TRD Performance Exhaust: To Drone or Not To Drone...That is the Question

Just picked up a 2020 DC TRD OR...Looking at the Black Chrome TRD Perf Exhaust...Why you might ask...Simple answer, I like the way it looks!! My only concern is drone, more specifically interior drone at highway speeds, I don't want any...I have some past experience with OEM performance exhaust systems most notably in the form of an SLP system I installed on my then new 2002 Camaro SS and a NISMO exhaust installed on a 2015 Titan I had for a very short time (worst vehicle I have owned, a story for another time)...Both systems sounded good at idle but at highway speeds were unbearable due to interior drone...With the current Toyota pats sale (free shipping/10% off) I have found a couple of dealers offering the Black Chrome TRD set up for 27% off MSRP with free shipping, a compelling deal...I have read a number of threads on here re the TRD system, but no definitive information re the system creating interior drone...My purchase again is driven by the fact that I simply like the way the exhaust looks and the price point seems reasonable for an OEM stainless exhaust...Thoughts would be appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!

 

Like most well designed exhausts, there is no drone at low rpms on the highway. Now if you’re cruising at 80+ mph, you’re gonna hear a little. But still not as bad as the wind/tire noise at those speeds, that’s what music is for!

Best sounding exhaust for this truck.

 

I notice the growl of my Ridge Grapplers more than the exhaust on smooth roads at highway speed. So I wouldn't worry about "drone" if you plan on putting on, or already have, more aggressive tires.

 

You like the way an exhaust system looks? Uhh, just buy a basic black chrome exhaust tip...? Cheap, maintains the stock sound, and provides the looks.

 

I'm looking in to getting one as well but they are a bit pricey.

I don't think it would have any drone. It's only a bit louder than stock anyways.

Might just be better to get an exhaust tip and just save the money if you want looks.

 

I installed the aftermarket TRD Pro exhaust in my TRDOR DCLB and there is No Drone. I have had a few vehicles with aftermarket exhausts and experienced drone, which I became more sensitive to.

 

TurboFire10 / eurowner appreciate the responses...Exactly the feedback I was looking for from those with the TRD system installed! Drone in a daily driver is not fun, at least for me...When I was younger I didn't think about it, now I value a well designed exhaust system that enhances the vehicle, and makes it that much more enjoyable to own and use...

I have an OEM Toyota exhaust tip on it now, not a big fan, looks like it's trying to hard to be something it's not! The overall aesthetic of the truck is important to me, how each component integrates to improve its visual appeal and performance...I should have stated as much in my original post!

 

No drone here either. It's a nice system.

 

I’ve got the same exhaust. No drone whatsoever.

 

i have the exhaust, louder than stock, no real drone. Ski

 

My TRD came with the TRD upgraded exhaust. It has zero drone. At any speed.

 

No drone for me.

 

No drone, and not loud like in "no muffler", but a nice deep tone. Gives the illusion of more power even though there isn't.
Last Saturday morning, I pulled into the grocery store and a guy getting into his 3rd Gen waits until I get out of mine and asks "what exhaust, sounds great". Seem surprised when I told him it was OEM TRD.

 

I have the TRD Pro exhaust on my long bed, no drone what so ever. My son has a DCSB with a Flowmaster welded in and it sounds great, nice deep tone and a little drone in a good way. I have a 500hp Mustang with headers, high flow cats and some drone so Im pretty familiar with it. On a side note when my Mustang is in the drone zone it sounds awesome. I have had a friend drive it, set the cruise in the drone zone and riding beside it in another vehicle sounds as bad ass as it gets. I have been behind my sons truck on the highway and that Flowmaster sounds amazing but he is not in his 50s, lol. When I have driven his it may have a slight drone but nothing annoying at all, in fact I wish somedays mine sounded as deep as the Flowmaster but I'm more happy with the OEM Pro exhaust for my truck. So some drone makes the exhaust sound awesome to onlookers who are drooling over our trucks.

 

Well, TW made me do it! Pulled the trigger on the TRD parts below...Exhaust, CAI, and the A/T Shift Knob (threw that one in for good measure)! The informed, reasoned responses by those members with the Pro Exhaust was exactly what I was looking for and made this a pretty easy decision...I included the part #'s and URLs for the dealers I purchased from...Took advantage of the 10% off / free shipping promotion now underway and shopped dealers across the country using parts.toyota.com to find the best value...The prices below represent (as of 23 May) the best prices / overall deal I could find on the included part #'s...Thanks again, and I'll be sure to include write-ups / pics of the install process for each...

TRD Performance Exhaust System w/ Black Chrome Exhaust Tip - PTR0335190
https://parts.teamtoyotaglenmills.c...k-Chrome-Exhaust-Tip/75455725/PTR0335190.html

TRD PRO Shift Knob - (A/T) PTR5735170
TRD Performance Air Intake System - PTR0335160
https://parts.toyotaofgladstone.com/p/TRD-PRO-Shift-Knob---AT/69551146/PTR5735170.html

 

^ $592 with free shipping is a decent price. Installing it yourself? Not much to it, took me about 40 minutes

Installation Tips:

• Soak your flange bolts and rubber hangers in WD40 the night before you are to do the work.
• Not necessary to jack up truck or remove your spare tire.
• Tape paper or cloth padding around your exhaust tip for protection. If you don't it will get scratched up.
• The single most time consuming step for me was routing your new exhaust around the axle (probably 10-min). I recommend laying your new exhaust parallel to the axle and then basically turning/wrapping the front end (curve) around the axle while turning the tip end out the side as you go.

 

I have the black chrome and the tip is pitted after one winter. It looks good and sounds about as good is this truck will though..

 

I don't believe the black Chrome finish is as durable as the high-polished stainless tip. I expect it's very susceptible to scratching as well. I'd just advise keeping a GOOD protective coat of premium wax on it.

 

@Kevin Jones - Yes...I'll do the install myself, appreciate the install tips and recco to wrap the black chrome during install...Also, after reading the above, may ceramic coat the black chrome immediately after install...Think that will help protect it?

 

Yes, most definitely. I use Meguiar's Ceramic Wax on my polished stainless tip and protects very well.