Flex
1GD Turbo Upgrade – Flex Pro 43mm VNT | Hilux N80 2021+ iART Models.
1GD Turbo Upgrade – Flex Pro 43mm VNT | Hilux N80 2021+ iART Models.
Taxes included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Share
1GD Turbo Upgrade – Flex Pro 43mm Journal Bearing VNT | Hilux N80 / Fortuner iART 2021+
43mm Billet Compressor | Journal Bearing | Up to 35psi | Direct Bolt-On
Upgrade your i-ART 1GD-FTV with the Flex Pro 43mm Journal Bearing VNT Turbo – built for serious towing, touring and high-boost reliability. Featuring a 43mm billet high-flow compressor wheel and proven journal bearing core, this turbo delivers up to 35psi boost and bolts directly onto your factory oil lines, coolant lines, exhaust manifold, intercooler piping and factory intake pipe – making it a true direct bolt-on replacement for the post-facelift N80 Hilux and Fortuner.
📦 What's Included
- ✅ 1 × Flex Pro 43mm Journal Bearing VNT Turbocharger
- ✅ 1 × Actuator Rod
- ✅ Installation hardware – gaskets & mounting hardware
ℹ️ No Intake Pipe Required: Unlike the Pre-i-ART (2015-2020) variant, the i-ART turbo re-uses your existing factory intake pipe. No adapter or conversion pipe needed.
⚠️ VNT Stepper Motor (Electronic Actuator) NOT Included: You can re-use your existing genuine Toyota stepper motor, or order a replacement separately. Electronic actuators available here – contact us if you need help selecting the right one.
🚀 Key Features
- 🌀 43mm Billet High-Flow Compressor Wheel – significantly more airflow than stock
- ⚙️ Journal Bearing Core – the proven OEM-style design for serious boost & long-term durability
- 💪 Up to 35psi Max Boost – serious pressure with headroom for safety
- 🔧 Direct Bolt-On – re-uses factory intake pipe, oil lines, coolant lines, exhaust manifold & intercooler piping
- 🛠️ Re-use Your OEM Stepper Motor – save money by transferring your genuine Toyota VNT actuator
- 💎 Engineered for Towing & Touring – built for sustained load, not just dyno bragging rights
- 📈 Higher Stock-Injector Ceiling – the i-ART platform's improved fuel system supports ~220 WHP on stock injectors (vs ~190 WHP Pre-IART)
🔧 Vehicle Compatibility
- Toyota Hilux N80 (Facelift / i-ART) – 1GD-FTV 2.8L Turbo Diesel (2021+)
- Toyota Fortuner (Facelift / i-ART) – 1GD-FTV 2.8L Turbo Diesel (2021+)
⚠️ Not suitable for 2015-2020 Pre-i-ART models – the intake configuration is different. Contact us if you have a Pre-i-ART model and we'll point you to the right listing.
Not sure if your vehicle is IART? i-ART (intelligent-Accuracy Refinement Technology) was introduced with the 2020 facelift, fully rolling out in 2021 production. If you're unsure, contact us with your build date or VIN and we'll confirm.
⚡ Performance Specifications & Power Potential
Turbocharger specifications:
- Compressor Wheel: 43mm billet high-flow design
- Bearing Type: Journal bearing (oil-cooled)
- Maximum Boost: Up to 35psi
- Recommended Boost Range: 25-35psi for daily driving
Power potential on the i-ART 1GD-FTV platform:
- Stock injectors: ~220 WHP ceiling (injector limited)
- Stock pump + 30% injectors: ~265 HP / 650 Nm
- Stroker shaft / pump + +30% injectors: ~300+ WHP / 700 Nm
The fuel system is the limiting factor, not the turbo. The i-ART platform's improved fuel system gives you a bit more headroom on stock injectors than Pre-i-ART, but to unlock the full potential of this upgrade you'll still want high-flow injectors – and a stroker pump for the top end.
⚠️ Tuning Recommendation: Tuning is generally not required for installation, but a custom ECU remap is strongly recommended to safely maximise gains and prevent limp mode. Supporting mods (high-flow airbox, intercooler, 3" exhaust) get the most out of the turbo.
🆚 Why Journal Bearing for High-Boost & Towing?
Ball bearing turbos get a lot of marketing attention for slightly faster spool, but for a 1GD running serious boost under sustained load, journal bearings are the smarter choice:
- Built to handle sustained high boost – journal bearings shrug off the heat & pressure cycles that come with towing 3+ tonnes up long climbs
- Proven OEM design – almost every factory diesel turbo on the planet runs journal bearings for a reason: they last
- More forgiving – tolerates the occasional oil quality lapse, hot shutdown or service interval slip better than a ball bearing core
- Simpler & cheaper to service – fewer specialist parts if it ever needs a rebuild down the track
- Spool difference is minimal in real-world driving – you'll feel it on the dyno, not on a touring trip
Bottom line: If your N80 spends its life towing the van, loaded for camping, or working hard on long highway runs, a journal bearing 43mm upgrade is the more durable, more sensible choice.
🛠️ Installation & Requirements
What you'll need:
- VNT Stepper Motor – re-use your factory unit, or buy separately (essential for turbo operation)
- Custom ECU Tune – not required for install, but strongly recommended to safely use higher boost
- Basic hand tools – spanners, sockets, torque wrench
- New engine oil & filter – recommended after turbo replacement
Recommended supporting modifications:
- High-flow airbox – increase intake volume
- Upgraded intercooler – manage higher boost temperatures
- 3" exhaust system – reduce backpressure
- +30% injectors or nozzles – essential to get past ~220 WHP
- Modified stroker pump – required for 300+ WHP / 700 Nm
- Boost gauge & EGT gauge – monitor pressure & exhaust temps
⚠️ Installation Note: Turbo replacement requires mechanical knowledge. Professional installation recommended. Ensure proper oil priming procedure is followed during installation.
🏭 About Flex Performance
Flex is one of Thailand's leading performance manufacturers and a major force in the global diesel tuning scene. Their turbos are widely used in the Australian, Thai and Middle Eastern 4WD performance markets, with a strong reputation for OE-quality manufacturing and proven reliability in serious tow rigs and built diesel utes.
🚚 Shipping & Payment
- 📦 Fast Dispatch — typically ships same or next business day
- 🚚 Free Express Shipping Australia-Wide — full tracking included
- 💳 Buy Now, Pay Later: Afterpay, Humm, Klarna & Zip
- 🇦🇺 All major credit cards accepted
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (AI Gen)
Q: Will this fit my 2015-2020 Pre-i-ART Hilux?
A: No – this version is for i-ART (2021+) vehicles only. The intake configuration is different. If you have a 2015-2020 model, contact us and we'll point you to the right turbo.
Q: How do I know if I have an IART model?
A: i-ART was introduced with the 2020 facelift and fully rolled out in 2021. Quick check: 2021 onwards = almost certainly i-ART. 2020 = depends on build date. If you're unsure, send us your VIN or build plate photo and we'll confirm.
Q: Why doesn't this version include an intake pipe?
A: The i-ART models use a different intake configuration that's compatible with this turbo's inlet directly. No conversion pipe is needed – it bolts straight onto your factory intake. Pre-IART vehicles need a conversion pipe because their factory intake doesn't match.
Q: Is the VNT stepper motor / electronic actuator included?
A: No, the stepper motor is not included – but you can re-use the genuine Toyota one off your factory turbo, which most customers do. If yours is faulty or you'd prefer a replacement, we sell them separately – contact us to make sure you get the right one.
Q: Is the actuator rod included?
A: Yes – an actuator rod is supplied with the turbo.
Q: Why journal bearing instead of ball bearing?
A: For a 1GD doing real work – towing, touring, sustained high boost – journal bearings are more durable, more forgiving of oil quality, and cheaper to service if anything ever goes wrong. Ball bearings spool slightly faster on a dyno, but the real-world difference is minimal. We chose the journal bearing variant because it's the better long-term choice for how these vehicles actually get used.
Q: Do I need tuning after installing this turbo?
A: Tuning is not required for the install itself – the turbo will run on the factory ECU calibration. However, to safely use the increased boost capability and unlock the full performance potential, a custom ECU tune is strongly recommended. Without tuning, you'll leave most of the gains on the table and risk limp mode.
Q: What power gains can I expect on the i-ART platform?
A: It depends entirely on your fuel system:
- Stock injectors: ~220 WHP ceiling (the IART fuel system gives a bit more than Pre-IART's ~190 WHP)
- Stock pump + 30% injectors: ~265 HP / 650 Nm
- Modified stroker pump + 30% injectors: ~300+ WHP / 700 Nm
The turbo itself has plenty of capability – the fuel system is generally the limit.
Q: Will it bolt to my factory oil and coolant lines?
A: Yes – designed to match the factory oil lines, coolant lines, exhaust manifold, intercooler piping and factory intake. Direct bolt-on replacement.
Q: What brand is it?
A: Flex – one of Thailand's leading performance manufacturers and a major name in the diesel tuning scene, used widely in serious 4WD tow rigs across Australia and Southeast Asia.
Q: How does this compare to the stock 1GD turbo?
A: The 43mm billet compressor wheel is significantly larger than stock, providing much more airflow. Combined with 35psi boost capability (vs ~17psi stock), this is a major step up in capability – particularly for towing, loaded touring and high-load conditions.
Q: Can I run this turbo on stock boost?
A: Yes, but you won't see the full benefits. With a custom tune you can run anywhere from stock boost up to 35psi, depending on supporting mods.
Q: What oil do I need for journal bearings?
A: High-quality diesel engine oil to Toyota specifications. Journal bearings rely on oil for cooling and lubrication, so regular oil changes (every 5,000-7,500 km) are essential for longevity. The good news: journal bearings are more forgiving of less-than-perfect oil maintenance than ball bearing cores.
Built to Tow, Built to Last
43mm billet compressor. Journal bearing durability. Up to 35psi. Direct bolt-on for i-ART 2021+. Re-use your factory intake & stepper motor. Free express shipping AU.
Disclaimer: Common Rail Cowboys is not affiliated with Toyota Motor Corporation or Flex Performance. Performance modifications require custom ECU tuning to safely maximise gains and can affect manufacturer warranty. VNT stepper motor not included (re-use factory unit or order separately). Professional installation recommended.
