Complete Exhaust Guide for Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series (2H & 12H-T)
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By Outback Exhausts | Australian-Made Performance Exhaust Systems
If you own a Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series, you already know what you've got a tough, capable and deeply loved 4WD that's earned its reputation across decades of Australian outback travel. Whether you're running a naturally aspirated 2H diesel, a factory 12H-T turbo or you've gone down the DTS turbo upgrade path your exhaust system plays a bigger role in performance, fuel economy and longevity than most people realise.
This guide covers everything you need to know about exhaust systems for the 60 Series what's available, what fits your engine and what's actually worth doing.
What engine does the Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series have?
The 60 Series was produced from 1980 to 1990 and came with a few different engine configurations in Australia:
- 4.0L 2H diesel — the naturally aspirated workhorse and the most common engine you'll find
- 4.0L 12H-T diesel — the factory turbocharged version fitted from around 1984 onwards
- 12H-T with DTS turbo upgrade — a popular aftermarket conversion that replaces the factory CT26 turbo with a larger unit for significantly more power
Each engine has different exhaust requirements so it's important to match the right system to your setup.
60 Series Exhaust Systems — At a Glance
| Exhaust System | Engine Fit | Tube Size | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extractor (Header) | 4.0L 2H Diesel (N/A) | 2.5" | Budget-conscious 2H owners wanting the biggest single upgrade | Dramatically improves exhaust scavenging more torque, better fuel economy |
| Manifold-Back Exhaust | 4.0L 2H Diesel (N/A) | 2.5" | 2H owners wanting a full free flowing system without changing the extractor | Complete front to back upgrade, mandrel bent for reduced backpressure |
| Exhaust with Extractor (Full System) | 4.0L 2H Diesel (N/A) | 2.5" | 2H owners wanting the most complete performance upgrade | Best of both worlds extractor + full mandrel-bent exhaust system in one package |
| Turbo Back Exhaust | 4.0L 12H-T Factory Turbo | 3" | Factory turbo owners wanting to unlock full turbo potential | Removes the biggest bottleneck on the 12H-T significant power and response gains |
| Turbo Back Exhaust (DTS) | 4.0L 12H-T DTS Turbo Upgrade | 3" | DTS converted 60 Series builds requiring a matched larger turbo exhaust | Engineered to match the DTS turbo's increased airflow, the definitive DTS exhaust |
Why upgrade the exhaust on a 60 Series Landcruiser?
The factory exhaust on a 60 Series was designed to meet emissions on cost targets and not to maximise performance. Over 35+ years, those systems are also well past their use-by date on most vehicles.
Upgrading your exhaust can deliver:
- Better fuel economy — reduced backpressure means the engine works less hard
- More power and torque — especially noticeable on turbo variants
- Improved throttle response — particularly with a quality extractor on the 2H
- Longer engine life — better scavenging reduces heat and stress on the motor
- A proper exhaust note — because a 60 Series should sound like it means business
Exhaust systems for Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series 2H naturally aspirated diesel
The 2H is a simple reliable engine that responds well to exhaust upgrades. Here's what we offer:
Extractor (Header)
If you want the biggest bang for your buck on a 2H, start with an extractor. It replaces the restrictive factory cast-iron manifold and dramatically improves exhaust scavenging which means more torque, better fuel economy and a cooler running engine.
Extractor — Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series 4.0L 2H Diesel (1980–1990)
Manifold Back Exhaust
Want to upgrade the full system from the manifold back? This is the complete solution for 2H owners who want a free-flowing mandrel-bent exhaust from front to back without the extractor.
Manifold-Back Exhaust — Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series Wagon 4.0L 2H (1980–1990)
Exhaust with Extractor (Full System)
The best of both worlds. This package combines the extractor with a full mandrel-bent exhaust system the most complete upgrade available for the naturally aspirated 2H.
Exhaust with Extractor — Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series Wagon 4.0L 2H (1980–1990)
Exhaust systems for Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series 12H-T factory turbo upgrade
The factory 12H-T turbo is a strong engine, but the stock exhaust is a real bottleneck. A proper turbo-back system and dump pipe upgrade will wake it up considerably.
Turbo Back Exhaust — 12H-T Factory Turbo
The complete solution for factory turbo 60 Series owners. This system runs from the turbo outlet all the way back, mandrel bent, fre flowing, and built to last.
Turbo-Back Exhaust — Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series Wagon 4.0L 12H-T Factory Turbo (1980–1990)
Exhaust systems for Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series 12H-T DTS turbo upgrade
The DTS turbo conversion is one of the most popular upgrades for 60 Series owners who want serious performance. A larger turbo means more airflow and your exhaust needs to match.
Turbo Back Exhaust — DTS Turbo Upgrade
The full system for DTS converted 60 Series wagons. Matched to the larger turbo's output this is the definitive exhaust upgrade for a DTS build.
Turbo-Back Exhaust — Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series Wagon 4.0L 12H-T DTS Turbo Upgrade (1980–1990)
Why choose Outback Exhausts for your 60 Series?
We're not an importer. Every exhaust system we sell is designed and manufactured in Australia, built specifically for Australian conditions and Australian vehicles. That means:
- Correct fitment — engineered for right-hand drive Australian-spec vehicles
- ADR compliant — meets Australian Design Rules so you stay legal on the road and the track
- Quality materials — mandrel bent tubing, quality flanges and proper welds that last
- Local support — you're dealing with Australians who know these vehicles
We've built exhaust systems for 60 Series Landcruisers for years. We know the fitment quirks, the common failure points and what actually works in the real world.
Browse the full 60 Series exhaust range
Not sure which system is right for your setup? Browse our complete range and filter by your engine variant.
Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series Exhaust Systems — Full Range
Frequently Asked Questions
What exhaust fits a Toyota Landcruiser 60 Series 2H diesel? The 60 Series 2H diesel suits a manifold back exhaust, an extractor (header) or a combined exhaust with extractor package. The right choice depends on your budget and goals the extractor alone delivers strong gains while the full system is the most complete upgrade.
What's the difference between a manifold back and a turbo back exhaust? A manifold-back exhaust starts from the exhaust manifold and runs to the rear of the vehicle. A turbo-back exhaust starts from the turbo outlet (dump pipe) and runs to the rear. Turbo-back systems are only relevant for turbocharged engines (12H-T or DTS).
Are Outback Exhausts ADR compliant? Yes. All our exhaust systems are designed to comply with Australian Design Rules so they're road legal across Australia.
Will a 60 Series exhaust upgrade void my warranty? The 60 Series is well outside any factory warranty period so this isn't a concern for most owners. If you're running an extended warranty through a third party check the terms with your provider.
What's the benefit of an Australian made exhaust over an imported one? Australian made exhausts are engineered for Australian- pec vehicles and local conditions. Imported systems are often built for left-hand drive markets and may require modification to fit correctly.
Have a question about fitment or not sure which system suits your build?