Exhaust Guide: 79 series 1HZ, VDJ79/4.5L/V8 & GDJ79/2.8L

Exhaust Guide: 79 series 1HZ, VDJ79/4.5L/V8 & GDJ79/2.8L

If you own a 79 Series Landcruiser you already know it's one of the most capable and enduring 4x4s ever built. Whether you're running a classic 1HZ diesel, the legendary V8 4.5L or the newer GDJ79 2.8L turbo diesel. There's a good chance your factory exhaust is holding you back. More backpressure means less power, more heat and a harder working engine especially when you're loaded up and heading bush.

This guide breaks down exactly which exhaust system suits each 79 Series engine variant what the upgrade options mean in plain English and links you straight to the systems we manufacture right here in Australia.

Which 79 Series Engine Do You Have?

Before you choose an exhaust you need to know your engine. The 79 Series has been sold in Australia across four main powerplants:

  • 4.2L 1HZ naturally aspirated diesel — 1999 to 2007 (some with DTS turbo conversions)
  • 4.2L 1HD / 1HDT / 1HD-FTV / 1HZ-FTE turbocharged diesel — 2002 to 2007 (factory turbo variants)
  • 4.5L V8 twin-turbo diesel (VDJ79) — 2007 to present
  • 2.8L 4-cylinder turbo diesel (GDJ79) — 2023 to present

Each engine has different exhaust requirements, different fitment points and different upgrade paths. Let's go through them one by one.

79 Series 1HZ 4.2L Exhaust Upgrades (1999–2007)

The 1HZ is a tough naturally aspirated workhorse. It's not fast but it's reliable and simple to work on. The factory exhaust on these is restrictive and even a modest upgrade makes a noticeable difference in throttle response and exhaust note especially if you've fitted a DTS turbo conversion.

Outback Exhausts offer several systems for the 1HZ depending on your setup:

79 Series 1HD / 1HDT / 1HD-FTV / 1HZ-FTE 4.2L Turbo Diesel Exhaust Upgrades (2002–2007)

The factory turbocharged 4.2L variants including the 1HD, 1HDT, 1HD-FTV and 1HZ-FTE — are a different animal to the naturally aspirated 1HZ. These engines came with a turbo from the factory and respond strongly to a proper 3" turbo back exhaust. The factory system is a genuine restriction on these engines and freeing it up delivers noticeably better throttle response, lower EGTs and improved performance under load.

For the turbocharged 4.2L 79 Series Single Cab (2002–2007), we offer:

If you're towing, touring or working this engine hard a 3" turbo back is one of the most effective upgrades you can make. Lower EGTs and better spool are the two things you'll notice immediately.

79 Series V8 4.5L Exhaust Upgrades (VDJ79, 2007–Present)

The VDJ79 V8 is where things get serious. Twin turbos, serious torque and a factory exhaust that's genuinely undersized for what this engine is capable of. A turbo back exhaust on a V8 79 Series is one of the most popular upgrades in the 4x4 community and for good reason. You'll feel the difference from the moment you put your foot down.

We stock systems for both the 2007–2016 and 2016-on VDJ79 variants in both 3" and 3.5" diameters and for single and double cab configurations:

2007–2016 VDJ79 V8 4.5L:

2016-On VDJ79 V8 4.5L:

79 Series GDJ79 2.8L Exhaust Upgrades (2023–Present)

The GDJ79 is the newest chapter in the 79 Series story. Toyota's 1GD-FTV 2.8L four cylinder turbo diesel is a modern emissions compliant engine which means it comes with a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) from the factory. That changes the upgrade equation a little.

With a DPF equipped engine you have two main options: a DPF-back system (which keeps the DPF in place and is fully street legal) or a turbo-back system (which removes the DPF and is intended for off-road/farm/mines/competition use only). We offer both:

79 Series — Exhaust Systems Comparative Overview

Exhaust System Engine Fit Pipe Size Best For Key Benefit View Product
Engine Pipe Back Exhaust — Single Cab 1HZ 4.2L N/A Diesel (1999–2007) 2.5" Daily driving, standard 1HZ builds Straightforward pipe-back upgrade, improved flow View Product →
Exhaust with Extractor — Single Cab 1HZ 4.2L N/A Diesel (1999–2007) 2.5" Towing, maximum flow on N/A 1HZ Performance extractor + full system, lower EGTs View Product →
Manifold Back Exhaust — Single Cab 1HZ 4.2L N/A Diesel (1999–2007) 2.5" Full system replacement, best N/A result Most complete upgrade, replaces everything from manifold back View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust — Single Cab DTS Turbo 1HZ 4.2L with DTS Turbo Conversion (1999–On) 3" DTS turbo builds, towing, performance Purpose built for DTS turbo, handles increased exhaust flow View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust 3" — Single Cab 1HD/1HDT/1HD-FTV/1HZ-FTE 1HD / 1HDT / 1HD-FTV / 1HZ-FTE 4.2L Turbo Diesel (2002–2007) 3" Towing, touring, factory turbo builds Lower EGTs, better spool, full bolt-on 409 stainless system View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust 3.5" — Single Cab V8 VDJ79 V8 4.5L Twin Turbo (2007–2016) 3.5" Tuned or modified V8 builds, max flow Maximum exhaust flow, ideal with engine tune View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust 3" — Single Cab V8 VDJ79 V8 4.5L Twin Turbo (2007–2016) 3" Touring, towing, all-round V8 upgrade Strong all round upgrade, better spool and response View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust 3" — Double Cab V8 VDJ79 V8 4.5L Twin Turbo Double Cab (2007–2016) 3" Double cab touring and towing Bolt on fit for double cab, improved flow and note View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust 3.5" — Double Cab V8 VDJ79 V8 4.5L Twin Turbo Double Cab (2007–2016) 3.5" Tuned double cab builds, max performance Maximum flow for double cab, suits tuned engines View Product →
DPF Back Exhaust — Single/Double Cab V8 VDJ79 V8 4.5L Twin Turbo (10/2016–On) 3" Street legal upgrade Emission compliant, improved flow from DPF back View Product →
Turbo Back Exhaust — Single/Double Cab V8 VDJ79 V8 4.5L Twin Turbo (2016–On) 3" Off-road/competition builds Full turbo back flow, removes DPF (off-road use) View Product →
DPF Back Exhaust — Single/Double Cab GDJ79 GDJ79 2.8L 4-Cyl Turbo Diesel (2023–On) 3" / 3.5" Daily driving, touring, street legal Emission-compliant, retains DPF, improved flow and note View Product →

DPF Back vs Turbo Back — What's the Difference?

This is the most common question we get from VDJ79 / GDJ79 owners, so let's clear it up:

  • DPF Back: Replaces the exhaust from the DPF outlet to the tailpipe. Your DPF stays in place. This is the street legal option and is ADR compliant. You'll still get improved flow and a better exhaust note without touching emissions equipment.
  • Turbo Back: Replaces everything from the turbo outlet including the DPF. Maximum flow and performance but not legal for road use in Australia. Suited to competition or dedicated off-road builds like farm, mine and other off-road use.

If you're touring, towing or daily driving go DPF back. If you're building a dedicated off road rig talk to us about the turbo back options.

3" vs 3.5" — Which Diameter Should You Choose?

For the V8 4.5L, we offer both 3" and 3.5" systems. Here's the simple version:

  • 3" is a solid all round upgrade better flow than stock, great sound, suits most touring and towing setups
  • 3.5" is for builds where you want maximum exhaust flow particularly useful if you're running a tune or planning further engine mods

For most 79 Series owners running a stock or mildly modified V8, the 3" is the sweet spot. If you've got a tune or you're chasing every last kilowatt step up to the 3.5".

Why Australian-Made Matters

Every system Outback Exhausts sell is manufactured in Australia. That means the bends, welds and fitment are engineered specifically for Australian spec vehicles not adapted from a left hand drive template. It also means you're getting mandrel bent stainless steel exhaust system that's built to handle corrugated outback tracks, creek crossings and the kind of punishment that imported systems simply aren't designed for.

Browse the Full 79 Series Range

Ready to find the right system for your rig? Browse our full collections:

Not sure which system is right for your setup? Get in touch with us — we're happy to help you find the right fit before you buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a tune after fitting an exhaust on my 79 Series?

You don't need a tune to run our exhaust systems they're designed to work on a stock engine and you'll notice an improvement straight away. That said pairing an exhaust upgrade with a quality diesel tune will give you the best results in terms of power, torque and fuel economy. The two work very well together.

Are your exhausts made in Australia?

Yes. Outback Exhausts are proudly Australian-made. We manufacture our systems locally using premium materials and every system is built to suit Australian conditions. When you buy from us you're supporting local manufacturing.

Can I fit the exhaust myself?

If you're mechanically confident and have access to a vehicle lift or solid ramps a DIY install is achievable. Most of our customers have the system fitted by a local exhaust shop or 4x4 workshop it's a straightforward job for anyone who knows their way around a vehicle.

How long does installation take?

A typical turbo back or DPF back exhaust installation takes 2–4 hours at a workshop. Our systems are designed for straightforward fitment with no cutting or fabrication required.

Do you ship Australia-wide?

Yes we ship to all states and territories. Most metro areas receive their order within 2–5 business days.

We also ship to international destinations. If you're ordering from overseas, please call or get in touch with us to confirm shipping options and freight costs.

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