| Custom Exhaust System |
| The exhaust system is one of the biggest bang for the buck modifications that can be made to the 22R/22RE engine for moderate power gains. This page described the route I took and the parts I used. |
| When choosing to modify the exhaust system, one of the biggest concerns to many people is how it will affect emissions control certification. In general, modifications can be made after the catalytic converter with no affect on the vehicle's emissions control system. This means modifying or removing the muffler and the piping between the catalytic converter and the muffler and the piping after the muffler. While many companies make and sell these "after cat" or "cat-back" systems, in general, the gains they allow are nominal. In addition, they can be extremely expensive. It's commonly thought that the stock system is very restrictive, but it's a debatable point. In general, the affects of a modified exhaust can offer slight gain, to no gain to an actual loss in power, depending on how it's done. Some of the biggest exhaust related power gains can be made my adding a header and a higher flowing catalytic converter. For my system, I choose a high quality header from LC Engineering and to make up for the cost, went with a new aftermarket higher flowing catalytic converter and a custom cat-back pipe and muffler. The LCE header uses 2.25" pipe collector pipe. I ran 2.25 pipe to a 2.25" in/out cat converter and then ran 2.25" pipe to a Flowmaster 50 series. From there, the exhaust exits out the rear of the truck via 2.5" pipe. To address emissions concerns, the LC Engineering header is completely emissions legal in at least California and has a CARB exeption. It's difficult to tell how much gain in power I might have noticed because the excessive weight my truck carries, but I think the increase is significant. My truck is by no means fast, but it feels a lot better than a 100 h.p. motor with 200,000 miles pulling a 5000lbs truck should feel. |
| The LC Engineering header. Install and fit was easy and flawless, except for one thing. That darn emissions piping was a bear to take apart, thanks to it's stud flange mount. Otherwise the header fit great and came with a nice factory Toyota gasket. My header apparently was one of the last ceramic coated units. New LC headers are 304 stainless steel, and for the same price no less. I wish I would have waited. The most important trick with install is to soak those exhaust manifold bolts with lots and lots of penetrating oil and days or even weeks in advanced. You can't use too much.. |
| This image shows the supplied LC engineering downpipe which included plumbing for the 02 sensor. Some models have the 02 sensor in the header itself. |
| Catalytic converter and muffler |
| This image shows the custom aftermarket high flow converter, custom piping and muffler. I chose to go cheap on this end and have it all custom made. LC Engineering does sell this entire exhaust section but at a higher price than it cost me to have a local shop build it. |
| I chose to have the exhaust end here for a number reasons. Cost, simplicity, and to reduce exhaust restriction for power. In addition, I was able to have it custom built to retain as much clearance as possible. However, it became clear I would be wise to extend the exhaust out to the rear. |
| I initially went with a Flowmaster 40 series muffler, but that proved too loud for my taste. Especially at speed. But did give the very unexpected sound of a V-8 rumble at idle. I had more than one person ask if I had a V-8 in my truck. I later upgraded to a larger Flowmaster 50 series, which you see pictured here. Quieter sound with no noticeable loss in power. |
| This is the custom rear exhaust pipe. Exits at near the stock location, but designed for more clearance around the spring. The pipe from the muffler back is 2.5" |
| SUMMARY I'm basicly happy with the set up. The power gains were definately noticable, although the majority of it in the upper rpm range. I do not feel that I lost any torque output, even at the lower rpms. I would highly recommend the LC Engineering header. Especially now that they are making them in stainless steel at the same price. As for the rest of the exhaust, LC does make a good kit, but I still feel custom is more cost effective. As for sound, it's a bit loud. I would like to make it a bit quieter, but I also hate to lose any power in the process. |
| Links to other exhaust info |