FEATURE - Blusteele custom 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series

Words and Photos: Supplied

Lack of towing power, inability to pick-up and overtake, temperatures running hot under heavy load, dusty air getting into the engine, ordinary sounding exhaust system…If these all sound familiar to anyone with a Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, then you certainly don’t have the modifications that Blüsteele have made to their monster 79 Series dual-cab.

When choosing a new Survivor 4x4 project car to follow another 79 Series from a couple of years ago (which we've previously covered), the option was simple: do another 79 Series! Well not quite, and as loyal JUST 4x4s followers will know, Blüsteele did recently finish a Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger project in-between the two because the team there just can’t get enough of modifying manual-equipped 4x4s. In fact, there is yet another project coming after this that Nissan Navara fans will love.

But back to our hero here, the 1100Nm LandCruiser which not only looks the goods but is a true clutch-buster. It would be a brave (or perhaps dense) tuner that would even attempt to build such a mammoth machine with a sub-par clutch kit.

Blüsteele Clutch is an aftermarket performance clutch specialist based in Melbourne providing bespoke, high-quality engineered clutches and kits for everything from modded V8 diesel LandCruisers to supercharged V8 Holden Commodores. Its 4x4 series focuses on a popular market where modifying to find more grunt from what are mild-performing diesel engines is commonplace. Of course, with more power comes more chances of breaking or wearing out parts quicker – particularly the clutch.

This project is based on a Toyota Landcruiser 2022 VDJ79 GXL Dual Cab ute and it looks absolutely sensational. The standard Sandy Taupe paint colour already has a throwback to the early models, but it is the custom graphics by GRG Design in Carrum Downs which give a distinctly retro vibe and match the boxy design which is iconic. The marketing light bulb moment was matching the camper, which has already trooped from GSL in Queensland to Victoria, in the same livery.

Now while the 70 Series has been an icon on Australian roads for decades, its potential viability came to a crisis point not long ago when ADR rules around side-impact crash testing would see it removed from sale. However, ingeniously, Toyota skirted around the new crash regulations by simply increasing GVM to 3510kg, which classifies it as a light truck (medium goods vehicle) and exempt from the ADR’s side impact rule. There are also a few new additions in equipment to the new model you can thankfully still buy off the showroom floor, but it’s largely the same vehicle that you see here, and most importantly it will still continue to offer a 4.5-litre turbo diesel V8 engine with five-speed manual transmission.

While we’ll get to all of the other accessories Blüsteele has added on, let's have a closer look at the heart of the 4x4 – its modified diesel V8 producing 1100Nm at the flywheel. That’s an incredible 200 per cent lift in torque over the factory donk!

Modification, fabrication and tuning were performed by GSL FAB near the Gold Coast in Queensland – a highly experienced workshop when it comes to LandCruiser performance. One look under the bonnet and you can see that all of the work has been finished to a meticulous standard, including the twin four-inch stainless steel exhaust system with high flow DPF (yes, it remains fully compliant and legal) that delivers a deep throbbing note out the back.

Part of the changes includes the GSL Intense Turbo upgrade, new +50 high-flow Denso "super quiet" fuel injectors, a PWR elite intercooler with top mount fans, fabricated stainless steel intake and J max high flow twin K&N filter air box (with a fantastic transparent case), and a Safari Armax snorkel. The lot was put on the dyno and tuned by Scott – GSL’s engineering master tuner.

“At GSL Fab, we take the lead in the diesel performance industry,” he says. “We deal exclusively in common rail diesel performance and aftermarket performance upgrades. The majority of our customers are Toyota LandCruiser owners - but we don't limit ourselves to Toyota. We also work on a multitude of other common rail diesel-powered cars including Isuzu, Mazda, Holden and more.”

If the work on other makes is anything to go by, GSL has a knack for transforming diesel engines. The V8 in the LandCruiser can’t be called underdone even in stock form, but this reimagined powerplant removes the lazy pick-up and power slump that the factory unit has. Instead, there’s instant buzz and movement off the line – even with the rear tray loaded and two full-size spare tyres – and the incredible grunt doesn’t stop pulling along until you say so. In fact, the 0-100km/h time becomes relevant again, and overtaking at 100km/h isn’t a question as you know there’s more than enough zip underfoot to quickly dispatch moving traffic.

“We started the family business over a decade ago after a first-hand experience of the underwhelming performance of our Toyota LandCruiser 79 series ute,” Scott continues when explaining how they came to be specialists in 70-Series tuning.

“While it had a level of reliability, we knew this ute was capable of far more, without sacrificing the reliability that Toyota is known for. So, we started solving problems. Lack of towing power, inability to pick-up and overtake, temperatures running hot under heavy load, dusty air getting into the engine, ordinary sounding exhaust system. We knew what people wanted - we just needed enough time to create the solution to the problem.

“Fast forward to today and we've fitted thousands of upgrades to our customers 4WD's, built several of our own decked-out 4WDs for touring and towing, and created Australia's fastest diesel LandCruiser, 'Frankenmule'. If you want to build an adventure-proof, grin-worthy 4WD, there's a good chance we've got the performance products for you. Build a 4WD that's up to the challenge and get back to enjoying the Australian landscape.”

Indeed, this is unquestionably one of the most well-rounded 70-Series we’ve driven that has so much power and torque on tap. It’s powerful, it’s tight, and it is incredibly smooth. In fact, it’s so smooth it has the same clutch feel as the factory LandCruiser, despite packing a 1400Nm stage 1 clutch and flywheel kit from Blüsteele. But as we’ve come to know from testing Blüsteele’s modified 4x4s and clutch kits, they are some of the best in the business and the engineering knowledge shows in real-life use.

The specific kit in this VDJ79 LandCruiser is the 1400Nm stage 1 – but there are Stage 2 1400Nm and 1500Nm kits available with upgraded hydraulics, plus a 1600Nm Stage 3 version.

Key to the natural feel of this clutch kit is that it retains factory standard pedal pressure to operate the heavy-duty clutch plate. There’s also a high-performance organic friction plate with added cushion for a quieter idle, an upgraded billet chrome molly claw grooved flywheel, premium thrust bearing and spigot bearing and a silicone rear main oil seal. All kits come with an alignment tool, and new flywheel and clutch pressure plate bolts too.

Given that so much grunt here is using the stage 1 kit, there’s huge potential for anyone keen enough to go ballistic with engine modification – in fact, GSL’s own 'Frankenmule' LandCruiser does a standing quart mile in 9 seconds (check out the videos on YouTube!).

What we love about Blüsteele’s newest creation though, is that it feels like a well-tied-down and reliable rig despite the big upgrades. It’s also extremely purposeful and tastefully decked out with new PVS LED headlights and OFF ROAD ANIMAL front bar, driving light bars and side steps. At the rear is a Stylecraft custom-made canopy with a bar fridge and plenty of storage. It also holds two spares for the huge 35” ROH wheels and tyres. Of course, getting those underneath saw a lift which increases ride height a further 75mm. There's no stopping this off the beaten track.

Inside is equally kitted out and all seats have been swapped with four Recaro pews. PVS items include the new steering wheel, gearshift knobs and replacement floor and roof consoles – the latter housing a GMF UHF radio. The stock entertainment system was also replaced with a 10” Kenwood audio system that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

For those into DIY, there are other clutch kits from Blüsteele which can improve the standard performance for just about any transmission out there – from Mitsubishi Tritons to Ford Rangers, and they of course offer upgraded kits for those who have made some big torque modifications - there’s no worse idea than killing the stock clutch when you’re miles out bush.

As an off-the-shelf and seemingly bullet-proof upgrade for an upgraded or factory replacement, the Survivor Series 4×4 clutch kit from Blüsteele is one of the most competent and well-rounded options we’ve tested, both in quality and application.

As for what’s next, the team at Blüsteele has yet another interesting project that will be looking at soon that is based on the Nissan Navara – no doubt it will be an equally unique build with its own character!