TRD Cat Back-- Things to note...

With all the talk throughout the various forums about Cat Back systems and such I thought I would throw in some information that people don't normally think about as well as my observations with my own install. Your experience may vary.

About two weeks ago I decided to break down and get the TRD CatBack and I've been very happy with it so far. I did it not so much for the WOT power that people usually buy these things for but more for "personalizing" my truck a little more since I see so many on the road these days in my area.

Here are some things I noted though:
GAS MILEAGE:
Everyone talks about gas mileage. I commute 70 miles round trip per day in California stop and go commute traffic. I don't usually do any other driving M-F other than to/from work and I averaged about 18-19mpg with the occassional 20 from time to time. After adding the CAT the first 4 tanks of gas I've put in have consistently been 20-21mpg and I hit 22 at one point... best I've hit so far. No biggie. Every little bit counts.

POWER:
I definitely have noticed an increase in power. It's not the kind of power that will "win races" but more the kind of power that smooths out the ride a bit. When traveling at 50mph and accelerating I find that I no longer get that bit of hesitation that I used to. I drive an automatic and when I'm about to punch it and pass a slow truck up the grade I drive I always drop it into 4th first anyway so there's no transmission lag from gearing down. The overall power band seems to be smoother though and heading up the grade the truck doesn't "bog" as much in D going uphill. I'm hoping the increase in the higher RPM's will help some when I start camping season this year with my trailer.

DECELERATION (Engine Braking):
Not something one usually thinks about but as I mentioned I pull a decent sized trailer and I use engine breaking frequently. Although I haven't pulled the trailer yet since installing the CAT I have noticed that engine braking efficiency has been decreased. My commute consists of going up and down a fairly decent grade and I regularly drop it into 4th going downhill to stay with traffic and save the brakes. I've noticed though that since installation of the CAT that I'm not slowing quite as fast or as efficiently as before and I'm touching the brakes a bit more than normal. I'm sure that this is due to the fact that by design the CAT is supposed to reduce back pressure and that one factor in using engine braking is use of that back pressure. Hasn't really bothered me though other than the fact that I've noticed. We'll see what happens with the trailer hooked up.

SOUND:
Ok had to throw this one in because everyone asks for sound clips and stuff regarding various setups. Sorry no clips but I'm sure there are plenty out there to find. I didn't buy this thing for sound but here's my impressions. I think it has a decent "growl" although I wouldn't call it a growl but more of a deeper rumble. Definitely seems to lose it's voice at spots through the power band. For me... at about 48-50mph in D there is a slight drone that bothers me although no one else that rides with me has noticed. People are always worrying about this thing being too noisy in quiet neighborhoods as well. Umm.. no way. My wife didn't even notice a difference and she notices everything I spend $$$ on.. Granted she didn't notice the nice shinny exhaust tip but she's not much into cars and stuff. I will say though that jumping on it there's a nice non-ricy sound that has gotten me a few looks from the ricers that think they're going to race me off the stop light. I think they're surprised at how quickly these trucks go. They do that though even without the CAT.

Anyway.. just some information and thoughts on my experience.

 

wow thanks very much for all that info, that was great in helping me come up with my decision, I'm sure you helped many other people as well.

 

The mileage numbers are good, the rest is butt dyno. It IS a great-sounding exhaust if you're not wanting loud.

The engine braking is an interesting comment. No way a cat-back would significantly affect that. But man I love the gurgling noise when you get off the throttle and the injectors turn-off.

 

Good review.

Mine on for 2 1/2 yrs. $400 was alot, but cant imgine not having it. Bassier and a couple db louder than stock. Flooring it makes a decent roar. Not gonna turn heads everywhere you go, but loud enough to always know where the engine is...

I didn't seee much diff in milege except on the interstate (2500rpm @ 70 mph w/ 6spd), I def gained 1 mpg. I drop 1000 ft to work everyday (have to engine brake on two hills), can't remember if there was much engine braking diff vs stock.

The big plus...3 winters and no rust. The stocker saw one winter, surface rusted all over.

 

I have just switched back to the TRD exhaust from the Magnaflow and I think it works better with my setup as far as sound. I can't speak for gas mileage or performance though. Too many other mods to tell now.I knew the big mods were going to be a trade off for MPG.

 

Interesting observations. I just got the TRD Catback and been running on it for about a week. It does make your truck sound better without disturbing your neighbors.

It sounds best above 3000 RPM’s, but since I have an automatic transmission, that does not happen often. It probably sounds a lot more aggressive on a manual transmission than auto.

I think it was a bit pricey for what you get, but on the plus side, it was very easy to install. I have not had it long enough to see better gas mileage, but I have noticed a slight power increase going up hill.

 

anybody know about a cat for the 2.7s?

 

Thanks for that write up. I was leaning pretty heavily toward the TRD exhaust for my up-grade anyway, but that sealed it for me. Now to clear the funding for this with the wife.

Thanks again

 

Here is what TRD wrote me"
Thank you for your interest in TRD. For more low end torque, we recommend the TRD supercharger for the Toyota 4.0L engine, Toyota/TRD part numbers PTR29-35070, main assembly, and PTR29-35072, Tacoma fit kit. Horsepower gain is 304 SAE hp @ 5400 rpm and Torque gain is 334 SAE ft/lbs @ 3600 rpm. In addition to the supercharger, we recommend the TRD cat-back exhaust system, Toyota/TRD part number PT910-89061. Horsepower gain from the exhaust is 8 to 10 hp. For your reference, the TRD cold air intake or any other intake system isn't compatible with the TRD supercharger. For pricing an availability, contact your local dealer.

I called them, no hold, and asked about headers. They were in no hurry and said that the existing exhaust manifold has that designed in, and no, you do not have to port and polish it. They did that.
Also, they make a K&N type air filter for the SC. It was a long chat, but this is the meat of it. I prefer real dual exhaust. They are thinking about offering it.

 

i've had mine for a little under 2 months and i am very happy with it. i have noticed a power difference but i also installed the trd intake as well. my mileage has suffered a little. probably due to having a heavier foot now though. i have a 2500 mile trip coming up next week. i hope to see how it goes with that.

 

i've got all 3 - trd s/c , exhaust, and cai. all works together well. Toyota states that the intake isn't compatible because of emissions. you will not pass inspections.

 

I just threw my TRD cat back on tonight. One of the easiest install jobs of any kind I have ever done besides a tail light bulb. I can't even tell you, what about 16 minutes tops? Nice sound so far, no test driving yet but, man not impressed at all with the shipping. I get home and there is this single piece cat back exhaust sitting across my two front porch chairs. No box, no wrap no nothing, just a cardboard piece over the tip. Thank god no damage, but geeze some protection is expected with 100+ dollars to ship. Awaiting my Doug T. long tubes and my full suspension.

 

was there any welding involved? Did you need a lift or could you just use a creeper, and is it a one man job? I really want it but am wondering if I need pro install.

 

Dude,

Drove my taco up on ramps only on the passenger side, undid the two bolts by the second cat/collector and removed the 5 or so rubber mounts (all by hand) and reversed application. So easy not even funny...

Let me know if you need help but really basic. I guess I can post pic's if needed.

 

one man job, no creeper, no lift. Just some ramps

 

Thanks for the info! Any ideas on a site to order from, I would rather avoid the stealership.

 

I got mine from. http://www.trdparts4u.com/

Price was 3?? plus shipping... Dealer 510 but you can pickup... Looks like their prices climbed up a little since I purchased but just look around. I'd call prior to the on line order. One site had it on backorder and it was going to be 60+ days. I canceled that and got it within a week.

 

I’ve done some digging and found a response or two but before I drop $400 I would like some direct confirmation. I have a 2013 DCSB and the it seems that at the moment 2nd gen TRD exhaust is only available in AC and DCLB. Cannot find a model specifically for DCSB, called the dealership and there are none available nationwide.
The AC part number is PTR3135131. Will this model fit my DCSB without modification? The dealer site says it fits a DC but doesn’t specify if it’s the short or long bed. Dealership parts guy was clueless. My thinking is the TRD exhaust for the AC and DCSB should be compatible. Thoughts, and many thanks!

 

The DCSB and ACLB are the same. The DCLB is different.

Just an opinion....but this thing will drain your soul after a few months. My daily 50 mile commute became a chore with all the droning.

Thank goodness I kept my OE unit and for CL to recoup some of the cost of the TRD