2003 4Runner V8 Ltd Exhaust manifold recommendations

[scot850]

Ok, been a while since I have been on here but I need guidance on replacement exhaust manifold options.

Really don't want to use OE as I will be back to the same expensive overpriced crap that they badly designed in the first place in another 100k miles.

Ordered a Doug Thorley system using shorty headers and free flow Magnaflow cats (legal requirement here) and spacers for the O2 sensors from Jason Burtman Ind. They are on back order and after 10 weeks I contacted Doug Thorley and they say it could be anytime between 2-6 months maybe to get it to production possibly, but there are problems with the ceramic coater they use so nothing s going on just now (I have been reading of cracking coating issues). Oh, and there is then the 6-8 weeks manufacturing on top of that and shipping to Canada!

Based on this I plan to cancel the order as the crack is getting worse so really need to do something way quicker than that.

I have looked at other brands but nothing seems to get good reviews. We also have the issue up here of the salt and de-icer (liquid death) used on the roads in winter. Magnaflow looked like a possible as they said theirs was 'stainless steel'. However when the stainless standard is not quoted as T304 (proper stainless steel) it is usually T409 which up here is a joke as it last no longer than regular steel.

So is there anything else out there that is good, resists cracking better than OE, possibly less restrictive than OE and is available that anyone can recommend?

I don't want to do this again anytime soon as the engine usually has to come out due to the studs breaking from heat and corrosion. They will need to mostly be drilled out and tapped. I will replace with the Titanium studs from Burtman over OE.

Really appreciate any guidance please!

Neil.

 

[4RunnerAquasport]

You most likely already know that raw material shortages are making the wait times that much longer. At least that was the case last year.
JBA makes Toyota headers, but I haven't seen one for the V8 4Runner listed anywhere.
Only the Tundra or Sequoia 4.7. Maybe a shorty would work for our trucks.
Contact Keith over at Dirty Deeds. Very nice guy and he might be able to shed some light on your situation.

Gadget over at URD might be able to help also.

 

[rwh963]

3 posts in 4 years. is that record?

 

[scot850]

Thanks for the suggestions on the exhaust manifolds. The problem I have found with aftermarket stuff is poor quality, like Pacesetter manifolds for example. I see a few who say they have been ok, but loads that say they can't get them to seal properly. As I am paying someone to do the repair due to the manifold bolts guaranteed to break, I don't want to be doing this twice over. I normally stick to OE parts with my vehicles, but the Toyota item in this case is so bad why would you use them unless no other option??

As to the lack of activity, it is mainly due to knowing how to fix stuff myself and lack of mileage. Being retired and with Covid I have maybe only covered 12-14,000 miles in about 5 years. Mind you in that time the X-REAS system exploded inspite of the selling dealer saying there was nothing wrong with it and 'they all sweat'. Typical dealer BS. Same with the grease on a front axle, 'It has been overfilled and not an issue'. It only became an issue after the warranty passed 3 weeks later then it was suddenly a problem. Then there was the ticking from the manifold that was not the manifold but a slightly noisy lifter. The other axle also split. So overall can't see me keeping the vehicle much longer due to never ending rust due to bad frame manufacture then can't see why people like these vehicles. I am only keeping it as I am now so far into it moneywise it makes no sense to sell.

Add into the mix a full house renovation, house move, garage build then it has not left much time for much else. I now have time to get to the manifold before it gets any worse but not willing to wait for an indeterminant date for the Doug Thorley manifolds especially when they also seem to have issue with the coating. The swap is going to be in the $5500-6000 range so not willing again to spend more than I have to!

Any other suggestions for exhaust manifolds that work would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil.

 

[JONBOY345]

Thanks for the suggestions on the exhaust manifolds. The problem I have found with aftermarket stuff is poor quality, like Pacesetter manifolds for example. I see a few who say they have been ok, but loads that say they can't get them to seal properly. As I am paying someone to do the repair due to the manifold bolts guaranteed to break, I don't want to be doing this twice over. I normally stick to OE parts with my vehicles, but the Toyota item in this case is so bad why would you use them unless no other option??

As to the lack of activity, it is mainly due to knowing how to fix stuff myself and lack of mileage. Being retired and with Covid I have maybe only covered 12-14,000 miles in about 5 years. Mind you in that time the X-REAS system exploded inspite of the selling dealer saying there was nothing wrong with it and 'they all sweat'. Typical dealer BS. Same with the grease on a front axle, 'It has been overfilled and not an issue'. It only became an issue after the warranty passed 3 weeks later then it was suddenly a problem. Then there was the ticking from the manifold that was not the manifold but a slightly noisy lifter. The other axle also split. So overall can't see me keeping the vehicle much longer due to never ending rust due to bad frame manufacture then can't see why people like these vehicles. I am only keeping it as I am now so far into it moneywise it makes no sense to sell.

Add into the mix a full house renovation, house move, garage build then it has not left much time for much else. I now have time to get to the manifold before it gets any worse but not willing to wait for an indeterminant date for the Doug Thorley manifolds especially when they also seem to have issue with the coating. The swap is going to be in the $5500-6000 range so not willing again to spend more than I have to!

Any other suggestions for exhaust manifolds that work would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Neil.

Jesus. $6k is insane level prices.

Short term fix, get the manifold welded to plug the existing cracks.

Order the LT's, order the DT y-pipe. Do the headers and y-pipe in the driveway, take it to a muffler shop and have them put the cats in place of the resonators on the y-pipe and add a o2 bung for the downstream sensors.

Look through my post history and you'll see pics of this on my truck. No codes after 6-7k miles in this setup.

 

[UP driver]

Got mine

I ordered the LT headers and y pipe from Burtman’s. I received the headers from DT two weeks ago but not the y pipe. URD had the y pipe in stock. I received that last week. So, I contacted Burtman asking for a refund on my y pipe order seeing how he has no idea when he could fill it. Cricket’s, won’t answer my texts or voicemails. Good luck canceling your order.