
- Injector Fitting Kit
Available as a DIY kit with a pre-tuned Unichip, or fitted in our workshop in Darra, Brisbane. Call or text us on 0483 906 923 to book your build in.
Breaking Down the Components
UFI 18G Turbocharger
The UFI 18G is perfectly matched for producing 270HP on the 1HD-FTE. It’s a bolt-on replacement for the factory CT20b in a CT26 housing, so there’s no modification to your dump pipe or exhaust. It features a 4″ anti-surge inlet, strong bearing design and a track record across hundreds of our builds. It hits the right balance of low-end response and top-end airflow for a vehicle used on the road and off it.
High Flow Injectors – New vs Reco, What’s the Difference?
Brand new injectors are an outright purchase. They’re available immediately with no core charge, no waiting on return shipping, and you end up with your original set of injectors as a spare – handy if you ever need them down the track.
Reconditioned injectors are rebuilt to the same internal spec using new components. The performance outcome is identical. They come with a core charge that is refunded once your original injectors are returned to us. For many customers it’s a cost-effective option, and the end result on the dyno is the same.
For the A750 auto package, we use 270HP high flow injectors (often referred to as +17). These are specifically matched to the 270HP target and provide torque in a less brutal manner to keep the A750 happy. For manual owners, the 270HP package is available, though most manual owners end up going straight to the 300-330HP package anyway because all parts are identical except the injectors.
PDI Front Mount Intercooler
PDI make the largest, most efficient intercooler available for the 100 Series. It’s a full-size front mount with custom-moulded end tanks. PDI intercoolers come with all the piping, brackets and fittings to bolt straight in. Keeping your charge air cool is critical when you’re pushing more boost – cooler, denser air means better combustion, more power and less heat stress on everything.
For automatic variants, the PDI kit includes a large integrated transmission cooler as part of the same core. This is a significant benefit for towing – the A750 runs cooler fluid temperatures under load, which is exactly where automatics get into trouble on long climbs or in heavy traffic.
Pre-Tuned Unichip Uni-X
The Unichip is the brains of the operation. We custom tune every chip to the specific combination of parts in your build, and the Uni-X comes loaded with 5 pre-tuned maps: a full power tune, a tow tune, economy options and more. You can switch between maps on the fly using the included map selector switch.
For customers fitting the package themselves, the pre-tuned Unichip is the reason the DIY kit works so well. You’re not relying on a generic tune – we tune each Uni-X individually for your package before it leaves the workshop. It’s the same tune we use in our in-house builds.
A750 Valve Body Upgrade Kit – 5 Speed Auto Only
If you’re running the automatic, this is non-negotiable. The A750 valve body upgrade recalibrates the transmission’s shift pressure to handle the increased torque from the performance package. Think of it as the automatic equivalent of upgrading your clutch. It keeps shifts firm and positive under load without beating up the gearbox, and it’s a $199 kit that protects a transmission worth many times that. This is included in the auto package as standard. Allow 5-8 hours for fitment with the sump drop.
Manta 3″ Exhaust – Recommended Add-On
The Manta 3″ stainless exhaust is a recommended addition to either package. A 3″ system has more than enough flow for the 270HP target – you don’t need to go to 3.5″ or 4″ for this build. The Manta comes in quiet, medium and loud noise options – Mild Steel carries a 3 year warranty and Stainless Steel backs it up with a 10-year warranty. It flows well, sounds great and promotes lower EGT all round.
Add-On: Manta 3″ Exhaust for HDJ100 1HD-FTE
Available in quiet, medium and loud. 10 year warranty. Direct-fit stainless system.
A Note on Snorkels
If your HDJ100 has a snorkel fitted, it’s worth checking which type before installing the package. A high flow snorkel – like the Safari Armax – is ideal. Where it can get tricky is with some “short entry” style snorkels that channel air through a tight section inside the guard before it reaches the airbox. These can be quite restrictive, and when you’re running a bigger turbo and more boost, that restriction upstream means the turbo has to work harder against the restriction. If you’re not sure what you’ve got, shoot us a message and we can advise. A full-size high flow snorkel and high flow airbox is what we’d recommend pairing with this build.
Crossover Delete – Read This First if You Have a 2002-2006 Model
The crossover delete is an option on the PDI intercooler kit that removes the intake crossover pipe and the smooth shutoff solenoid that sits on it. On earlier HDJ100s this is straightforward. On the 2002-2006 models, the smooth shutoff solenoid is monitored by the ECU, and removing it will trigger a check engine light. The light will be on permanently.
For this reason, we generally don’t recommend the crossover delete on the later models unless you’re prepared to physically relocate the solenoid and tuck it out of sight – which adds complexity to the install. If you have a 2002-2006 and you’re not sure which option to choose, just leave the crossover as standard. It’s not a performance limitation at 270HP and saves the hassle.
Before You Build – Get the Maintenance Right
The 1HD-FTE is a tough engine. We’ve built plenty of them with high kilometres and they don’t give us headaches – but before putting serious power through one, it’s worth making sure the fuel system is in good shape. Injectors and fuel system condition all matter more once you’re running higher boost and asking the engine to work harder.
We put together a maintenance guide specifically for the 1HD-FTE that covers what to check and service before or alongside a performance build. Worth a read before you start ordering parts.
Recommended reading: 1HD-FTE Maintenance Guide – What to Check Before Tuning
DIY or Fitted in Brisbane?
We’re happy doing this either way.
DIY auto package – $13,588 (full kit including Manta 3″ exhaust): Every part ships directly from our warehouse. The Unichip is pre-tuned to your specific build before it leaves us, so we’re supplying repeatable results with no guesswork on install day. Every component is bolt-on, and we provide full tech support for the duration of your build. If you already have a 3″ exhaust or other parts from the list, the price adjusts accordingly. Plenty of our customers across Australia have done these themselves with great results.
Fitted in store – typically around $19,000: Bring your HDJ100 into our workshop at Darra, Brisbane and we’ll handle everything. The final cost varies depending on whether you already have a 3″ exhaust or other upgrades fitted, and whether you’d like maintenance completed at the same time – valve adjustment, intake clean and similar work is common to do alongside a performance build while things are already apart. Get in touch and we’ll put together an accurate quote for your vehicle.
Ready to build your HDJ100?
View the auto package or get in touch to discuss your build.
What About the Manual?
We do offer a 270HP package for the 5 speed manual HDJ100 as well. It’s a good option for manual customers who want an upgrade but don’t necessarily demand the entire 300-330HP build. The manual version of the 270HP package runs the same +17 high flow injectors, PDI intercooler, UFI 18G turbo, Unichip and NPC 1300NM clutch kit – full kit pricing is $15,218 including a Manta 3″ exhaust.
That said, most manual customers who come to us end up going to the full 330HP package once they understand what’s involved – the step up from 270HP to 300-330HP on the manual costs the same, and the result is noticeably stronger. Worth having a conversation with us before committing either way.
Manual HDJ100 – 270HP Package
Also available for 5 speed manual variants. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss which package suits your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this everything I need to upgrade?
Yep – This kit contains all the parts you’ll need to achieve a 270HP 100 Series. Anything else is an optional gimmick or simply not required!
Do I need an upgraded Injector pump?
Nope! The factory 1HD-FTE Fuel pump is very capable once fitted with upgraded Injectors, if your pump is tired consider replacing it with a new Genuine unit only.
Is 270HP at the Flywheel or Wheels?
All of our quoted power figures are measured at the rear wheels, on our Mainline Dyno.
Suitable for: Toyota Landcruiser HDJ100 1HD-FTE 4.2L 1998-2006. Available for 5 speed A750 automatic and 5 speed manual variants.
