22re header and exhaust suggestions

[pilot]

88 4 runner with the stage 2 LC 22RE engine. Finally cracked the factory header, and the original exhaust is shot too. Need your opinions on a good set of headers that wont break the bank and a dec. exhaust system. That is a one touch deal. (put on and forget) I dont like leaky exhaust, and hate having to redo gaskets because of a bad design.
Thanks in advance

 

[WarDamnEagle]

88 4 runner with the stage 2 LC 22RE engine. Finally cracked the factory header, and the original exhaust is shot too. Need your opinions on a good set of headers that wont break the bank and a dec. exhaust system. That is a one touch deal. (put on and forget) I dont like leaky exhaust, and hate having to redo gaskets because of a bad design.
Thanks in advance

If you want something that will work and will be there without a problem for a long time then go LCEngineering ceramic-coated, stainless header and stainless cat-back 2 1/4" exhaust. Warning, it isn't cheap. If you look at my ROTM build you can see some photos of the header.

I haven't found their quality at a cheaper price. It's always a trade-off between longivity and price (at least almost always).

 

[Downey]

I won't get into the "quality vs price" debate because ME stating the facts would just be considered a sales pitch. What I will discuss is the item that seems to be your main concern: i.e. putting on the Header one time only. Know matter who you buy a Header from, by-golly install it ONLY the way our instruction sheet says to; i.e. use only Copper Coat, and paint it onto all 4 surfaces (head, header, both sides of gasket).

 

[KLF]

I'll put another vote in for the LC Engineering header, then my preference is to get a custom-built 2-1/4" stainless system installed from the header back. Go to a small independant shop that will let you watch them do it, have them tuck everything up nice and tight for good ground clearance.

 

[pilot]

Yea, I was pulling for LC engineering, But Downey seems to make a decent header, and seem to have done a crap load of research. Does anyone have experience with the Downey headers, and could you feel the power gains? Is "Downey" offering any sales soon for the header and exhaust kit??? THanks Jim.

 

[Devils Paw 80]

I had a Downey header on my '85 4Runner with 22RE, along with their exhaust-think it was 2 1/2". This system did seem to add a bit of power to the rig, but not gobs of it. Whether or not the power gain was worth the cost and additional exhaust noise is dubious. My primary dissapointment with this system is that the exhaust rotted out much more rapidly than stock systems do.
The 22RE '92 mini I picked up this Spring came with a cracked exhaust manifold and this time I bought a stock replacement from NAPA for $100. As others in this forum have said, the 4 cyl just never will be a powerhouse, so it's difficult justifying the expenditure of extra cash on an aftermarket exhaust.
With the 3.0 V-6, however, I'd consider going with the Downey headers.

 

[Hilux]

x2 on the "if it's a V6, Downey"


But the 22Re would be a stretch IMO.


Has anyone ever had their stock manni extrudehoned? I might just have to do that myself and find out. I think it would beat buying headers every couple of years...

 

[pappy]

My vote, Doug Thorley tri-y header into a 2.25" system built by a local muffler shop. Use a Flowmaster 50 muffler, or what ever sounds good to you. A header and exhaust is one of the best things you can do to improve that little 22re. It really brought my DOA engine alive.

I have nothing against the LCE or Downey. Just never used them. But I did run Thorley headers on both trucks.