Free-Flow Muffler vs. Full Exhaust

[jpless]

I want to do one of these upgrades and was wondering what the pros and cons are for each. I can get that Vortex muffler from burtmanindustries for a good price while a full system runs around 5-600 on the net.

How beneficial would it be to install just the Vortex muffler? How about a full Borla or Magnaflow cat-back system? and lastly, what about the Vortex with new piping from a muffler shop?

 

[The Razor]

Here's my opinion on the situation. I have the Magnaflow cat back on my truck. With that said, we aren't driving a sports car so who really cares? A good quality cat back system may net you a few extra ponies but you won't be winning any races or feel it in the seat of the pants. Get what you like and what you can afford.

I went with the full system because I like quality items and usually spring for upper end items. It's just the way I do things. I could of easily saved several hundred dollars and just got the muffler with about the same results.

George.

 

[jpless]

yea, i agree. the fact that this is a truck, not a car for tuning and making a lot faster makes me hesitant to spend the extra amount for a full system if I am able to yield similar gains from the muffler alone. Maybe I'll just throw on the Vortex along with better looking exhaust tip from borla or somewhere and be just as happy.

 

[Casper]

While the gains that a full cat back see versus that of just a replaced muffler are generally more, there is no doubt that you should be able to pick up some gains from just the muffler replacement and rear silencer deleted.

The difference in gains is that you would still be using toyotas restrictive OEM piping where as the Magnaflow is more optimized just ingeneral for the 4runner chasis but also for use with a higher flow unit.

The only other benefit of the magnaflow versus that of a replaced muffler would be the tips.

 

[mikestang]

Look in my magnaflow thread in this forum and you'll see the comparison of stock vs. magnaflow laid out on my garage floor. The toyota stock system actually isn't that restrictive (except where the pass. and drivers pipes come together), so if all you want is sound just get the muffler and you should be happy.

 

[jpless]

See the only reason I would like to have the sound is for the performance that it indicates. I don't want to be like a riced out honda civic driving down the road sounding like a semi but going like 30 mph. If adding the muffler only adds sound, id rather get a horn that plays the good humor song or something.

I guess that the full exhaust is the way to go. Does anyone know a good place to purchase a cat-back for a 98 sr5? ive only found a couple places that offer them but they're around 550+ for the system alone and then whatever it costs to install.

 

[The Razor]

www.performancepeddler.com

 

[jpless]

that site doesnt have exhaust systems for the 98, only the magnaflow converter.

 

[The Razor]

that site doesnt have exhaust systems for the 98, only the magnaflow converter.

Call them.

 

[Ghostface80]

IMO, the only reason to get a muffler/exhaust is for the sound and the look of the tip (or muffler on other cars). Even though there is a somewhat of a gain on power, it's very minimal unless you plan to go forced induction later (turbo/supercharger). Even when I used to have a mustang, most people would just go for the sound. I recall for late model mustangs.. it's something like 20-25 rwhp to take a tenth off your quarter mile time. It's probably even more than that for our 4runners.