Magnaflow 15811 or 15810

Which catback exhaust would fit my truck?

http://www.magnaflow.com/02product/shopdisplayproducts.asp?year=2002&make=TOYOTA TRUCK&model=TACOMA

Maybe I'm missing something super obvious... but it appears that the 15810 is the only one that fits extended cabs. But the 15811 is the only one that fits 4 wheel drives.

And it needs to be both...

Can someone help me out?

 

only difference about 2wd and 4wd between is the transfer case which is on the opposite side of where the exhaust is ran? personally id just go with just a muffler. go with the extended cab in my opinion is the best bet.

 

The metal pipe under my truck that goes from the muffler too the cat is covered in rust and its bent. If it was in half decent shape I'd just get a muffler.

Thanks for your advice.

 

no problem

 

The one I needed (and I'm pretty sure you need, because the other is for short bed) is the 15811 catback... BUT, read on...

I was informed by Magnaflow and the documentation on their website before buying it that this is the correct bolt on solution for my truck (2000 4wd 3.6L Manual Xtra-cab). When I received it, it was about 2 ft too short!

I called Maganflow directly and spoke with a tech. He said it is indeed the correct catback. He said they get all their trucks from a dealership in California, spec it out and design their exhaust systems. I did some research and here's what I found:

My truck has ONE (1) catalytic converter, despite the Maganflow tech insisting it should have 2. Reason for this? California has stricter emission laws which requires 2 cats in-line instead of one (like mine has here in Canada). So when they took their measurements to design the catback for my model of truck, they only considered the California model. The catback I received was missing the exact length of an extra Cat because mine only has one.

I called Maganflow back and they didn't seem to care too much about my problem. Their solution was to tell me to add a length of pipe in between the cat and the new catback. They said they would consider updating their documentation, but I don't think they ever did.

I did eventually get it installed and i'm happy with the end result. It just pisses me off that you spend that much money for a "bolt on solution" and you end up having to mickey mouse it to work. I noticed a small gain in HP (it claims up to 8 increase) and it sounds awesome. I recommend, but be prepared to add an extra length of pipe and a couple clamps.

 

Thanks for your detailed response. I did order 15811.

Its weird that your truck only has one cat. Mine does have two.

What did you do to install it?

 

Ya, if you check the 1998-2000 manual, there's a distinction between the two. (see attached pic) Magnaflow doesn't acknowledge this distinction.

Yours is a 2002? I'm guessing Toyota started putting two cats in as the standard after 2000... I know they made a few minor changes like the grill and cup holders (which I despise in my truck. Square cup holders? I'd like to strangle the person responsible for that. I've spilled many coffees turning corners, but I digress...)

If yours has the two cats, that catback should bolt right on and you shouldn't have any issues.

I had to bring it to a shop. They cut a piece of pipe and bent it the proper angle and clamped it in.

 

Mines a 2003. It looks identical too the california setup. I've replaced both cats with magnaflow highflow cats, since they were nothing but rust. So hopefully the catback fits nicely. I'm sure it will.

 

I'm sure it will then. The previous owner of my truck had the cat replaced with a universal fit, meaning it was welded into place, which screwed me over because there was no stock flange to bolt onto. I had to replace my cat as well (but it was still good) just so I could bolt on my catback. I went with a magnaflow high flow cat as well. Part # 23882. I also had to change the downpipe that comes from the exhaust manifold because that flange was cut out to fit the universal cat that was installed previously.

Long story short, a simple bolt on job turned into me replacing the whole exhaust system. It was pretty much rotted out anyway. Glad it's done.

 

May I also suggest a K&N 57-9015-1 to compliment that new exhaust? That's my next upgrade. Easy install, relatively cheap upgrade. They claim up to 10% hp gain... It would definitely change the sound too. Just a thought...

 

Upgrading your intake isn't necessary of course. I haven't yet and it runs great. But with your new, much less restrictive exhaust system, some may argue that your engine will be sucking in air through a proverbial straw and while blowing air out through a barn door. Opening up the intake will arguably make better use of that new exhaust, and I'm sure it would sound awesome too.

 

I've got an afe air filter in my truck. It's reusable and is supposed too be pretty good. I've been told its almost as good as a cold air intake.

 

The 15811 should work well for you. That's what I put on my truck and it fit like a glove. Two things worth noting, however... The muffler is designed to mount "sideways" rather than "flat" against the bottom of the truck. The tailpipe routes above the leaf springs, as opposed to the stock pipe that routed below them.

 

15811 is what I put on my '03 xtracab 4x4. Fit was fine.

 

I managed to mount mine flat because my situation was "special" due to having to add that extra piece of pipe. I'd rather have it that way for better clearance anyway. True, the fancy embossed "Magnaflow" logo stamped on the side of the muffler isn't as visible, but I know it's there.

 

Why would they make it mount sideways?

 

Good question. Not sure why. The orientation of the muffler doesn't matter. Makes more sense to me to have it as high up as possible to protect it from damage.

Some people add mods to their truck for "looks" instead of performance, so they'd rather have it more visible. My personal preference is to have it tucked up there as high up as possible.

 

Check out this video... This guy has mounted it the same way I did (flat)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIjMhinQ6RU

 

Norton is correct though... The Magnaflow install sheet shows it sideways.

 

I agree with you on that. The higher up it is. The better.