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Originally Posted by peterdouglas
Next month's project/upgrade (and hopefully last big spending spree for a while) is a new exhaust system, front to back. The one that's currently installed is obviously aftermarket and patched up in several places, but some of the patches are leaking. A few months ago some of you guys mentioned you're running OEM parts, and some aftermarket, but I'm just looking to follow up on that with some details of the aftermarket mufflers.
The prices from the Toyota dealer for OEM exhaust parts were about $97 for the front pipe, $117 for the intermediate and $297 for the muffler and tailpipe. The front and intermediate pipes are reasonably priced, and might be stainless steel (haven't been able to confirm that). But the muffler and tailpipe are quite expensive. Is it worth getting them anyways, or do you guys have a favourite muffler? Is the OEM muffler really worth that kind of money? (someone here said it's HUGE)!
I went to a custom exhaust shop yesterday and the guy said he could custom make the entire exhaust front to back for about $600 installed. But he wants me to come back next week to get his guy to confirm it. I forget what kind of muffler he suggested, but it was a good one for diesels he says. As long as it's not too much louder than stock! A few months ago, another place quoted me $1000 over the phone. Other places didn't seem interested in it. Do you think the $600 aftermarket exhaust is the way to go? Or all OEM for about $500 + installation? Or maybe an OEM front and intermediate pipe with an aftermarket muffler and tailpipe? Logic would indicate that OEM pieces fit just right (unlike my current pipes which have wicked bends and are probably a bit restrictive). The guy at the muffler shop didn't have much faith in OEM exhaust, or maybe that's because he wanted to sell me his stuff?
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OK here's my take on mufflers, as I've had to change them several times on my BJ60s.
OEM is more durable because the pipe is aluminized and fits perfectly. If you can get everythng for the price you quote, get it. Custom may get you a larger pipe but as you saw, it can be very expensive. Also, the pipe doesn't necessarily last longer as often, they have to heat up parts and those will rust right away. Soundwise, OEM and aftermarket barrel type mufflers are pretty much the same.
I don't know who you are but looking at your avatar it would seem you are the sort of guy who's thrifty or on a tight budget (
), if so and if you don't mind the side exhaust before the rear wheel well (possible only if the tub is perfectly perforation free, otherwise you'll get exhaust gasses inside), this is a much cheaper option and is quite durable, and it is very easy to install yourself. You get a 6" diameter by 22" long barrel muffler, a few 2" pipes, collars and hangers at Crappy Tire to run under the pasenger side between the frame and the rocker (perfect space for the muffler there) and voilą, done. All the parts can be had for less than $100 and the installation will last 2-3 years. If you want pointers doing this type of install let me know.
Oh and BTW a side exhaust with 2" pipe will have very little restriction, and if you want even less restriction you could go with a Cherry Bomb, but that is definitely MUCH louder, I don't recommend it.
PS I just found the muffler part number for the Crappy Tire muffler: 12-3027-2 made by Maremont in the US, their part number 102808. Last time I changed it (a few years ago) it was something like $40. Be sure to support the muffler very well with generic hangers because the inlet and outlet pipes are simply inserted into the muffler and if the pipe is not well supported in front and back of it it will loosen from the muffler body (I suggest you install a flex joint between the muffler and front pipe for an extra $40 to minimize this problem).
Also, I suggest you have the front pipe made at a shop, if yours is rusted out, but they usually last almost forever.