All-Metal Hilux N70 Airbox: Put Your Toyota to the Test
There’s no shortage of reasons why Toyota’s unbreakable Hilux is so highly regarded among 4WDs. From the hundreds of units owned by the largest mining and energy companies in Australia, to the commanding wins they’ve posted at international competitions like Dakar and W2RC, no other 4WD is better suited for a wider range of punishing off-roading duties.
The mighty Hilux does have one notable weakness, though: the OE airbox. Extreme under-bonnet temperatures and vibration can weaken the Hilux’s un-reinforced airbox, causing it to warp and allow large volumes of destructive dust and debris to enter the engine. Fortunately, the fix for this costly problem is as easy as upgrading the Hilux’s airbox. And there’s one aftermarket manufacturer in Australia that builds sturdier, and more efficient Hilux airboxes than anyone: GTurbo.
Direct Replacement Hilux Airboxes That Deliver the Best Breathing
It’s a fact: as tough as Toyota Hiluxes have proven themselves to be under some of the most brutal conditions on the planet, the factory airbox, notably on seventh generation N70 models, leaves a lot to be desired. Its tendency to soften when exposed to high temperatures is a precursor to a myriad of intake-related problems, making investing in a heavy duty all-metal Hilux N70 airbox from GTurbo one of the smartest moves a Hilux owner can make.
From injectors and intercoolers, to power pipes and turbos, GTurbo is Australia’s number one manufacturer of all-things related to engine intakes. Their precision-crafted N70 airboxes are no exception, and are fabricated around a core of heavy duty, Hilux-worthy qualities that include:
- Premium construction characteristics. GTurbo airboxes are built from 3mm thick marine-grade 5052 aluminium that’s both lightweight and is guaranteed not to weaken, warp or rust under the most demanding driving conditions.
- Serious craftsmanship. Every GTurbo airbox is formed from CNC-cut, folded and TIG-welded panels which, along with their rigid internal reinforcement, provides a serious picture of craftsmanship that’s guaranteed not to flex or collapse under severe vibration or turbo suction.
- Maximum protection against dust and debris. GTurbo’s proprietary double-seal lid is the perfect complement to the airbox’s warp-free construction, and is designed to deliver an all-around seal against the intrusion of dust and dirt.
GTurbo’s N70 Hilux airboxes are also direct replacements for the Toyota’s factory units. They utilise all factory mounting points without requiring any cutting or clearancing. And with their massive 4.0“ outlet, they can even be mated to the largest aftermarket scoops, snorkels or custom ramair systems for the best possible breathing.
The Danger of Driving A Hilux With A Defective OE Airbox
Make no mistake: while the durability of an airbox may not seem like a big deal, it’s arguably the N70’s biggest vulnerability. If the airbox lid pulls away from the airbox itself, the damage caused by dust and debris bypassing the filter and finding its way into the turbo can be catastrophic, which can involve:
- Blade erosion. An increase in the likelihood of turbo blade and bearing erosion (a process known as dusting) can lead to excess radial and axial impeller play, with a corresponding loss of compressor wheel balance.
- Blade clearance issues. A significant increase in turbo blade clearance due to erosion can raise the gap between the impeller blade and the turbo unit’s housing, resulting in a dramatic reduction of the turbo’s pressurised efficiency.
- Internal engine damage. An elevated risk of dust entering the powerplant means increasing the possibility of piston, piston ring and valve damages, along with the chances of spreading the damage by clogging and contaminating the lubricating system.
- ECU headaches. Inconsistencies in ECU timing can result in unpredictable shift points on automatic transmissions, along with the potential for the computer to dangerously over-speed the impeller for want of reaching the desired boost level.
- Poor fuel consumption. A faulty airbox can cause unstable MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor readings, preventing the engine from maintaining the correct air-fuel mixture, leading to an immediate loss in fuel consumption.
And while these are just a few of the dangers associated with an inadequately sealed airbox, off-roaders who enjoy mudding and river fording with their N70s face a special peril. Allowing water to enter the turbo may result in either a thermal shock to the engine or the engine hydrolocking: both of which can instantly shatter the engine block or its interns.
A rugged, aluminium GTurbo N70 Hilux airbox can effectively eliminate all of these problems. And when fitted with one of their high performance air filters, Hilux owners never have to worry about whether they’ve done enough to protect their vehicle from unexpected, and potentially ruinous intake issues.
High Flow Filtration Brings Out the Best in Hilux High Performance
GTurbo developed their air filters in cooperation with two of the auto industry’s leading air filtration and technology specialists: Freudenberg Filtration Technologies and Scavenger Snorkels. And their reason for partnering with Freudenberg and Scavenger were simple – they understand that off-roading in Oz is anything but ordinary, and any air filter that expects to survive needs to be built to extraordinary standards.
GTurbo’s high flow Freudenberg filters are designed to trap even the coarsest dust and sub-micron particles under the harshest conditions, and are engineered around an array of high performance features that include:
- A multi-layered, electrostatic charged dry-type synthetic fibre element that doesn’t require oiling;
- A flow rate design specifically for unrestricted filtration, as well as greater power and throttle response; and,
- A premium polyurethane seal that’s guaranteed to prevent blowby regardless of engine temperatures or vibration.
And because GTurbo knows that the threat to superior airflow can come from inside the airbox as quickly as it comes from the elements, the distortion-resistant frames of their air filters are designed especially for the rigid construction of the N70’s airbox. The filter won’t warp, lose its shape or collapse into the intake if it becomes clogged with dust or under higher airflow. That makes it the perfect high-strength filter, even for turbo upgrades.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, with more than 27 million units sold since its release, the Hilux’s success is no accident. And with a model like the N70 boasting what is arguably the most durable drivetrain/powertrain combination in the history of 4WD production, these heavy duty Toyotas deserve an airbox that’s befitting of their unbreakable status.
GTurbo knows what it takes to build a proper airbox, and their heavy duty all-metal Hilux N70 airbox is one of the finest aftermarket pieces anywhere for these hard-charging Toyotas. They’re the airbox for Hilux owners who aren’t put off by putting their vehicle to the test.
