Engine mods (help)

I have a 2015 4.0L V6 Access Cab Toyota Tacoma. I am trying to get more horsepower/torque and I don't want to go with a super/turbo charger. I am looking to just get new headers mainly.

1. What are some good headers to go with?
2. Am I able to just get new headers and keep the stock exhaust, or do I have to replace both?
3. Will the new headers fit with the stock exhaust good?

 

I had Thorley full ceramic headers installed but replaced my entire exhaust with duals & NO cats (only 1 muffler due to space limitations). Am very happy with it. You probably CAN use the stock exhaust but why put on headers and not utilize them to the fullest?

 

How much did that all cost? Is it a noticeable difference in horsepower? The only reason I was going to do the headers and not the exhaust was money but it would probably be smarter to just wait and do both at the same time.

 

Which ones are better for more on-road use (long tube/shorty) or are they pretty much the same?

 

Probably around $1700.00; that's everything, headers, the O2 sensor simulators, new exhaust, etc. I don't step on it very often (very rarely is a better way of saying it) but I did notice better HP when towing my boat & got an uptick in MPG towing my boat.

Go long tube

 

You will not get any noticeable gain with just headers on a stock engine while keeping the stock exhaust. I realize that people tell you they got gains, but it is all in their head due to sounding different and a small change in the power curves. Tell them to produce the dyno tests before and after. That is the real test.

It is your nickel, but I would not waste my money on them for more power. If they give you 10 HP that would be a lot and 10 hp cannot be felt. That being said if you go ahead and do this may I suggest that you get a dyno reading prior to the change and one after. That will tell you the truth about your investment, and if it is power you are looking for I think you will be very disappointed.

Remember you will still have the same back pressure past the header if you keep the exhaust street legal so any gain would be extremely limited if at all. Unless you plan on running them open, any gain, if any, would be very small.

I am not sure why you need extra power, but most likely a gear change would do more for you than headers and you will not have to worry about the tuning problems that can arise from messing with the exhaust as well as exhaust leaks at the manifold. If you need extra power for pulling then you really need to consider a Tundra or another make of truck like a Ford.

Lastly keep in mind if headers could improve performance on a stock vehicle and maintain EPA standards the manufacturers would go that route. They certainly would be lighter. At factory it would not cost any more than the stock manifold set up and maybe even be cheaper. Again my advice is to save your money. Short of spending big bucks on these trucks to gain power just does not work. A SC is the best route for power, but it is also expensive. Like I said a Tundra or a Ford is the way to go if you are not wanting a SC.

 

V8 swap!