Why Toyota Replaced the V8 with the V35A-FTS Twin-Turbo V6 - Toyota V35A-FTS V8 replacement

Table of Contents

Why Toyota Ditched the V8 for the V35A-FTS Twin-Turbo V6 (and You’d Want One)

Introduction

It is in today’s age of cars that the move away from small, frugal turbocharged V6 engines towards large-bore naturally aspirated V8s has already become the norm — and no better illustration of this can be seen than in the instance of the V35A-FTS of Toyota. If you’re in the market to purchase an advanced replacement engine — for performance upgrading, rebuilding, or simply for the purchase of a forward-looking powerplant — then the V35A-FTS is an engine you should be aware of. In today’s post we’re going to dive deep into why Toyota swapped V8s for this twin-turbo V6, take a look at the tech specs, and fill you in on why we’re shipping out this engine all over the globe — how you can capitalize on it. Toyota V35A-FTS V8 replacement

1. The Background: Why Retire the V8s?

Emissions & Efficiency Pressures

Manufs of the past decade have had tighter emissions controls globally — fuel use and CO₂ emissions, and Euro 5/6 levels in Europe and beyond. More-displacement V8s take more fuel and produce more CO₂. By using a new small-displacement V6 with forced induction to replace a V8, Toyota achieves the same (improved) power/torque with improved efficiency.

Packaging & Weight Advantage

A V6 weighs less and is smaller than most V8s. That’s a benefit to car balance, center of gravity, and chassis dynamics — all applicable on SUVs, trucks, and luxury sedans. Reducing front-end weight improves handling and braking.

Performance & Torque Delivery

Turbocharging allows a smaller engine to deliver significantly stout torque at low rpm — it’s a superior ride to drive and more civilized on everyday driving. In heavy-duty service (trucks, SUVs) this is a winner: you have excellent low-end towing without the need to resort to the big V8.

There is a new V35A-FTS-type engine designed from scratch with twin turbocharging, direct fuel injection, enhanced variable valve timing, and other state-of-the-art engine technology. This gives Toyota a platform that can be transplanted to a staggering range of varying models, to varying markets, and can be produced (e.g., hybrid versions) rather than new V8s by application.

Market Trends & Consumer Demand

Clients are asking for fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and lower cost of ownership. But with no compromise on performance. This is a huge challenge on the part of the manufacturers to develop “downsized” high-performance engines. Toyota’s approach is thus in accordance with international market trends.

2. Why Toyota Selected the V35A-FTS Twin-Turbo V6

V35A-FTS: Overview

The V35A-FTS is Toyota’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, which was launched in 2017 in certain luxury and higher-vehicle applications.
It belongs to Toyota’s “Dynamic Force” engine line.

Design & Key Features

Displacement: 3,444 cc (3.444 L) or 3,445 cc depending on model grade.
Bore x stroke: 85.5 mm × 100 mm.
Compression ratio: around 10.4 : 1 or 10.5 : 1 depending on model grade.
Configuration: V6 (V-engine), aluminium block and heads.
Induction: Twin-Turbochargers (bi-turbo), water-air intercoolers.
Fuel system: Multi-port injection in a few, but direct injection (Toyota D-4ST) on most.
Valvetrain: DOHC, 24-valves, chain timing drive, variable valve timing (VVT-iE + VVT-i) on most spec models.

Performance Figures

Depending on application and market, power and torque are diverse but phenomenally healthy for a V6:

Power: ~415 PS (~305 kW) at around 5,200 rpm in some applications.
Torque: up to 650 Nm at ~2,000-3,600 rpm.
In one spec: 409 hp (≈ 409 hp) at 5,200 rpm; 650 Nm at ~3,600 rpm.

Applications

The V35A-FTS is in heavy / high-end vehicles where a V8 used to be standard:

Toyota Land Cruiser (J300) (3.5L TT petrol) – engine code V35A-FTS.
Lexus LS500 – former use of this engine.
Toyota Tundra (3rd generation) and similar full-size trucks/pickups.

In effect, Toyota will be able to substitute aging V8s with full-size trucks/SUVs and luxury cars with this new V6.

3. Old V8 vs. New V6 (V35A-FTS) Comparison

The “Old V8” Era

Toyota used rugged naturally-aspirated V8 engines on all its full-size luxury SUV, truck, and sedan lineup for decades. They were adequate in terms of reliability and torque but added greater emissions, weight, consumption, and more rectangular packaging and less flexibility to future regulation.

Why the Switch Makes Sense

Efficiency: Twin-turbo V6 is able to generate equal V8 torque but with less pounds of displacement and better gas mileage.
Weight & packaging: V6 lighter & smaller, reduces front-end weight & improves vehicle handling.
Torque delivery: Turbocharging provides maximum torque at low rpm – perfect for heavy-duty trucks that need to tow in a hurry.
Current technology: Direct injection, twin-turbo, advanced valve timing = more advanced than most conventional V8s.
Emissions & regulation compliance: Smaller displacement + forced induction + improved combustion = higher standards are easier to meet.

Real-World Benefits

Improved quality fuel economy in heavy-duty pickups (top priority of owner-operator/fleet buyer)
Lightened emissions profile — appealing in CO₂/consumption regulated markets
Improved responsiveness and daily driveability
Luxury/frontal performance without ginormous V8s

4. Technical Specifications: V35A-FTS Engine (For Sale)

Following is a complete specification split you should be knowledgeable about when buying a V35A-FTS engine as a replacement or upgrade component:

Engine Model: V35A-FTS
Displacement: 3.444 L (3,444 cc) — roughly 3.5 litres.
Bore × Stroke: 85.5 mm × 100 mm.
Compression Ratio: ~10.5 : 1.
Configuration: V6, aluminium block & heads.
Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves, dual VVT-i / VVT-iE.
Induction: Twin-turbocharged, intercoolers.
Fuel System: Direct injection D-4ST (some models).
Power Output: Up to ~415 PS (~305 kW) in some specs.
Torque Output: Up to 650 Nm in most specs.
Oil Capacity: ~7.3 litres.
Applications: Various Lexus and Toyota large vehicles since ~2017.

Important Note: When purchasing such an engine you’ll want to confirm:

exact variant and specification (power output, emissions rating)
mileage and condition of the engine
whether it comes with accessories/mounts, sensors, turbos
shipping, permits, flexibility to your car (engine mounts, ECU, wiring)
warranty or guarantee offered by your supplier

5. Why Buy the V35A-FTS From Us (Global Shipping)

We have plenty of experience shipping replacement engines around the globe, and our V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 is one of our best-selling models for our company — and here’s why we think it’s a bargain:

Global Shipping & Availability

We ship our engines globally (Middle East, Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe) — so no matter where you are, Yaoundé (Cameroon) or elsewhere, we can ship to you.

Future Proof + High Performance

You’re buying an engine that’s already being used in new vehicles (SUVs, trucks, luxury vehicles) where performance and reliability are essential. By acquiring the V35A-FTS you’re acquiring advanced technology rather than an outdated V8.

Compatibility with V8-equipped Vehicles

If you own a V8 engine automobile as shipped from the factory in such a configuration and need an immediate upgrade or repair solution, the V35A-FTS is an excellent choice — with equal or better performance, and in some applications, fuel economy savings.

High Resale / Upgrade Value

Purchasing an engine like this twin-turbo V6 new engine doesn’t just put you in an engine, but a long-term investment — while the V8 is fading away, so much more in demand for replacement/market-upgrade uses.

Warranty & After-Sales Support

We ship engines with documents necessary, testing as necessary, and freight shipping with care packaging and freight documentation — smoother import/customs clearance in your country.

Technical Support

Because we’re in the global market, we can provide installation instructions, compatibility, shipping, and wiring/harvesting services or ECU reflash buying on and off based on requirement.

6. How To Get Right Fit & Get Most Value

1. Vehicle Compatibility Check

Make sure your vehicle will fit with the V35A-FTS: engine mounts, bellhousing, transmission interface, wiring harness, ECU.
Verify if exchange/trading is legal under your country’s tax/emissions regulations.
If you have a V8 factory, you will need specialty customisation/melding — wiring, exhaust, cooling, turbo plumbing, sensors.

2. Inspect Condition (If Second-Hand)

Ask for history, known (repairs, rebuilds).
Verify if evidence of excessive wear or known problems (as some market V35A-FTS engines have a known main-bearing problem in some markets).
Inspect turbos, wiring, accessories – photo or video of engine idling before shipping, if possible.

3. Installation Logistics

Shipping: Customs documents, shipping containers, shipping insurance.
Installation: Oil lines, cooling system, turbo plumbing, exhaust install.
ECU/Electronics: May possibly require being reprogrammed or correct ECU for engine size.
Mounting & Fitment: V6 engine but mounting dimension might not be correct for your V8; perhaps custom mounts will be required.

4. Maintenance & Operation

Use proper grade of oil (factory spec). Spec is 0W-20 on some models.
Turbo inspections, intercooler wash, oil change — forced induction engines are more finicky than naturally aspirated engines.
Proper break-in (if rebuilt) and turbo cool-down/warm-up procedure.
Be aware of problems: A few owners experienced main bearing problems on initial production runs of the V35A-FTS, in some markets/previous years.

5. Cost/Benefit Analysis

Long-term fuel economy savings, improved performance, resale value of your car after swap.
Consider total cost: engine cost, shipping, installation, fitting versus keeping original V8 or other replacement.
Consider market value: Changeover to new engine will improve the value or usefulness of your vehicle in markets where V8s are passé.

7. True Selling Points for Buyers

Improved Performance with Smaller Displacement

You’re looking at around 650 Nm torque from a ~3.5 L engine — that’s V8-like grunt but in a modern, efficient package.

Fuel Economy & Emissions Benefit

Heavy SUVs/trucks won’t return sports-car economy, of course, but the V35A-FTS offers competitive consumption for the class and cleaner emissions signature than a large V8.

Future-Ready Technology

In choosing a new twin-turbo V6 you’re embracing next-gen car powertrain — fewer high-displacement dependencies, more forced efficiency and cleaner tech.

Global Fitment Opportunity

We ship this engine worldwide — in a bid to upgrade or replace with a higher-grade engine in Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia or Americas.

Resale / Upgrade Value

Cars with newer engines retain their value better than cars with V8 engines years their junior. Your V35A-FTS vehicle will be more attractive when you sell it.

8. Our Offer: What You Get When You Buy from Us

Genuine Toyota V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 engine (spec confirmed)
Export shipping – we organize shipping, packaging, export paperwork
Options: new, remanufactured or low-mileage units (your choice)
Detailed spec sheet and compatibility check before sale
Technical support and installation/fitting guidance
After-sales support: advice, access to parts, wiring/ECU advice

9. Typical Issues (and How We Fix Them)

Typical Issues

As with any modern turbocharged engine, there are thread discussions on some of the bigger forums regarding possible main bearing failure or other issues in early build numbers of the V35A-FTS.
We believe it can be done if you purchase a unit that is sound, retro-fitted properly with proper TLC, and properly fitted to best practice.

Installation Difficulty

Adding an old V8. With the new V6 twin-turbo isn’t plug-and-play in all cases — you may require adaptions. We speak with our clients to ascertain fitment, wiring harness, ECU match, turbo plumbing and accessories to mitigate this risk.

Fuel Quality & Maintenance

Turbocharged direct injection engines are serviced and fueled as required. Operation of the vehicle in a region with service stations or fuel quality less than normal should be undertaken with care.

Cost vs Benefit

Although initial cost will be greater than for simple replacements, performance, economy, and resale value justify the V35A-FTS. We help you to assess cost-benefit.

10. Conclusion

If you’re in the process of looking for a new or replacement motor, the Toyota V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 is the optimum combination of new technology, performance, and forward thinking — with added bonus points for global availability and our help with shipping/installing anywhere worldwide. Those days of simply running big naturally-aspirated V8s are long gone now — and an astute owner gains from the upgrade to the latest turbocharged V6 capability.

We invite you to buy this engine, availability confirmation, freight cost, condition report and vehicle suitability test. Are you based in Cameroon, West Africa, Middle East or any part of the world — we can help you get this top quality engine and within reach bring the performance and value of your car.

Available to Buy or Find Out More?

Call with year/make/model of your car, current engine, and location. We will provide a final quote, condition report, and shipping schedule for the V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 engine. Let us provide the power you require.

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