New Exhaust System

[Grouseman]

Guys,

My 86 4-Runner needs exhaust work. I was thinking hey this is the time to upgrade 2.5" pipes, headers, etc. Who's system did you buy and what kind of hp increase can I expect? Where do you feel the power increase? on take off, mid-range, etc. Do you increase your gas mileage?

Thanks
SS

 

[theo]

I have a new LC Engineering header sitting in the shop ready to go on. Can't offer any results, but I read quite a bit before deciding on LCE. Had to weigh the savings in a cheaper header with the problems people have had. LCE had very few complaints.

The quality is excellent from what I can tell so far. Customer service is also excellent.

 

[theo]

Update: I installed the header last night. Have to modify my comments a little. The workmanship is less than perfect. I had to sand the mating surface to get it flat, which wasn't too much work.

But now I have to introduce 2 1/2" of offset in the connector tube because the collector is welded on a little crooked and I can't line up with the catalytic converter. This to me seems like a rip for a $300 header. Is it just me?

Otherwise, still think it's a nice unit. No comment on performance yet.

 

[tonkota]

2.5" is way too big for a 22R. 2 1/4 is better for the engine. You still need some back pressure. Otherwise, you'll loose any kind of torque.

I don't have a header, just 2 1/4" with a good cat and cheap turbo style muffler. I noticed a good gain in driveability.

 

[Grouseman]

Tonkota,

What brand of cat do you recommend? Turbo style muffer? What brand? I have heard the flowmaster is a good muffler.

SS

 

[tonkota]

I used a universal cat from Catco. 2 1/4" inlet/outlet, and NO AIR TUBE. I ran for a couple years with out one, and it was ok, when I put a cat back on, I noticed no difference in power. The only thing that was different was the exhaust smell (much better!).

Turbo muffler? mine was $15. It's been on there for 5 years now. It is starting to rust at the seams though. If you go with a real one from Flowmaster/Summit/Dynomax etc. they will probably last longer.

HTH

 

[Grouseman]

Tonkota,

Thanks for the advice.

SS