As we’ve seen, the GDJ70 has been a much-anticipated series that has many enthusiasts excited to see how it performs on and off the road. At Just Autos, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with the four-cylinder variation as we develop performance solutions and upgrades.
Our focus has been on driving it under various conditions to accumulate as much data and insight as possible into its performance characteristics. As a result, we’ve picked up on a few areas of concern, particularly with the factory heat exchanger.
As leading Toyota performance experts, we understand the importance of thorough testing and research when it comes to developing solutions for these vehicles. In this post, we take a look at our R&D process, giving you a sneak peak at our testing methods and provide you some insight to the challenges we’ve encountered and the solutions we’re working on.
A Look At Our GDJ70
Before getting into the nitty gritty, let’s take a closer look at the GDJ70 we used during our testing phase. Our GDJ70 is equipped with the four-cylinder variation found in the 79 series. And, with JMAC GBM upgrade, this vehicle is primed for performance!
Despite these modifications, our GDJ70 still largely resembles standard models. In terms of weight, our GDJ70 is also comparable to a typical 79 series vehicle.
One important factor to note, however, is that our testing environment simulates real-world conditions, particularly heavy load towing scenarios. While our GDJ70 is not equipped with all the bells and whistles most commonly found in off-road setups, our focus remains on optimising power and performance.
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What Is R&D and Why Do We Do It?
At Just Autos’ we’re always looking to push the boundaries of your vehicle’s performance and reliability. We want to ensure you get the best of the best, which is why we invest heavily in rigorous testing processes. This allows us to:
- Identifying Issues: Through thorough testing, we can identify any potential issues or areas for improvement in vehicle performance, components, or systems. Whether it’s uncovering inefficiencies, weaknesses, or limitations, our testing helps us pinpoint areas that need optimisation.
- Optimising Performance: We’re performance enthusiasts, and our goal is to optimise the performance of vehicles to deliver the best possible driving experience. By conducting R&D testing, we can fine-tune various aspects of vehicle performance, such as engine power, torque delivery, handling characteristics and more.
- Ensuring Reliability: Our R&D testing allows us to evaluate the durability and reliability of various components and systems under different conditions. By conducting rigorous testing, we can ensure that they meet our high standards for reliability and longevity.
- Innovation and Improvement: R&D testing provides us with valuable insights that drives our innovation and products. By experimenting with different configurations, materials, and technologies, we can develop new and innovative solutions to enhance your vehicle’s performance, efficiency, and safety.
- Customer Satisfaction: Ultimately, our R&D testing is aimed at enhancing your satisfaction. By continuously improving the performance, reliability, and quality of our vehicles, we can exceed expectations and provide vehicles that deliver unparalleled performance.
Our Testing Process
During our testing of the GDJ70, we encountered two significant issues: the factory airboxes and the heat exchanger. The factory airboxes were found to be too small and restrictive, hindering performance. Similarly, our testing revealed concerns with the factory heat exchanger, prompting us to explore alternative solutions to address these issues.
Here’s a look into our testing process and some of the results we found:
Test Run 1: Standard Tuning
Our first test set out to simulate real-world conditions by pushing the GDJ70 to the limit on the dyno. With a focus on engine speed, intake temperature, coolant temperature, and charge temperature, our goal was to assess performance under heavy load.
We revved up the car, replicating typical towing conditions and closely monitored temperature fluctuations. Despite initial cooling efforts, temperatures began to climb steadily, signalling potential challenges ahead.
Examining our data, engine temperatures peaked at around 200 degrees. While these numbers are within expected parameters, ss we continued, we saw a reduction in torque, indicating the impact of heat on engine performance.
This effect, known as heat soak, can significantly impact engine performance over prolonged periods, which prompted us to explore various solutions to reduce and optimise engine temperatures.
Test Run 2: Increased Boost Pressure
In our next analysis, we conducted the same test but with an upgraded tune, looking to gauge its impact on temperature regulation. With the boost level raised by several psi, the engine churned out an impressive 450 newton meters of torque, showcasing a significant power boost.
However, this surge in performance came at a cost – temperatures soared rapidly. As the engine revved, coolant temperatures climbed to around 100 degrees Celsius, prompting a reduction in power output to maintain thermal stability. Despite the efforts to manage temperatures, the charge temperature continued to rise, indicating the strain on the cooling system.
Ultimately, while the engine delivered increased performance, the cooling system struggled to cope with the heightened demands, resulting in only a marginal improvement in torque compared to factory settings.
Installing Our Heat Exchanger
Before conducting our next test, we installed our top-of-the-line heat exchanger designed by Just Autos. Designed to easily slot in where the existing factory one sits, it boasts a larger capacity geared at enhancing cooling performance and ensuring optimal engine function under any conditions.
Test Run 3: JA Heat Exchanger
After installing our updated heat exchanger, we were excited to see the changes! We started the timer and closely monitored the conditions. The intake temperature remained consistent with previous readings, hovering around the ambient temperature. However, the intake charge temperature gradually rose to about 62 degrees Celsius.
With a foot flat on the pedal and bringing the vehicle to fourth gear, the engine produced around 380 Newton meters of torque. After two minutes, the coolant temperature stabilised around 98 degrees Celsius, while the charge temperature settled at 82 degrees.
At two and a half minutes, both coolant and charge temperatures remained stable, indicating efficient cooling even under full load conditions. When reaching the three minute and fifteen second mark, we concluded the run. Upon review, we noticed early stabilisation of temperatures compared to the previous test, a promising sign of improved performance with the upgraded heat exchanger.
Results
After completing our testing on the four-cylinder 79 off the dyno, we analysed the results obtained with the stock heat exchanger and the modified one. Surprisingly, our intake temperatures remained stable around 82 degrees Celsius, showing no significant change from the initial readings. However, we did notice a slight reduction in coolant temperature, which warrants further investigation.
While our initial results pose questions, it only reinforces our dedication to thorough research and development. We’re not just satisfied with surface-level findings; we want to uncover the nuances and underlying factors that influence performance and how we can create solutions that go above and beyond.
To Long Didn’t Read?
No problem! We’ve got the perfect video for you where we break down the key findings from our examination of the stock heat exchanger versus the modified one.
Understanding the Impact
After an in-depth examination of the performance of the stock heat exchanger versus our modified version, it’s clear that the results have left us with more questions than answers. While we expected significant changes in intake temperatures with the upgraded exchanger, the stability around 82 degrees Celsius came as a surprise.
While these initial results may not provide all the answers, they serve as a foundation for continued research and development. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets behind these findings and pave the way for future upgrades and solutions!
Ready to Upgrade Your Performance?
If you can’t wait for a solution or have another Toyota you’re itching to upgrade, we’ve got you covered! Whether you’re seeking improved engine performance, enhanced cooling capabilities, or optimised efficiency, Just Autos has the solutions you need. With a range of performance upgrades, let’s take your driving experience to the next level together! Get in touch today to learn more about our packages and upgrade options.
