Performance upgrades/mods ideas

2008 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport extended cab 4x4 SR5

Before you comment I want to say, I've already looked at the sticky thread about the cheap/free mods for the Tacomas. I'm not looking for cheap $10 dollar mods, etc. for this thread. I am planning on keeping my truck for the long haul (cheesy pun) so I don't mind putting a little bit of money into it to increase performance, aesthetic appearance, and just over all enjoying my truck while I ride.

I would like to head your ideas, suggestions, and pros and cons of a couple of different things:

- Upgraded exhaust- pros and cons, Im looking for the loudest without my truck sounding like a ricer
- Upgraded CAI- pros and cons, best sounding
- Upgrades in suspension and brakes for smoother tow- No, I'm not pushing the limits of the tow capacity or payload, but if I have to tow heavier things... and No... I'm not getting a bigger truck.
- Ideas/opinions on a small lift?
- Upgraded head lights
- Remote start

I'm excited to see what everyone has to say. I know there is a lot of knowledge on this site so please help me out! I am just your average joe with your average knowledge of cars. I enjoy working on my car and taking care of my things so I figure why not?

 

Supercharge it or if you want to keep it N/A, then this: http://urdusa.com/store/URD-Perform...Package-2005-2008-Tacoma-V6/product_info.html

 

+1.

- Upgraded exhaust- pros and cons, Im looking for the loudest without my truck sounding like a ricer
-- TRD Exhaust. While it's not the loudest, I like the tone and there's no drone.
-- First-hand experience. Install was easy.

- Upgraded CAI- pros and cons, best sounding
-- Not sure they're worth the cost, but I like TRD and aFe.
-- First-hand experience with my '04, but not my '13. FWIW, 1st Gen install was easy.

- Upgrades in suspension and brakes for smoother tow...
-- 2nd Gen DIY Big Brake Kit, Tacoma Lift FAQ/Guide, and Suspension Lift Info
-- No first-hand experience with Brake Upgrade
-- Lifted both my '04 (Bilstein & OME) and my '13 (OME). Installs were straightforward and not overly difficult.

- Ideas/opinions on a small lift?
-- Suspension forum, with emphasis on the Tacoma Lift FAQ/Guide and Suspension Lift Info threads
-- Lifted both my '04 (Bilstein & OME) and my '13 (OME). Installs were straightforward and not overly difficult.
-- FWIW, I've been happy with OME and Bilstein products

- Upgraded head lights
-- The ultimate headlight upgrade. First-hand experience. Install was easy.
-- The ultimate foglight upgrade. First-hand experience. Install was easy.
-- Lighting forum

- Remote start
-- No experience with these

 

-icon stage 1 or 2 with their 1.5 AAL pack
-check out the ultimate headlight upgrade thread from crashnburn80

 

Upgraded is the questionable word here. Good units are very pricey, with minimal practical gain. As you define, pretty much just noisemakers. If you choose to proceed, you might want to shop for used TRD stuff.

I'd not worry about 'if I have to tow' until there is something on the horizon that indicates that to be true. Towing within the capacity of the truck does not require bigger brakes. Some front pads with a bit more bite, keeping all the brake hardware cleaned and lubed (at least annually anywhere, 6 months in snow country, more if a muddy offroader) and adjusted, along with fresh brake fluid every couple of years should keep braking capacity just fine. If you have enough brake to kick in the ABS quickly, you've got enough brake. Then it's up to tire grip to get you stopped.

I'm a function first person. If you don't need one for some function, don't bother IMHO. If you need a lift, or insist on one anyway, call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road. Tell her your goals for the truck, and she'll set you up with the right bits. If they are more than budget, wait and save. Don't cheap out on something you'll be affected by every time you get behind the wheel.

@crashnburn80 ultimate headlight upgrade. You don't need any more light than that at legal speeds. If you need a different (additional) lighting for off road use, go to auxillary lighting.

No experience here, other than knowing they exist. And you can have a mess on your hands if they aren't properly installed.

 

Alright I appreciate all the advise so far. Do any of you guys have any first hand experience with any of these suggestions? Ie. you've done it yourself and are happy with them? As far as the towing is concerned, I was looking into adding a brake controller for travel trailers... worth it or not? At the end of the day, like I said, Im just looking for a more enjoyable ride with my Tacoma. I love my truck which is the reason why I'm looking to put some work into it to make it be all it can be.

 

Also, Im really interested in adding a remote start. I live in a very cold area of the world and I'm done with getting in a frozen car. Anyone seen any threads about it?

 

Edited my previous post to add specific experiences. FYI, some of us list our Mods in our profile.

 

Buy Webasto.
https://www.webasto.com/us/markets-...s/heating-systems/products/thermo-pro-50-eco/

 

I already have a full winterization kit installed: Block heater, trickle charger, oil pan heater. The only thing those help with is starting my car. Other than that, it takes like 20 minutes to warm up. I think it would be easiest if I just got the remote start.

 

I have a compu-start in my 2010 . I hear the vipers are also very good
https://www.viper.com/car/remotestart/

Here is the towing bible for Tacoma,s
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

Transmission cooler info inside this thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...th-pics-for-second-gen-4-liter-trucks.289913/

 

Easiest, yes, but you still start a cold engine, coolant is not warm. I don't know about your block heater how effective it is.

With 5kW Webasto, your engine and interior is warm in 15-30 minutes, depends of the temperature of course.

 

Absolutely, once you are up to a certain weight (not sure just what that is) It's critical for safe control of the vehicle and trailer.

There is a thread around called something like 'towing Bible'. You should spend time reading that.

Found it for you. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-tacoma-towing-bible.4031/

 

I have heard horror stories where I live that engine blocks cracking due to the difference in temp. It got down to -50 this past winter so I'm not taking any chances. Where do you purchase these systems?

 

I appreciate it Ill check it out. Ive never had issues towing my snowmachines or friends camper, but I'm never opposed to increased safety.

 

It's been my favorite, most used mod. I literally use it every time I start my truck. It's crucial to get the AC flowing before getting in when it's 125° outside.

 

What set up do you have?

 

It's a cheap Excalibur system I bought on Amazon along with a fortin bypass unit. I think I paid around $75 total.

 

Whats the range you have for yours? I know people that have the cheap ones but they practically have to be next to it for it to work.

 

Thats true. So far people have been helpful. I have seem some other threads where people have been jerks so Im happy its not like this thus far... Which magna flow do you have? In your opinion can you feel the increased throttle response, or is it just for the sound?