Best Engine Mods/Exhaust/Intake for 2017 Manual TRD OffRoad

New Tacoma Owner here...

The title says it all. I just purchased a 2017 TRD OffRoad Manual with 27k miles. As I am exploring potential mods to increase engine performance, I'm wondering what other owners recommend.

For intake, I was looking at the K&N Blackhawk.

For exhaust, I saw a lot about the borla and MBRP (however I am not really sold on either). I don't want my truck to sound like a ricer car, rather just give it a little more rumble, acceleration, or what have you.

I have a boat, so I will be towing and I don't want to do anything that would compromise the truck's reliability or ability to tow. It's a 21ft CC and weighs 3,500lbs (my truck has the tow package and is rated for 6,400lbs).

That being said, is getting an exhaust even worth it? I've seen things about tunes, do some void the warranty while others don't, is a tune even worth it?

My goal is really to give the truck a little kick, while not voiding any warranties or compromising my ability to tow.

Thanks.

 

Skip the K&N.

Get OVtune.

Get exhaust after OVtune if you still think it’s needed.

 

Would a tune like this void the warranty?

 

Sit tight and wait for the twin turbo setup from OVtune. If i had a 3rd gen thats the first thing id do

 

This is the correct answer.

The tune is not detectable, and your can always revert back to the stock tune if you need.

 

Sounds good. This may be a dumb question, but does a tune have any adverse impacts on the engine, transmission, etc in the long term?

 

No, I wouldn't think so. The tune is put through the paces on test vehicles that're pushed to extremes. Some folks have 30, 40, 50k miles on various versions of OVTune and haven't reported anything other than excitement and confirmation that the $699 price tag is WORTH IT. Myself included.

 

Sounds good, other than the tune, have you added exhaust, intake?

 

The stock air box is a CAI already, so not much you can do to get true HP/TQ gain, though with a quality aftermarket CAI like Injen, S&B, Afe, will get you more noise at WOT. Stay away from open air filter element aftermarket intakes.

I really like my TRD Pro exhaust, more growl and no drone.

 

@RuckusReef I have not added an exhaust or intake. But, from my understanding is you won't see any massive gains from modifying either. The stock intake and exhaust already provide the stock engine with plenty of airflow. Neither of those components are going to really be giving your engine more flow in and out. Exhaust and intake mods are, imho, for changing how the truck sounds.

Some people say 2-10 hp+ and 10-20 ft lb tq+ with this dirty deeds exhaust system: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-2016-toyota-tacoma-exhaust-system.566551/ but...

Forced induction is going to be your best bet. Strap a turbo or SC on there for gains. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ovtune-3-5l-tacoma-supercharger-and-twin-turbo-systems.566390/

If the $$ of FI is out of your range, I'd probably try things in this order:
1. OVTune
2. Exhaust
3. Intake

edit: if changing sound is your goal, then I say go for the exhaust and intake mods! If performance is your goal, then OVTune + FI is going to be the winner.

 

If I understand correctly, the TRD exhaust is built by Borla? As for durability, how is it? Pulling my boat out of saltwater and driving winters in the North East US, def want something corrosion resistant. Did you get stainless steel bolts and clamps to attach the exhaust, or does that come with it?

Also a dumb question maybe, what is WOT?

I guess with the intake, what I want is a better sound when accelerating, any added HP gains would be a bonus.

And when you say stay away from 'open-air filter element aftermarket intakes,' does that mean when the intake has no cover on it, where the filter is exposed when you open the hood? Thanks.

 

I guess performance and sound is my goal, maybe get the OVtune and then an intake.

 

You will not get any noticeable performance from an aftermarket cold air intake

 

I do not know who makes the TRD Pro stainless steel one piece exhaust, No hardware nor gasket included, I re-used them. NO clamps, which is nice.

Wide Open Throttle

Yes, if there is no box for the filter, its an open element system.

 

Sounds good, thanks.

 

You may want to ask others, not sure where the thread is, but I remember a story about someone who’s truck basically shit the bed and the culprit was deemed the K&N filter not properly, well filtering, anything from the intake air. That story has made me stay away all though they do look and sound good.. butt dyno be damned

 

I’d do borla exhaust, hard pass on a cold air intake. I’d add the TRD intake flow accelerator, and a good filter. OV Tune, regear to 4.88. Then put a set of timbrens on the rear.just my worthless opinion.

edit:

i do have a K&N drop in and have had zero issues and have been running oiled filters for years. I do also have a throttle body spacer. I noticed a little more low end and nothing significant as far as horsepower goes. I’m sure I’ll be pissed on for this. Be positive guys. We’ve got enough negativity in the world.

 

I run the TRD exhaust and TRD CAI. The truck may or may not have any gains but it sure as hell smoothed out the drivability. I had TSB58 and run Shell 93. I get great gas mileage, no gear hunting as I never really had a problem, just wanted the computer flash. The Pro exhaust sounds perfect for me. At this point I'm super happy, so in a few weeks I'm heading into the Blue ridge Mountains and then the Smokey mountains in Dec. so I will know for sure how its doing. You can really tell a difference in the CAI and Pro exhaust when paired together. Its expensive but I got mine together for under $750.

 

+ 1 for OVTune. Had it on both my auto SR5 and my Manual TRDOR... absolutely transformed the way both trucks drove. My MBRP exhaust didn’t seem to do anything, if you want performance gains get the header from OVTune as well.

 

I’d say get gears 4.88s and ovt tune.