2.7L Modifications

Whats up TacoGang. Just had a few questions about my truck. I have a 2002 2.7l extended cab tacoma, with everything stock. Truck is great, but is starting to have some problems. Cracked exhaust manifold, rusted out exhaust, but my biggest problem was uphill power; the truck loses power instantly when climbing uphills. It is my little project truck, but i was looking at putting an air intake, headers, and possibly a magnaflow exhaust. Any tips or suggestions about what i should do or what mods fit best together would be great. Thanks

 

Common issue with those exhaust manifolds cracking.

Get it fixed.

After that, no addons will make a difference like a supercharger will so go with that, or just swap gears.

Especially doesn't help having an automatic; I hear/read better results with having a manual.

 

I ran an eBay manifold on mine was like 60$. Fit great. Never any issues

 

Make sure its running right before you start chasing power - no check engine light, valves adjusted properly, no cracks in the exhaust, etc. I recently fixed a burnt valve in mine and its noticeably better at pulling hills now, which makes a lot of sense.

 

It was in the mechanic about 4 months ago, so I may need to check it again. No check engine lights are on though. Fixed the cats, o2 sensors, fuel sensor, etc. The exhaust is the original one so it was cracked. He did weld it, but it may be to far rusted to have been able to fix completely. Looking at a Magnaflow exhaust, but if you know any good exhausts that still keep the noise down please let me know

 

love my dynomax ultra flo. No drone highway driving but you can hear the truck more then stock if you like that. Has some raspiness to it

 

Looked into these. Do you have the exhaust system, or just the muffler?

 

I have just the muffler. I can do a sound clip if you want but it’s not gonna do it justice for how it really sounds. I have a 2.5 one with a 2.5inch pipe going back to my tip

 

This is my set up:
It is on a slightly tuned 3RZ
https://www.lceperformance.com/LCE-Street-Header-Kit-3RZ-1995-2004-Single-Cat-O-p/1041054.htm
https://www.lceperformance.com/Catalytic-Converter-49-State-Smog-Legal-3RZ-5VZ-p/1043015.htm
https://www.lceperformance.com/Pro-Flow-Exhaust-System-3RZ-Tacoma-1995-2004-p/1042023.htm

The exhaust note is a little bit louder than I wanted it to be but overall its not bad, Pretty satisfied with the set up and took about 2.5 hours to install including the headers and a couple of breaks in between.

The below video will give you an idea of the system and sound
https://youtu.be/U2eJhYJ4lhg

 

I'm in the same boat as you OP. I also have a cracked exhaust manifold, and some valves that might need an adjustment.

 

Lce still sell the supercharger for the 2.7 but you will get more power from a turbo, these trucks can do a lot from a properly set up turbo. LCE sells a low boost and a high boost turbo kit. Lots of info for turboing and large power on customtacos.

 

Ive heard mixed reviews about turbo vs supercharged. In a way, I was leaning more towards a supercharge only because my truck will get power at any RPM, which would be nicer for an older manual instead of waiting for the turbo to spool up. Turbo has been popping up, so I will need to do my research on that. Is turbo cheaper? More or less maintenance?

 

What route are you looking at in taking choosing parts? Are you going to add performance mods, or buy/fix your old manifold?

 

Turbo would probably be more maintenance though can be around the same, research will tell you the best answer between the two. Either is a good choice.

 

Intakes and exhausts make noise, not power.

Throw a turbo or SC at it. My little 22R-TE 4Runner was a fun little truck.

Or just get a v6 (although those aren't exactly power houses either, lol)

 

I'm planning on finding all leak points, taking apart the manifold, and taking it to a muffler shop (or somewhere else that's reasonably priced) so that they can close weld the leak points

 

I put a stainless steel Ebay Header. Ive had it for 5 years now works great.

 

Your right, they do make more noise than factory parts. Alone, I would not just add an intake or an exhaust. Together, they do make a differenc, but I am definitely saving up to supercharge the truck. I think the truck can really show a difference then. LOL, that would honestly be the only complaint about my little truck; i wish it wouldve been the V6 instead of the 4 cylinder

 

That also would not be a bad route to take. I bought my truck from my uncle out of Denver, CO so idk how much their weather affected the truck. Here in NM, we have a lot of dry weather, so when I brought it back the truck already had a lot of rust on it. My manifold may be to far gone for them to weld