Exhaust: To Cut or Not to Cut?

[Dkon82]

I have been wanting to enhance the look of my exhaust by adding a nice tip and bending it to come out the side, but not wanting to spend $1200. Have any of you guys cut out the tail end resinator, to get the right bend/add tip? If so, i have a coulple of ?'s and concerns.
How much louder will the exhaust sound and will it be a nice sound or will it sound bad?
I'm not opposed to enhanceing the sound, but only if its going to sound good (Low in pitch, smooth rumble).
If this sounds like a bad option route to go, can anyone suggest an affordable alternative?
budget: $3-400
As always, any input would be appreciated.

 

[Colemanfu]

Back in 04 I cut out the rez, added a $100 Flowmaster and a $15 chrome tip imp:.

Call your local muffler shop and see what they can do.

 

[Dkon82]

Colemanfu: how would you describe the difference in sound now compared to stock?
The one muffler shop I talked to said they could either do something similar to what you did, but couldn't tell me what kind of difference in sound to expect. Option 2 was to go with a $1200 set up.

 

[chaz]

1200 for what? an installed cat back system? is shouldnt cost much if any more than 50 bux for a shop to cut the resonator off & weld in a bend with tip. heres a few threads that may be of interest. Rear stock muffler resonator questions - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/63902-has-anyone-cut-off-resonator.html 2003 4Runner 4.0 V6 aFe Intake, stock exhaust no resonator - YouTube Factory Resonator - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...perchargers-more/63679-turn-down-exhaust.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...ognator-getting-new-exhaust-tip-what-get.html http://www.toyota-4runner.org/perfo...gers-more/39815-custom-side-exit-exhaust.html

 

[Dkon82]

Thanks Chaz, I'll give them a look. I've noticed you are quite the link master!!

 

[chaz]

yea, since i have the time, i think its more informative to post a few links with various opinions/answers to try a make it easier for the op to find a solution.

 

[Dkon82]

Absolutely! Those links were very helpful. Thanks again!

 

[momo.75]

I did this a while back and love it. As far as sound, it is barely noticeable. I just never was a fan of the "Shotgun Barrel" look of it sticking straight out the back. Plus it looked like a snake had swallowed a pumpkin.....lol. The muffler shop i went to did it all for $75, i think, including the tip.

 

[Dkon82]

Mono: That looks great! And well inside the budget too!
From all the info I've been given/read, I don't think there will be a sound issue with cutting off that resonator; im sold on this idea. I'll shop around for I cool tip and try to get it done this weekend.
Chaz: ya the $1200 option was something like a full catback flow master set up. I think I stopped listening after I heard $1200 lol.
Thanks again for the help guys!

 

[momo.75]

You'll really be happy with it. Post some pics after you have it done.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I had mine cut and a tip added, total cost was ~$75. Mine did add some sound. It's a very nice rumble that's noticeable outside, but barely audible (if at all) in the cabin. I love it, it's a great sound without being obnoxious or annoying in the cabin during long trips. The shop I used tucked it in real close, and reused the factory hanger. Another member here had the same shop do this mod, only he didn't have the tip added. His is much quieter than mine, it's all to do with the tip that I have added.

Also, you don't have to spend a ton on this if you want an aftermarket catback system. Gibson makes a great system. Very nice sound, solid construction, and if you get the aluminum one, it should last as long as anything else out there. It's about a lot less than what you were talking about, ~$400 + shipping at Burtman Industries.

 

[Dkon82]

ARK: thanks that's exactly what I'm looking for in terms of a little added sound and enhanced look, but without any annoying sound in the cab especially on long trips.

 

[Huskey]

What coleman, ark, and momo have done all look real nice for the money spent. Well done guys. I personally like like momo's only because it looks like mine, however i did the entire exhaust line (magnaflow) as well as some cutting and welding (shortening) to get it to fit under my leaf springs. The install is easy if you have coils. I know its a little more then you want to spend but it sounds nice (unless u put your foot down) and it gives a handfull of extra hp.

 

[Dkon82]

I did check out a few YouTube videos of the different brands and their sounds and the one I liked the best (if down the road I decided to get a full catback set up) was the borla exhaust. It seemed to have the quietest sound inside the cabin and still have a nice throaty sound outside.