2006 Tacoma Exhaust Tuning

I am looking at trying to get a little more umph from my 2006 Taco. I need some assistance in deciding which exhaust system/configuration to use. I want a some added HP and performance with a little bit of "growl" but not glasspack levels. I also am looking for an incremental approach due to budget constraints. So basically cheaper solutions first.

Current system is the Factory TRD Off Road package.

 

First off..... Power gain from this engine will be minimal no matter what you do to the exhaust. So, dumping tons of money into headers, Y pipe, and mufflers isn't going to net you much hp. 2nd...TRD tacomas already come with Mandrel bent pipe from the factory, so don't fall into the trap of thinking you need a catback system. It's a waste of money unless you just want new shiny exhaust. Replace the muffler first and see how you like the sound. If you want it louder then delete the 2nd set of CATs (there's no sensor on them).

 

Thanks for the info. I was told that headers would be my best bet for overall HP boost but I was planning on a later timeframe for that. My plan was to leave the CATS in place.

The current system runs 2 independent lines into a collector and then one out so I was not sure about getting the exhaust cut before the collector and then out to a single dual in dual out muffler.

 

Anything short of forced air induction will produce just what you are looking for - LITTLE - VERY LITTLE "UMPH". Since you have budget constraints, spend your dough on a new gear shift knob or other mod that feels "sporty" and pretend your going faster. Even the self appointed performance experts on this forum, agree generally, that performance gains are negligible when changing exhaust or intake systems.

 

Header are the only thing you can do to have a difference you can feel in power. The urd equal length header will gain you some torque and lower you max torque rpm. But like everything else, unless you go forced induction the gains will be minimal.