michaelreed
New member
I've been hearing that a catback will give you performance but a muffler is only for sound. I'm curious how that can be when the full cat back uses the same size piping as the stock exhaust. Anyone have any insight?
Catback vs muffler
- Thread starter michaelreed
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
NJshadow93
New member
I think it's all sound. I think the benefit with getting a full cat back is for the refinement of the sound. Sounds cleaner IMO. I have a Gibson catback and did not feel any noticeable power gain, maybe a little at highway speeds but I'm sure the minimal gain can be had with any high flow muffler.
WillK
New member
Not sure how to answer that except to say that the muffler isn't only for sound.
If you get a more flow through muffler, your exhaust will have less back pressure, which is better flow, which would generally increase performance.
I say generally because less back pressure can be a curse as well as a blessing.
But I would have to disagree with both statements. A cat-back doesn't necessarily increase performance, just as a muffler isn't just for sound.
If you get a crappy cat-back, the muffler might not be the right muffler to increase performance, but only sound. Just as a muffler might not only change the sound, but increase performance.
One of the biggest drawbacks I see in the 4Runner world is the lack of real dyno numbers to back any exhaust changes. Not a knock on people, but performance just isn't in the cards when it comes to T4R's.
If you get a more flow through muffler, your exhaust will have less back pressure, which is better flow, which would generally increase performance.
I say generally because less back pressure can be a curse as well as a blessing.
But I would have to disagree with both statements. A cat-back doesn't necessarily increase performance, just as a muffler isn't just for sound.
If you get a crappy cat-back, the muffler might not be the right muffler to increase performance, but only sound. Just as a muffler might not only change the sound, but increase performance.
One of the biggest drawbacks I see in the 4Runner world is the lack of real dyno numbers to back any exhaust changes. Not a knock on people, but performance just isn't in the cards when it comes to T4R's.
WXman
New member
4Wheel Parts did a test and proved that a full cat back is a waste of money. There is one difference between a cat back kit and just a muffler...and that is about $400.
KidVermicious
New member
Upgrades to a well-designed motor need to be comprehensive. These motors are balanced by the engineers for each component to work together. Just upgrading the intake or exhaust or spark intensity, as standalone modifications, is going to net minimal gain at best, and could even hurt performance (so called "cold air intakes" and throttle body spacers are notorious for this). If you want to boost performance, you need more air in (intake), more air out (exhaust), more fuel, (injectors), hotter spark (plugs/wires/coil), and a new set of rules for the computer to follow to put all those together the right way to make the most of them (ECU). It'll take a well-researched and comprehensive set of upgrades for you to raise your power output by any significant factor - the only thing a new muffler will upgrade is somebody else's bank account.
michaelreed
New member
Exactly what I was wondering, thanks.
30+ years ago before the advent of computer aided designed engines...many engines could benefit from a new tuned exhaust system. But not today. It's only for sound. The EPA has done extensive testing on many so-called performance and/or mileage improver devices. Besides things like nitric-oxide or a turbo charger or super charger...the EPA hasn't found that magic device yet. Car manufacturers spend MILLIONS on designing their engines. If you think you can put a simple new exhaust system on your car and make a significant improvement...then I suggest you don't buy Toyota's anymore...because they must have the worse engineers if they over looked that.
mitymouse6969
New member
full exhaust, new pacesetter manifold/header, rear cat delete =hp
I had new pacesetter manifolds, 4 new senors, custom true 2.5 inch duels, and magnaflow mufflers unstalled and I'm seeing actual hp gain and torque with far less popping due to back pressur. Love this set up and would highly reccomend doing custom exhaust over a package deal anyday!
I had new pacesetter manifolds, 4 new senors, custom true 2.5 inch duels, and magnaflow mufflers unstalled and I'm seeing actual hp gain and torque with far less popping due to back pressur. Love this set up and would highly reccomend doing custom exhaust over a package deal anyday!
