Let’s talk about the ever‑popular Landcruiser Prado 150 series with the 1GD 2.8‑litre turbo‑diesel.
There’s an important distinction: 2015–2020 models and 2021+ models are not the same. While both use the 1GD engine, factory tuning and emissions hardware differ. We’ll show you exactly what each makes stock, and what they deliver after our DPF/AdBlue removal and calibration.
✅ Removing DPF and AdBlue is critical for reliability (legal in Zimbabwe)
✅ A proper diesel tune does not smoke – we’ll prove it
✅ Stock turbo, injectors, and exhaust remain – we only remove restrictions
The 2015–2020 Prado 150 (1GD)
This generation came from the factory with DPF and AdBlue already strangled by Euro 6 emissions. On our dyno, a healthy example made:
Stock (with DPF/AdBlue fitted):
157 horsepower and 362 Newton‑metres of torque.
Other examples we’ve tested fall within a 5% margin of these figures – so 149–165hp is typical depending on mileage and fuel quality.
After performing DPF and AdBlue removal (legal here in Zimbabwe) and loading our custom calibration, the same car produced:
After tune (DPF/AdBlue removed):
199 horsepower and 495 Newton‑metres of torque.
That’s a gain of 42 horsepower and 133 Nm – roughly a 27% increase in power. And again, this is on stock turbo, stock injectors, stock exhaust. The engine breathes freely now.
Above: 2015–2020 Prado 150 – 157hp/362Nm stock → 199hp/495Nm tuned
The 2021+ Prado 150 (1GD – Updated Calibration)
Toyota updated the 1GD engine management for the 2021+ model year. The hardware is largely the same, but the factory calibration is more aggressive – likely to improve drivability while still complying with emissions.
Stock (with DPF/AdBlue fitted):
197 horsepower and 407 Newton‑metres of torque.
That’s a significant bump from the earlier model – +40hp and +45Nm from the factory. Clearly Toyota found more room in the same engine.
However, the same reliability issue remains: the DPF and AdBlue systems are still ticking time bombs. Running this car with them intact is, frankly, a death sentence for the engine in the long term – clogged DPF, high EGTs, AdBlue crystalisation, and costly failures.
After DPF and AdBlue removal and our calibration:
After tune (DPF/AdBlue removed):
247 horsepower and 532 Newton‑metres of torque.
That’s a gain of 50 horsepower and 125 Nm – an even more dramatic improvement. The newer ECU calibration clearly allows more headroom once the emissions restrictions are removed.
✅ Important observation: The 2021+ model starts higher (197hp) and ends higher (247hp) than the 2015–2020 model (157hp → 199hp). This shows that Toyota improved the factory tuning over time, but the DPF/AdBlue systems still hold both engines back significantly.
Above: 2021+ Prado 150 – 197hp/407Nm stock → 247hp/532Nm tuned
Why DPF & AdBlue Removal Is Not Optional – It’s a Reliability Requirement
We cannot stress this enough: Running a 1GD diesel with DPF and AdBlue intact is asking for trouble. The systems clog, fail, and cause backpressure that raises exhaust gas temperatures. Eventually:
✅ The DPF clogs and requires expensive replacement or cleaning
✅ AdBlue injectors crystallise and fail
✅ High EGTs damage the turbo and pistons
Here in Zimbabwe, these emissions systems are not required by law. Removing them is legal, sensible, and the single best thing you can do for your 1GD engine’s longevity.
We do this before tuning – and we calibrate the ECU to ignore the missing systems. The result is a healthier, more reliable engine.
No Smoke – Because You Asked
A properly tuned diesel does not smoke. Smoke comes from over‑fueling without enough air. Our calibration matches fuel delivery precisely to the available boost.
On both the 2015–2020 and 2021+ Prado 150, after DPF/AdBlue removal and our tune, there was no smoke whatsoever – not on the dyno, not on the road.
We can include a before/after video if you have one. The exhaust stays clean.
Before & after: No smoke. Just clean, reliable power. (Link to video)
Fuel Economy – A Nice Bonus
We don’t promise specific fuel savings, but diesel tuning typically improves efficiency because the engine no longer fights against a clogged DPF and restrictive AdBlue system. Many owners report better kilometres per litre after the work – especially on the highway.
✅ At worst, you will see no adverse change.
✅ Likely, a modest improvement.
Stock Hardware Limits – Turbo & Injectors
On both Prado 150 variants, we are running:
✅ Factory turbocharger
✅ Factory injectors
✅ Factory exhaust (stock diameter)
The 1GD’s ceiling is the turbo and injectors. On the 2015–2020, we are right at that limit (199hp). On the 2021+, we have reached 247hp – still safely within the turbo and injector capacity, thanks to the more efficient factory calibration and our expert tuning.
To go beyond 247hp, you would need upgraded hardware (bigger turbo, larger injectors, intercooler, etc.). That’s a different conversation.
What About an Upgraded Exhaust?
✅ Stock exhaust is fine for normal driving and occasional towing.
✅ If you tow heavy loads regularly (caravans, boats, heavy trailers), an upgraded exhaust (larger diameter, freer flowing) will lower EGTs and protect your turbo.
✅ Power gain from exhaust alone is 3–5% mid‑range torque – peak power stays the same because the turbo is still the bottleneck.
The Bottom Line (For Prado 150 1GD Owners)
| Model | Stock Power/Torque (with DPF/AdBlue) | After DPF/AdBlue Removal + Our Tune | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2020 | 157hp / 362Nm | 199hp / 495Nm | +42hp / +133Nm – no smoke, reliable |
| 2021+ | 197hp / 407Nm | 247hp / 532Nm | +50hp / +125Nm – significantly more power |
| Both (with exhaust upgrade) | Same as above | Same peak power, +3–5% mid‑range torque | Recommended for heavy towing |
| Beyond these figures | Upgraded turbo + injectors + intercooler | Contact us – we can develop together |
No stages. Just honest diesel tuning. And a clear warning: do not run a 1GD with DPF and AdBlue intact if you want reliability.
Ready for Your Prado 150 (2015–2020 or 2021+)?
If you own a Landcruiser Prado 150 with the 1GD engine – regardless of year – and you want:
✅ DPF and AdBlue removal (legal in Zimbabwe) for reliability
✅ A safe, no‑smoke tune – 199hp/495Nm for 2015–2020, or 247hp/532Nm for 2021+
✅ Better drivability and likely improved fuel economy
…reach out. We’ll give you a clear, no‑BS recommendation based on your specific model and how you use the vehicle.
And if you want to push past these figures with hardware upgrades? Let’s talk. We’re happy to develop that with you.