Best Bolt-On Upgrades for the Toyota V35A-FTS Engine – V35A-FTS performance upgrades

Best Bolt-On Upgrades for the Toyota V35A-FTS Engine – V35A-FTS performance upgrades

Best Bolt-On Modifications for the Toyota V35A-FTS Engine – Performance Guide & Engine For Sale Guide

The Toyota V35A-FTS engine will be one of the most thrilling new-generation performance engines in recent memory. Implemented in high-end Toyota and Lexus models like the LS500, Tundra, and Land Cruiser, this 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine combines the newest technology with massive tuning potential. V35A-FTS performance upgrades

If you need more power, improved throttle response, and improved reliability, bolt-on performance modifications are the way to go—and we’ve got you covered. In the article below, we’ll reveal the best bolt-on performance modifications that you can do for the V35A-FTS engine and how you can get serious horsepower without breaking a sweat. And in case you want to buy a pre-built V35A-FTS engine, we’ll discuss the specifications and guide you on where to get a performance-enhanced version ready to roll.


What is the Toyota V35A-FTS Engine?

Let’s take a look at it more closely before we begin speculating about upgrades.

Engine Specifications:

  • Engine Code: V35A-FTS
  • Configuration: Twin-turbocharged V6
  • Displacement: 3.4L (3444cc)
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves, Dual VVT-i
  • Fuel System: D-4ST (port + direct injection)
  • Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
  • Horsepower: 416 hp @ 5200 rpm (LS500 specification)
  • Torque: 442 lb-ft @ 1600-4800 rpm
  • Bore x Stroke: 85.5mm x 100mm
  • Turbochargers: Twin IHI single-scroll
  • Intercooler: Air-to-liquid
  • Block Material: Aluminum alloy
  • Head Material: Aluminum alloy

The V35A is a member of the Toyota Dynamic Force Engine family and was created to deliver outstanding performance with responsiveness and efficiency to emissions. It has been used throughout Toyota and Lexus application, making it the perfect platform for street performance, off-road towing capability, or even racing.


Why Upgrade the V35A-FTS?

While the V35A engine may already be a bruiser in stock form, tuners and enthusiasts understand that there’s just so much more power that can be extracted. Here’s why bolt-on modifications are effective:

  • Unlock Potential Power: Stock engine is emissions- and reliability-tuned back—upgrades unlock it.
  • More Boost, More Horsepower: Bolt-ons allow turbos to breathe heavier and spool harder.
  • Improved Response: Intake and exhaust tuning yields better throttle response and turbo response.
  • Support Future Mods: Provide a solid foundation for tuning and ECU upgrades.
  • Customization: Get your setup strong, durable, and personalized.

Best Bolt-On Modifications for V35A-FTS Engine

1. Cold Air Intake System (CAI)

Easiest and highest-performing upgrade. High-flow cold air intake pulls denser, colder air into the turbos, which generates more power and throttle response.

Benefits:

  • Provides up to 30% more airflow
  • Improves turbo spool time
  • Gains 10-15 hp by itself
  • Louder turbo sound

Top Brands: HKS, K&N, Injen, aFe
Pro Tip: Opt for a heat-shielded or sealed CAI for better performance in hot engine bays.


2. High-Flow Downpipes

V35A-FTS OEM downpipes are limited to ensure even emissions and noise levels. High-flow or catless downpipe upgrades truly make a difference in exhaust flow, reducing turbo backpressure, and adding enormous power.

Gains:

  • +20 to 40 hp gains
  • Quicker spool and additional mid-range torque
  • Aggressive exhaust note
  • ECU tuning support

Recommended Brands: AMS, ARMYTRIX, PPE Engineering
Note: Tuning is needed for some downpipes to prevent CEL (Check Engine Light) and to optimize AFRs.


3. Cat-Back Exhaust System

Cat-back exhaust system is a necessity for sound and performance. It minimizes restriction after downpipes and provides your vehicle with a deep, sporty exhaust tone.

Benefits:

  • 10–20 hp gains
  • Louder and deeper exhaust tone
  • Improved exhaust flow
  • Lighter

Recommended Brands: Borla, MagnaFlow, GReddy, Remus


4. Intercooler Upgrade

The V35A employs an air-to-liquid intercooler configuration, which heat soaks when driving aggressively. A performance intercooler cools more efficiently and prevents power loss from heat.

Benefits:

  • Better performance regardless of the weather
  • Colder intake temperatures
  • Restores power level to stock
  • Maintains higher boost pressure

Recommended Brands: CSF, Wagner Tuning, Mishimoto


5. ECU Tuning / Piggyback Controller

Tuning is what unleashes the full potential of your bolt-ons. Via either a flash tune or piggyback setup, the engine ECU parameters (boost, ignition, fueling) are optimized for huge gains.

Advantages:

  • Maximum +80 hp with bolt-ons
  • Maps can be customized
  • Improved throttle response
  • Future mod compatibility

Popular Tuners: EcuTek, COBB (coming soon), JB4 (Burger Motorsports)
Pro Tip: Always tune on a dyno or by a respected tuner to prioritize reliability.


6. High-Performance Blow-Off Valves (BOVs)

The stock BOVs leak at high boost or dump pressure. A good aftermarket BOV system holds pressure in charge pipes and saves the turbos.

Benefits:

  • Shakes off boost leaks
  • Cool turbo sound (“pssh”)
  • Extends turbo life
  • Hold more PSI

7. Upgrade Turbo Inlets

The V35A turbo inlets are restrictive. Fit higher-diameter inlets to allow the turbos to breathe more and gain overall efficiency.

Benefits:

  • +10-15 hp
  • Better turbo spool
  • Increases high-boost builds
  • Best paired with intake modifications

8. Oil Catch Can

Direct injection engines are afflicted with valve carbon buildup. A catch can traps oil vapors before they are recirculated into the intake.

Benefits:

  • Saves intake and valves
  • Prolongs engine life
  • Low maintenance
  • Cleaner burns

9. Upgraded Fuel System (for large builds)

You’ll need to upgrade fuel pumps and injectors if you’ll be running ethanol mixtures (E30, E85) or higher boost.

Benefits:

  • Manages 600+ hp
  • Consistent fueling
  • Ethanol capable tuning
  • Key to reliability under load

How Much Power Can the V35A-FTS Handle?

With stock internals, the V35A-FTS will only do 500–550 WHP. With high-end internals, individuals are pushing this platform to 700+ WHP.

The key is supporting mods, conservative tuning, and proper cooling. A good bolt-on setup with tuning can easily make:

  • 450–500 WHP (Stock Turbos + Bolt-ons + Tune)
  • 550–600 WHP (Upgraded Turbos + Fuel System + Intercooler)

Buy a V35A-FTS Engine – Fully Assembled & Ready to Run

Must get your project started with a new V35A engine? We offer Toyota V35A-FTS engines for sale with or without our performance modifications. All engines are thoroughly inspected, compression tested, and ready to run.

🔧 V35A-FTS Engine for Sale – Highlights:

  • 3.5L Twin Turbo V6
  • Fully Long Block Assembly
  • Wiring Harness & ECU Solutions
  • Bolt-On Upgrade Packages Available
  • Compression Tested & Guaranteed
  • Fast Shipping Available

Whether you’re swapping engines for a Lexus LS500, building a turbocharged off-road monster, or simply replacing with a brand-new OEM unit, we have the engine and support you require.


Why Buy From Us?

Performance-Built Options – Bolts-on and tunes before shipping
Engine Warranty – Hassle-free
Tech Support – Guidance from an expert throughout install and tune
Fast Shipping – We ship worldwide
Proven Source – All engines are inspected, tested, and shipped from leading suppliers


Engine Packages Available

The following are the stages that you can buy when you buy your Toyota V35A-FTS engine:

🔹 Stage 1: Stock Replacement

  • Ideal for OEM replacement or mild builds
  • Long block with turbos included
  • Compression-tested and inspected
  • Optional ECU and wiring

🔹 Stage 2: Bolt-On Ready

  • Includes cold air intake, boosted downpipes, and intercooler
  • Tuned ECU (optional) for 450–500 WHP
  • Drop-in ready with performance gain
  • Boosted BOVs and turbo inlets included

🔹 Stage 3: Tuned & Boosted

  • Fully built V35A-FTS with upgraded turbos
  • High-flow fuel system + intercooler
  • Dyno-tuned to 600 WHP+ maximum safe power
  • Optional flex-fuel setup (E85 ready)
  • Perfect for high-performance street or racing application

Choose an engine to suit your build plans — from daily driver mods to full performance beasts.


V35A-FTS Swap Guide: What You Need to Know

Considering a V35A-FTS swap into another chassis? Here is a brief rundown checklist to guide you through the process:

🧰 Swap Essentials:

  • V35A-FTS Long Block Engine
  • OEM or Standalone ECU
  • Custom Mounts & Transmission Adapter
  • Fuel System DI/PI Compatible
  • Engine Harness (OEM or Aftermarket)
  • Cooling System Modifications
  • Driveshaft Mod (if required)
  • Tuned ECU or standalone installation

Swap candidates of interest for enthusiasts:

  • Lexus IS series
  • Toyota Supra (A90 chassis)
  • Toyota Hilux
  • Tacoma / 4Runner
  • Off-road builds (Land Cruiser conversions)
  • Drift or time attack chassis (such as 240SX, IS300)

We offer swap consulting services to help you with engine compatibility, wiring solutions, and tuning support.


Real-World Results: V35A-FTS with Bolt-Ons

To provide an expectation of what to anticipate from your build, the following are some real-world examples of V35A-FTS engines with bolt-on modifications:

💥 Example Build 1: LS500 with Intake, Downpipes, and Tune

  • Mods: HKS Intake, PPE Downpipes, JB4 Tuner
  • Fuel: 93 Octane
  • Power: ~470 WHP
  • Result: Immediate response, mid-range torque, and sound improvement

💥 Example Build 2: Tundra with Stage 2 Package

  • Mods: Intercooler Upgrade, High-Flow Exhaust, ECU Tune
  • Fuel: E30 Blend
  • Power: ~500 WHP
  • Result: Perfect balance for daily driving and towing with no turbo lag

💥 Example Build 3: IS300 V35A Swap (Custom)

  • Mods: Full bolt-on kit + flex-fuel tune
  • Fuel: E85
  • Power: ~600 WHP on larger turbos
  • Result: Crazy sleeper build with instant response and total reliability

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Is the V35A-FTS engine reliable?

Yes. Toyota engineered the V35A-FTS to be robust. With conservative tune and regular maintenance, 500+ WHP is made easily with reliability.

❓ Is it safe to run E85 on the factory fuel system?

No. E85 takes more volume of fuel, so a high-pressure fuel pump and injectors are strongly recommended for any tuning of an ethanol blend.

❓ Will a tune void my warranty?

The majority of aftermarket modification will void the factory warranty. We do offer optional limited warranties on our in-house engines that we build, though.

❓ What is the maximum amount of boost the stock turbos will take?

The stock twin turbos perform well up to about 20–22 PSI. Beyond that, they produce too much heat and are less efficient.

❓ Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Shipping worldwide is possible. Engines are shipped with tracking and insurance optional.


Last Words: Creating the Ultimate V35A-FTS

The Toyota V35A-FTS is quickly becoming the tuner’s car—and for good reason. Twin turbos, direct fuel injection, and an aluminum design make it the ultimate box of goodies for a high-performance installation just waiting to happen.

Whether you’re just starting to get your feet wet with a cold air intake and tune or going all out with race turbos and ethanol tuning, the V35A is as ready as it’s going to get.


Ready to Buy?

  • 🔎 Browse our V35A-FTS Engine Inventory
  • 🛠️ Choose a Performance Package
  • 📞 Call Us for a Custom Build or Swap Consultation
  • 🚚 Fast Shipping & Expert Support Included

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