Differences Between Toyota’s V6 Twin-Turbo Engines: V35A vs GR – V35A vs 3.5L GR engine

Date October 28, 2025
Category
Auto Repair, Automotive Tips, Car Engines, Car Tips, Uncategorized
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Differences Between Toyota’s V6 Twin-Turbo Engines: V35A vs GR – V35A vs 3.5L GR engine

Differences Between Toyota’s V6 Twin-Turbo Engines: V35A vs GR 3.5L – A Guide to Purchasing from Us

Introduction: Why These Engines Matter

If you’re in the market for a high-performance engine platform from Toyota, especially their modern V6 twin-turbo units, you’ve likely come across two key engine families: the V35A-FTS family (often simply referred to as “V35A”), and what we’ll call the “GR 3.5L” twin-turbo V6 (as seen in the GR-Sport variants). V35A vs 3.5L GR engine

This book will allow you to identify the difference between them, the characteristics, the application, and how we can provide them to the world. You will also be aware at the end of the term, which engine would be most suitable for your car or company, and how to purchase safely.

Toyota’s twin-turbo V6 debut was unconventional. Toyota used to own naturally aspirated V6s or V8s on its high-output variants. The V35A twin-turbo V6 and its variants are the new narrative: down-displacement, forced induction, lots of power and torque, and mass adoption worldwide in their SUVs, pickups, and upscale vehicles.

For buyers of engines or engine units for retrofit, replacement or performance builds, these units offer a strong mix of modern engineering, factory twin-turbo boost, and global parts availability. Our business specialises in supplying these engine units globally — from Yaoundé and Cameroon to anywhere worldwide — so understanding exactly what you’re buying is key.

Engine Overview & Background

V35A (V35A-FTS)

The V35A-FTS is a 3.5-litre (approximately 3,444 cc) twin-turbo V6 petrol engine from Toyota.
It belongs to Toyota’s “Dynamic Force” engine line and Toyota’s first turbo-V setup.

It has been fitted in:

  • Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (J300) series with V35A-FTS.
  • Toyota Tundra / Sequoia (in a few markets) with this engine.

Spec details in base spec:

  • Displacement: ~3,444 cc (bore 85.5 mm × stroke 100 mm)
  • Compression ratio: approximately 10.5:1
  • Power: Ca. 409 hp (≈305 kW) at 5,200 rpm
  • Torque: Ca. 650 Nm at ca. 3,600 rpm
  • Oil capacity ca. 7.3 litres, coolant ca. 12.6 litres
  • Fuel injection: Direct fuel injection and twin-turbocharging, aluminium V6 block/head

As this engine is well established to begin with in full-size trucks and SUVs around the world, there is a good market for retrofit kits, bolt-ons, adaptors, and part/shipping support. If “engine for sale” business is what these clients are looking for, then V35A is more than equipped.

GR 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (GR Sport Model)

Toyota cars “GR” sign (e.g., Land Cruiser GR-Sport) refers to the off-road or sport model (“Gazoo Racing” logo). They share the same V35A‐FTS engine.

Land Cruiser GR Sport specifications, for example, state engine “V35A-FTS, 3.5L Twin Turbo” with 409 hp / 650 Nm.

So, not exactly a completely new engine block, so to say, but the same or slightly re-designed V35A engine in GR model of the car.

Spec sheet for GR model:

  • Engine: V35A-FTS, 3.5 L Twin Turbo
  • Maximum output: 409 hp @ 5,200 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 650 Nm @ ~3,600 rpm
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic, Full-time 4WD

On marketing brochures, GR models set performance-look appearances, sometimes supported backed internals, and perhaps other calibrations or tuning, but always base engine V35A twin-turbo.

Since they are performance/GR branded, such packages will be able to command some premium and perhaps slightly variant spec platforms (e.g., enhanced cooling, better accessory fitment) than “normal” V35A installs.

V35A vs GR 3.5L – What’s the Real Difference?

As Toyota’s GR cars use effectively the same V35A engine block, the problem is thus so then what are we even comparing? Let us delineate the difference in functionality, i.e. from the selling/buying engine unit’s perspective.

1. Hardware vs Branding

  • The V35A-FTS is the factory twin-turbo V6 engine.
  • The “GR 3.5L Twin Turbo” would most likely be the V35A-FTS (otherwise known as GR-Sport variant). Titles on all but the most aberrant outliers are simply synonyms.

Therefore, the variation is thus perhaps not a completely different engine block but may be in:

  • Tuning / ECU calibration
  • Accessory or cooling package (the GR variants may have high spec cooling, sport exhaust, etc.)
  • Branding and after-market worth (the GR models carry “premium” status)
  • Vehicle application: if you bought an engine from a GR model, its past would be shorter than that of a base V35A in a non-GR vehicle.

2. Resale & Worth for Engine Units

GR model car engines are spoiled with the ability to charge more due to branding and possibly reduced hours of use or beams of performance exposure. You can get more bang for your money if “GR 3.5L Twin Turbo V6” engines are what you’re selling.

Non-GR V35A engines are equally super powerful, and possibly even more common, and that can be reflected in less and more affordable priced pieces.

3. Spec Differences

There are minor variations in output or specs in some markets or model years (emission specs, calibration, markets). There are some 415 hp V35A engines, for example, in some markets.

When buying, you need to look for the same engine code (e.g., “V35A-FTS”), capacity, turbo set-up (twin-turbo), and mounting (transmission, ECU, wiring loom included or not).

The GR spec may come as part of a “Sport” or “Premium” pack and could also include other cooling performance, alternative intake/exhaust, or remaps.

4. How the Component Would Fit Your Project

For a build, swap, or custom fit for performance use, V35A spec will suffice and may even be more economical.

For provenance, market value, possibly upgraded spec and, a GR spec engine may be the best.

Compatibility: In purchasing an engine unit from a GR car, be sure that its mounting, ancillaries, wiring and ECU will be compatible with your target vehicle or you do not want to make the changes.

Specifications – Side-by-Side

SpecificationV35A-FTS (Baseline)GR 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 (GR Model)
Displacement~3,444 cc (3.5L nominal)~3,445 cc (3.5L designation)
Bore × Stroke85.5 mm × 100 mmSame nominal size
Compression Ratio~10.5:1Same twin-turbo application
Max Power~409 hp @ 5,200 rpm409 hp @ 5,200 rpm
Max Torque~650 Nm @ ~3,600 rpm~650 Nm @ ~3,600 rpm
TurbochargingTwin-Turbo with two parallel chargers, water-air intercoolersSame
Fuel SystemDirect Injection (D-4ST)Same
Oil / Coolant CapacityOil ~7.3 L; Coolant ~12.6 LSame
Shared ApplicationLand Cruiser 300, Tundra/SequoiaLand Cruiser 300 GR-Sport, other GR trucks
Market AvailabilityWidely available globally (used/reman)Less available, potentially premium

Why Buy From Us

We deal in export of brand new Toyota twin-turbo V6 engine units (V35A & GR models) to all the world market in Africa, Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the world at large.

Why You Should Buy From Us

  • Export and shipping experience globally: We export ship to Yaoundé, Douala, African ports and export to the world at large.
  • Good quality units: We purchase from good quality dismantlers, verify hours/miles, damage inspect, internals and turbos all in good functioning order.
  • Full spec transparency: We provide you with full engine code, mileage/hours, and spec sheet so you get to know precisely what you are purchasing.
  • Support and spares: We take care of spares, wiring harnesses, turbo units, ECU remaps.
  • Competitive prices: Bulk shipping enables competitive pricing.
  • Post-sale support: Installation guidance, ECU/harness matching, and adaptation assistance.

Which To Buy? A Short Buyer’s Guide

Budget

If budget is an issue, the same fundamental functionality costs less in a stock V35A.
If premium/collector level or higher provenance is wanted, purchase a GR model.

Intended Use

For dyno/mag swaps, street driving, or street use, the V35A is a viable platform.
For provenance or GR-Sport rebuild projects, a GR model is perfect.

Compatibility & Fitment

Confirm engine comes with ECU, wiring loom, sensors, turbo kit.
Ensure compatibility with your target vehicle.

History & Condition

Request hours or miles, service history, and turbo condition.
We provide inspection photos and blow-by testing reports.

Shipping & Logistics

Export from Cameroon (Yaoundé region).
We organize export documents and send via sea-freight or air-freight.

Resale or Future Value

GR branded units hold higher resale value.
Demand for Toyota twin-turbo V6s is growing globally.

How We Supply: What’s In & What You Should Know

We provide full specs, serial numbers, and condition reports.
You choose shipping options (sea or air freight).
We offer installation manuals and ECU wiring guidance.
Payment terms and limited guarantees available.
After-sales consultation offered for fitment or tuning.

Frequently Asked Questions About These Engines

Q: V35A and GR 3.5L same motor?
A: Yes, the GR version is the V35A in a performance-line model with minor tuning or cooling differences.

Q: What is the requirement of octane fuel?
A: Use high-octane fuel (over 95 RON) for performance and longevity.

Q: Can these engines be tuned/boosted?
A: Yes. The twin-turbo setup allows for remaps, turbo upgrades, and cooling system improvements.

Q: Reliability and maintenance?
A: Proper maintenance is key; we inspect each engine before sale.

Q: Export to Cameroon and Africa?
A: Yes. We handle documentation, HS code, and customs clearance to major ports like Douala.

Real-World Use Cases & Buyer Stories

  • South Africa: Customer replaced a project car’s V6 with a V35A, gaining more torque and power.
  • West Africa: Shop purchased a GR-badged engine for a Land Cruiser GR-Sport rebuild.
  • Cameroon: Buyer used a V35A for pickup conversion with ECU support from us.
  • Europe: Buyer used the engine for a custom twin-turbo swap build.

Our Recommendation

  • For best value and performance: Buy a V35A-FTS standard spec version.
  • For best marque and provenance: Buy a GR 3.5L Twin Turbo engine (essentially V35A but in GR spec).

Ensure the correct engine code, included parts (ECU, loom, turbos), and arrange freight to Yaoundé or Douala.
Coordinate local fitments and use our tuning assistance.

We hold in-house updated stock with photos and serial numbers. Send us your request with price, shipping option, and location, and we will ship the current stock.

Conclusion

Thank you for your interest in us in serving your twin-turbo Toyota high-performance engine needs.
We would be pleased to assist you in obtaining the proper engine for your project.

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