Upgrading Turbochargers on the V35A-FTS: Is It Worth It?

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The Toyota V35A-FTS engine has already become one of the hottest performance engines on the market, i.e., for the enthusiast who desires to build a high-performance street car or transplant into a project vehicle. Twin turbocharged, direct fuel injected, and factory well engineered, the V35A-FTS is a world-class performer straight from the factory—but what happens if you start upgrading the turbochargers? V35A-FTS turbo upgrade

In this guide, we will cover when and if it’s worth the headache of tuning your V35A-FTS turbochargers, what you’ll gain, what you’ll be needing, and how our fully built V35A-FTS engines with upgraded turbo availability make it more convenient than ever to push your performance to the next level.

1. Summary of the V35A-FTS Engine

The V35A-FTS is a 3.4-liter V6 twin-turbocharged Toyota engine that is applied in performance vehicles like the Lexus LS500, Toyota Tundra (i-Force Max), and Sequoia. The reason that it is part of Toyota’s Dynamic Force engine family is that it is powerful yet efficient.

It features twin water-cooled turbochargers, D-4ST direct and port fuel injection, and variable valve timing, making it the most sophisticated V6 engine from Toyota.

2. Factory Turbocharger Installation on the V35A-FTS

A pair of single-scroll turbos is mounted in the V35A-FTS factory. They are mounted close and efficiently together. The factory turbos provide a smooth power band, excellent low-end torque, and virtually no turbo lag.

Factory Turbo Specifications:

Twin Single-Scroll Turbochargers
Boost Pressure: ~18 psi (1.2 bar)
Horsepower (Stock): 389–437 HP depending on application
Torque: 479–583 lb-ft (650–790 Nm)

While the stock turbos are impressive, they’re designed for daily reliability and fuel efficiency, not necessarily maximum performance. This is where aftermarket turbo upgrades shine.

3. Why Consider a Turbo Upgrade?

If you’re looking to unlock the full potential of the V35A-FTS engine, an upgraded turbo setup is the key. Here’s why:

More Power:

Aftermarket turbos possess a lot of pressure and airflow capacity for increase, which can give you 200+ HP over stock when properly installed.

Higher Power at Higher RPM:

Stock turbo can’t keep up at high RPM. Larger turbos can maintain boost longer and extend your powerband.

Custom Tuning Opportunities:

Better turbochargers enable custom tuning, and that opens the door to more aggressive timing and fueling strategies being utilized.

Motorsport & Track Use:

To utilize on the track days, drag racing or drift setup, its turbo upgrades are what it requires to provide its best performance.

4. Power Gains from Upgraded Turbos on the V35A-FTS

With supporting mods done in addition to ECU tuning, upgraded turbochargers can make the V35A-FTS a monster engine out of a fast engine.

Example Gains:

Stock Output: 389–437 HP / 479–583 lb-ft
Mild Turbo Upgrade: 550–600 HP
Big Turbo Setup (Built Engine): 700–800+ HP

Depending on what turbos you choose to run (i.e., performance OEM-style twins vs. full single-turbo conversion), you can achieve track-capable horsepower.

5. Supporting Mods And Reliability Issues

Turbos by themselves will bring you only a piece of the gain unless you update the balance of the system. Here is what you will need to do:

Mandatory Supporting Mods:

High-Flow Fuel Injectors
Upgraded Fuel Pump
Intercooler Upgrade
High-Performance Exhaust System
Engine Management / Standalone ECU
Forged Internals (high power output levels)

Can The Stock V35A-FTS Handle It?

The V35A’s internals are beefy—natively capable of up to 600 HP on pump gas and with tuning. Past that, though, especially with increased boost and racing use, we recommend forged pistons and rods.

We sell built and stock V35A-FTS engines with forged internals for those who want to push it to the limit responsibly.

6. Applications: Swaps, Builds & Track Use

The V35A-FTS small size and huge output make it an epic choice for any build:

Top Swap Platforms:

Toyota Supra MK4 & MK5 (A90)
Lexus IS / GS / LS
Toyota Tacoma / Hilux
Off-road buggies
Drift or drag one-off builds

With the turbo kit, you get 2JZ or LS swap power with modern fuel economy and emissions compliance.

7. Why Buy a V35A-FTS Engine From Us?

We provide complete, performance-ready V35A-FTS engines—stock or with optional turbo upgrade and forged internals. Buying from us is not a used engine purchase—you’re purchasing a performance solution.

Our V35A-FTS Engines Feature:

Fully inspected & tested engines
Optional upgraded turbochargers
Optional forged internals for high HP applications
Warranty on select builds
Engine harnesses & ECU options
Global shipping available

8. V35A-FTS Engine Specifications

The following is a comprehensive explanation of the engine’s major specs:

Specification	Details
Engine Code	V35A-FTS
Configuration	V6, 60-degree, Twin-Turbocharged
Displacement	3.4L (3445cc)
Bore x Stroke	85.5 mm × 100 mm
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Fuel System	D-4ST (Direct + Port Injection)
Turbo Setup	Twin Single-Scroll
Horsepower (Stock)	389–437 HP
Torque (Stock)	479–583 lb-ft
Valvetrain	DOHC, 24-valve, Dual VVT-i
Redline	6,000–6,200 RPM
Block Material	Aluminum Alloy
Head Material	Aluminum Alloy

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I run upgraded turbos on a stock V35A-FTS engine?

Yes, but that will depend on your power targets. For up to ~550 HP, the factory internals will see you through. Beyond that, forged internals are best.

Q: Will I need a stand-alone ECU?

In extreme builds, a stand-alone ECU gives you room for high-level tweaking but is not needed for mild tweaking.

Q: What is the maximum power the V35A-FTS can handle?

With the forged internals and large turbos, the V35A-FTS will easily give you 800+ HP, and more with race gas or methanol injection.

Q: Is the V35A-FTS better than the 2JZ or LS?

For new cars, yes. It has better packaging, newer technology, and the same or better performance capability.

10. Conclusion: Are the Turbo Upgrades Worth It?

Yes. If power, response, and future-proofed performance is what you’re after, V35A-FTS turbo upgrades are one of the wisest investments you can make.

But rather than DIY parts shopping and compatibility issues, why not start with a finished performance engine?

✅ We Offer:

Completed V35A-FTS Engines
Stock or Turbocharged Turbos
Optional Forged Internals
Global Shipping
Uplersourced Expert Support

Ready to Upgrade?

Dip your toes in a finished V35A-FTS engine with turbo potential and build your dream vehicle the right way.

📞 [Call Us Today or View Our V35A-FTS Engine Inventory]
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Upgrading Turbochargers on the V35A-FTS: Is It Worth It? – V35A-FTS turbo upgrade