I have discovered a small crack in my center muffler. Another Maine winter is taking its toll. Initial estimates for repair from the dealership are ~$500.00 (muffler, clamps and labor). Are there any good aftermarket mufflers out there that bolt on the existing exhaust configuration? If I am going to drop $500 (or preferably less) I figure a modest performance modification might be at hand. Thoughts on options or should I stick with the original equipment?
Need a new muffler
- Thread starter mainecruiser
- Start date
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Have you looked into the borla CAT back system? It'd all stainless but I believe it's about 600+ Where in Maine are you? I'm in Portland.
Well I can tell you from a few "experiments" we did on my 2000, and here is what I observed....
Perfectly working factory exhaust....
Well I guess you already know what to expect (nice low end...very good mid range...excellent top end rpm for passing etc..)
first alteration....
Cutting out massive factory muffler, installing 3 chamber Flowmaster with stock exit (including rear resonator and tailpipe) all stock diameter pipe
result...
Very little difference in overall tone (but a slightly "throaty" sound @ idle and while revving motor) ...slight increase in bottom end through mid range power, however... a slight decrease in top end performance
next alteration...
Cut out resonator and weld in 1/4 inch larger pipe from Flowmaster to rear of vehicle, terminating in same location through hitch bracket
result...
WOW !! sounds like a "built" small block Chevy (sorry about the comparison) with HUGE increase in bottom end and lower-mid RPM...but, GOOD GOD...where did my top end go? ( almost non-existant !!) Did I mention ..SOUNDS AWESOME THROUGH THE ENTIRE RPM RANGE ? !!
(SIDENOTE, everyone LOVED the tone of this set-up, but the mid-RPM resonating was VERY loud @ steady speeds from 35 to 60 or so MPH and the top end loss was unacceptable)
Final alteration...
weld in 1/4" larger than stock pipe w/spacer between Flowmaster and stock resonator (obviously reusing resonator) ...and welding in 1/4 inch larger pipe after resonator, terminating @ usual spot..
result...
Very nice compromise w/increased low end...slightly better mid range...and hmmm...the jury is still out on top end performance (over 3500 RPM) seems close, but maybe a slight loss....but with very nice (overall) louder tone across the board ....doesnt sound stock but is far from obnoxious now (no resonance @ any RPM)
The moral of the story is...
It is very hard to beat what Toyota did from the factory....and this motor NEEDS backpressure to produce top-end power
As always, there is a trade off when installing an aftermarket set-up ( I am sure a complete "model specific" Cat-back system by Borla or TRD would produce a better overall result from idle to red-line)... but I am very happy with the results of our "experiment"...I must admit however, I miss that loud and oh so far from stock sound that the second-try produced...it turned heads and made my 100 sound more like a serious off-road machine !! ...And yes, the low end grunt was substantially better in the dirt !!
Oh..total cost...$145 U.S...(plus some beer for my buddy who did the welding)
Perfectly working factory exhaust....
Well I guess you already know what to expect (nice low end...very good mid range...excellent top end rpm for passing etc..)
first alteration....
Cutting out massive factory muffler, installing 3 chamber Flowmaster with stock exit (including rear resonator and tailpipe) all stock diameter pipe
result...
Very little difference in overall tone (but a slightly "throaty" sound @ idle and while revving motor) ...slight increase in bottom end through mid range power, however... a slight decrease in top end performance
next alteration...
Cut out resonator and weld in 1/4 inch larger pipe from Flowmaster to rear of vehicle, terminating in same location through hitch bracket
result...
WOW !! sounds like a "built" small block Chevy (sorry about the comparison) with HUGE increase in bottom end and lower-mid RPM...but, GOOD GOD...where did my top end go? ( almost non-existant !!) Did I mention ..SOUNDS AWESOME THROUGH THE ENTIRE RPM RANGE ? !!
(SIDENOTE, everyone LOVED the tone of this set-up, but the mid-RPM resonating was VERY loud @ steady speeds from 35 to 60 or so MPH and the top end loss was unacceptable)
Final alteration...
weld in 1/4" larger than stock pipe w/spacer between Flowmaster and stock resonator (obviously reusing resonator) ...and welding in 1/4 inch larger pipe after resonator, terminating @ usual spot..
result...
Very nice compromise w/increased low end...slightly better mid range...and hmmm...the jury is still out on top end performance (over 3500 RPM) seems close, but maybe a slight loss....but with very nice (overall) louder tone across the board ....doesnt sound stock but is far from obnoxious now (no resonance @ any RPM)
The moral of the story is...
It is very hard to beat what Toyota did from the factory....and this motor NEEDS backpressure to produce top-end power
As always, there is a trade off when installing an aftermarket set-up ( I am sure a complete "model specific" Cat-back system by Borla or TRD would produce a better overall result from idle to red-line)... but I am very happy with the results of our "experiment"...I must admit however, I miss that loud and oh so far from stock sound that the second-try produced...it turned heads and made my 100 sound more like a serious off-road machine !! ...And yes, the low end grunt was substantially better in the dirt !!
Oh..total cost...$145 U.S...(plus some beer for my buddy who did the welding)
Last edited:
- Thread starter
- #4
Thanks SINCITY, good info. Definitely some options to consider. For the time being I think I will crawl under and give it the old liquid steel treatment.
Has anyone installed the Borla Cat Back system?
CRUISERMAINE I live in the Bangor area.
Has anyone installed the Borla Cat Back system?
CRUISERMAINE I live in the Bangor area.
I am suprised the muffler is that much at the dealer, most are $100-200 installed and come with a lifetime warnantee
- Thread starter
- #6
just got off the phone with my local Toyota service rep.
center muffler $425.00
gasket, clamps ~$30.00
Labor 1 hour @ $69.00
O yea, it does come with a lifetime warantee.....
center muffler $425.00
gasket, clamps ~$30.00
Labor 1 hour @ $69.00
O yea, it does come with a lifetime warantee.....
HMMM...
I realize Dealerships can mark-up parts as much as they want to, but the
SUGGESTED retail price of the muffler for the `99 (part# 17403-50151)
is only $364.41 U.S.
You might call their bluff and say you called another dealer and ask if they would honor that price (if you give them the Exact amount $364.41 , they might budge)...
BTW..the rest of the prices are correct ( clamp..gasket..labor ) but its more like you are paying for TWO hours labor with the mark-up on the muffler...
I realize Dealerships can mark-up parts as much as they want to, but the
SUGGESTED retail price of the muffler for the `99 (part# 17403-50151)
is only $364.41 U.S.
You might call their bluff and say you called another dealer and ask if they would honor that price (if you give them the Exact amount $364.41 , they might budge)...
BTW..the rest of the prices are correct ( clamp..gasket..labor ) but its more like you are paying for TWO hours labor with the mark-up on the muffler...
macneill
Rollin’ on 33s
The Borla is about $700 from Performance Products. That's where I got mine. Around another $80 to install. Lifetime warrantee too.
- Thread starter
- #9
the parts manager has had it in for me since I brought in an aftermarket key when they replaced my ECU. He wanted to sell me the OEM master for ~$250 and was irate when I told him I did not need it. Maybe he is trying to squeeze me for the muffler to make up for the key. Good theory anyway....
I think I will patch the muffler and plan on the Borla upgrade this spring. BTW, I located the Borla cat back system (part #14814) for $644.29 (free shipping) @ http://www.autopartsauthority.com/apa_brands/borla~exhaust_system~toyota~landcruiser~parts.html
I am waiting for response from Car Domain who offers a 105% lowest price policy (http://www.cardomain.com/item/BOR14814?vq_id=none). Might end up closer to $600.00.
I think I will patch the muffler and plan on the Borla upgrade this spring. BTW, I located the Borla cat back system (part #14814) for $644.29 (free shipping) @ http://www.autopartsauthority.com/apa_brands/borla~exhaust_system~toyota~landcruiser~parts.html
I am waiting for response from Car Domain who offers a 105% lowest price policy (http://www.cardomain.com/item/BOR14814?vq_id=none). Might end up closer to $600.00.
