Looking to increase flow, need exhaust help

[Saruji]

Hello there, I have just bought my first 4runner, its a '97 auto (i know sucks, but it was a good deal) V6 3.4L, I would like to improve the gas mileage/power as much as I could. So i figured if I do proper engine maintanence and keep the tires at the correct pressure I would save some gas, but with a K/N filter and an exhaust I could increase the gas mileage and power at the same time by probably ~10%, over the long run that seems worth it to me.

My priority for the exhaust selection is:

1) Gas mileage
2) Power
3) Sound


I'm not big on looks, ofcourse it would be an extra bonus if it did look nice.

So I guess what i'm asking is where can I get a good header (looking for max flow) and cat back system. I can install all of this myself (unless there is some welding that needs to happen), my only concern with the whole "max flow" thing is that it will still pass emitions.

 

[RunnerUp]

if money isnt an issue you can go with TRD headers and then the TRD exhaust kit. supposedly a k&n filter doesnt do its job very well, (i have one so im not trying to sell you on anything) but i heard the amsoil one was alot better. but if your going that route, why not just save a few more $$ and get a cold air intake? better flow, more cool noise making stuff on your car.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Do the deckplate mod with your choice of filter and you should see about 7-8whp but the exhaust isn't going to net much more but you will get a better sounding exhaust note with a Magnaflow 24" muffler and louder if you go with an 18" shorter version.
Even if $$$ isn't an object you really should only have to spend $250-300 on a catback unless you see the need to spend twice that so you can have TRD on the tip.
Headers and such wouldn't be worth the cost and install price unless you already have a supercharger otherwise your performance gains will be very minimal.