Tube Headers Vs Stock Yota manifold on a 2.7

[Mo Rocks]

I am sure this has been discussed here somewhere, but my search came up with limited info. I probably just missed the big discussions.
We have a 1999 Prerunner 2.7, auto.
Tha stock exhaust manifold has a big crack in it. It appears as though that is a common issue with the 2.7's.
The Toyota cost for the manifold alone is about $ 240-260. I can't remember exactly.
Is it worth an extra $100 or so to get a set of tube headers such as the ones from LC Engineering??
We could use a little more torque and HP out of the 2.7 !!!
We tow a small bass boat with the truck. It is really weak on hills.

What other power/performance goodies are out there for the 2.7.
We have a K&N in the stock air box, but I don't think it has done much.
I have looked for underdrive pullies, but have not found any.

Any experience/advice out there ??? Thanks.

[Mo Rocks]

I just checked the FAQ's on this forum and I saw no info re: headers on the 2.7.

Guess this is not a hot topic, or the tube headers are not worth the $$ and effort on a 2.7 ???

Any comments, or am I whizzing in the wind here??

Not trying to be a smart a$$, but we need to do something about the cracked exhaust manifold on the 2.7.
I would like to use this opprtunity to replace it with something better if there is such a thing.
Otherwise we will be glad to R&R with a OEM manifold.

One other thought.....are the aftermarket cast replacement manifolds as good as the OEM's in this situation ???


Thanks for any replys

[wes.yount]

3RZ headers are a BREEZE to put on. You're not gonna see any noticeable gains though. The main reason why I put one on my 96' was b/c the manifold was cracked. I went w/ a LCE header.

[Mo Rocks]

Originally Posted by wes.yount

3RZ headers are a BREEZE to put on. You're not gonna see any noticeable gains though. The main reason why I put one on my 96' was b/c the manifold was cracked. I went w/ a LCE header.

Thanks for the reply.

The LCE header is $350+ as I recall.

I called SUMMIT Racing yesterday and they can order a ceramic coated PACE header w/ gaskets and hardware for about $260.

I wonder how the PACE compares to the LCE header in quality and whatever small performance gains there might be.

Wonder which will last longer, a new OEM manifold, or a new ceramic coated header ???

[ken_79-fj40]

I've never seen anything from pacesetter that i was too impressed with. The manifolds changed designs in either 00 or 01 I believe to deal with the cracking issue, and they supposedly flow a little better too. From what I recall hearing over on tacoma territory years ago headers did make a noticeable difference (like 8-10 hp) on the earlier trucks, but not as noticeable on the later ones.

[Duane]

mine cracked a year ago or so... I just went with the OEM part and so far it is still fine.
Yes darn pricey..... perhaps a header style is better now but I just recall from years ago the added problems running headers and decided not to even go there.

Whether extra heat causes damage to starters, plug leads etc and mounting support for other stuff such as heat shields, o2 sensor etc and then there was always the leaking header gaskets years ago.

If you find a header without any downsides I would like to hear about it in case mine cracks again.

[KY854RUN]

I did a lot of looking before buying the header for my `85 4Runner. I know that it is not the 2.7, but a lot of what I learned still applies. Pacesetter uses 16 guage steel for their header tubes. This is on the lite side for header construction. Every article that I read said to buy headers that used 14 or heavier for the header tubes. I believe that Downey, LCE and Northwest Off Road use 14 guage header tubes. I know that Thorley does use 14 guage. I bought the Thorley because it was the least expencive. Summit Racing had the best price. You should notice some gain from a header, but it usually won't be much unless you upgrade the entire exhaust system.