Questions about exhaust, headers, and sound

hello tacomaworld, i have a 2010 4wd 4.0L v6 tacoma with a trd sport package on it (so its got the exhaust and 17" alloy wheels and stuff), I got it about 5 months ago. The only mod iv got on it now is a k&n cold air intake, which does sound pretty nice up in the high revs. Anyways, im looking to make it louder in regards to exhaust/headers. I dont know squat about car parts, but I know the headers run from the engine to the start of the exhaust system, and then the exhaust system out the end of the car, etc etc. Iv got a couple questions:

1) Should I replace the headers OR exhaust system for a louder sound? I only have enough $ to replace one of them right now.

2) Also, I heard from a friend of mine (a mechanic) that if i replaced the factory headers that I would need to replace the factory (in this case trd) exhaust (because aftermarket headers would allow alot more airflow and then it would not work with the stock exhaust, which cant handle that much air). And vice versa. Is this true? In other words, would i be able to install aftermarket headers onto my stock (trd) exhaust? and vice versa for aftermarket exhaust

3) Who in your opinion makes the best headers/exhaust systems? In regards to sound and quality (?). The only headers iv heard of are doug thorley, and some exhaust companies iv heard of are mbrp, magnaflow, flowmaster, urd, etc

4) ^Im asking these questions so that I can get a better understanding on how to make my truck sound loud. If I am not looking into the right mods for sound, what mods would you put on to make it sound louder?

Thanks a lot, I appreciate your answers
dmanwags

 

Welcome to TW. I installed a magnaflow cat back system on my 2012 Tacoma and it is much louder. not sure what your mechanic buddy was talking about but i didn't have to change a thing with my headers to install the new set up and it works and sounds great.

My recommendation is to replace the exhaust system for now with the magnaflow system and if you want it louder down the road you can replace the headers.

If you YouTube "Tacoma exhaust" you can hear some of the different products and get a better idea of whats available and what will fit your needs.

Good luck!

 

gotta grill so me steaks........... Ill be back later

 

For a quick and easy change in sound and performance, go with a cat back exhaust system. It took me about 15 minutes to go from stock exhaust to performance exhaust. I have a Banks Monster , stainless exhaust, and everyone that heres it says it sounds great. The headers are a little more complicated. The exhaust manifolds on the 4.0L have the main Cats attached to them. There are two options there, either get long tube headers, which will delete those cats, but you will need o2 simulators to keep from having a constant check engine light, or get short tube headers, which you will need to have the manifolds cut from the cats and welded to the headers. I have the short tube JBA headers here





The shop I took them to did an amazing job. People drive over hundreds of miles to have the guy work on their rides. Look up DeCordre in Spring City,PA.

 

quick info here..

deleting all cats and going with the long tubes plus URD's 3" catback gives insane rasp.

Its said that the APR and thorley y pipes reduce rasp tho.

depends on how u feel about emissions and if ur gunna stay n/a or go force fed eventually.

for now, try a simple muffler swap.

 

No joke! Those look factory! Nice!

 

So how difficult is it to install aftermarket headers on a 2nd Gen taco? is it an all day event, do I need an extra set of hands?

 

It depends on if you have 4wd, what style headers, and how mechanically inclined you are. Passenger side is easiest, so do it last. Driver side there is alot in the way, starter, steering shaft, catalytic converter, wires, ect. Don't get frustrated, if you find yourself in a situation where what you're doing isn't working, walk away for a few min, come back, and analyze. Let me know if you need any tips, tricks, or advice.

 

Yes, ive done this swap a few times and its good to walk away sometimes.... take 10min, then go back and sometimes the header pops right into place.

 

I made up some new curse words putting in the JBA long tube headers.

 

Yes, i am 4WD, I'm pretty mechanically inclined. Father is 47 year automotive mechanic.

 

Just got the jba shorties but didnt get the ceramic coating how have these been?

 

The headers developed a pin hole in the collector and killed my driver side cat, so I switched to JBA long tubes. I need to get those headers to someone that can tig then soak the cat in laquer thinner to see if I can revive it.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/roostfactor’s-equal-length-y-pipe.562388/