Need advice on CAI and deeper sounding exhaust
- Thread starter BMann71
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jpless
New member
you're going to get mixed reviews on the CAI, as with anything, people tend to swear by what they have.
If gas mileage is your main concern, keep it stock, its a CAI already.
If you want some extra sound, like me, the options tend to be K&N, aFe and Volant. I have the K&N and love it. One thing about it though is it is not in a sealed box so if you do go that route, get one of the filter socks to go over it.
aFe and Volant are both closed boxes so you don't have to worry about water, mud, etc getting in there. I will say I just got back from wheelin this weekend and my engine bay is caked in mud but there are only a few little spatters on my k&n sock. I was worried before driving through the mudholes (up to the running boards) but everything was fine.
Lastly, you'll want to consider oiled filter vs dry filter. Again, personal preferences all over the place. The problem with oil filters is that they can be over-oiled when you recharge them and then you're sucking the oil right into your engine. Too much oil in there causes a LOT of problems over time.
Given that, I have personally decided to replace my k&n filter on the FIPK with a aFe dry filter, once it's time to recharge my k&n.
I think the k&ns run the cheapest, then the volants and then the afe but i'm not 100% on that.
For exhausts, I got too nervous about drone and sold my gibson muffler to TheTruckerTaxi but from what I've heard gibson and borla are on the more moderate side of tone and allow for more sound on-demand versus constant.
Good luck with your choice!
If gas mileage is your main concern, keep it stock, its a CAI already.
If you want some extra sound, like me, the options tend to be K&N, aFe and Volant. I have the K&N and love it. One thing about it though is it is not in a sealed box so if you do go that route, get one of the filter socks to go over it.
aFe and Volant are both closed boxes so you don't have to worry about water, mud, etc getting in there. I will say I just got back from wheelin this weekend and my engine bay is caked in mud but there are only a few little spatters on my k&n sock. I was worried before driving through the mudholes (up to the running boards) but everything was fine.
Lastly, you'll want to consider oiled filter vs dry filter. Again, personal preferences all over the place. The problem with oil filters is that they can be over-oiled when you recharge them and then you're sucking the oil right into your engine. Too much oil in there causes a LOT of problems over time.
Given that, I have personally decided to replace my k&n filter on the FIPK with a aFe dry filter, once it's time to recharge my k&n.
I think the k&ns run the cheapest, then the volants and then the afe but i'm not 100% on that.
For exhausts, I got too nervous about drone and sold my gibson muffler to TheTruckerTaxi but from what I've heard gibson and borla are on the more moderate side of tone and allow for more sound on-demand versus constant.
Good luck with your choice!
chaz
New member
like he said, dont expect a mpg increase with an aftermarket cai, but u can get better throttle response. i have a modded volant myself but i suggest going with the afe & dry filter. Cold Air Intake System Stage 2 Si Toyota FJ-07-09/Tacoma-05-11/4Runner-03-09 V6-4.0L 54-81162 - aFe Power as far as exhaust, u want dual or single, side or straight back exit? ive got the borla & like it but its $. funny, some guys want a louder sounding aftermarket catback , then complain it drones. a resonater matched for that system will take care of it. so imo, instead of a whole system, just get a new muffler first , maybe flowmaster 50 , http://www.flowmastermufflers.com/index.php?cat=1&page= have a shop fab up duals if u want, then add a resonater tip(s) if u want.
Last edited:
gaterose
Senior Member
I have the aFe stage II which is the same as the TRD kit and I like it. It gets loud when you put it to the floor (and sounds a little ricey) but I like it.
I had a borla single in single out muffler for about 3 months but I took it off because it was very annoying during stop and go driving. I haven't heard anything with the Borla cat back system (although I believe it's probably much better) but after my experience with the muffler alone I couldn't spend $800 on it.
Magnaflow also makes a cat back system.
Most of the mufflers I've heard on the V6s are annoying, but I think one of the tuned cat back systems might not be so annoying since they are tuned.
I had a borla single in single out muffler for about 3 months but I took it off because it was very annoying during stop and go driving. I haven't heard anything with the Borla cat back system (although I believe it's probably much better) but after my experience with the muffler alone I couldn't spend $800 on it.
Magnaflow also makes a cat back system.
Most of the mufflers I've heard on the V6s are annoying, but I think one of the tuned cat back systems might not be so annoying since they are tuned.
chaz
New member
just another possible muffler option. BadAssMufflers! - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
jpless
New member
my buddy is trying to convice me to install a Y-pipe cutout before the cat and dump it out from the wheel well or something. you could go that route with a switch on your dash so you can choose to have it quiet or loud 
add some igniters and you could shoot flames out the side too
add some igniters and you could shoot flames out the side too
chaz
New member
yes, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/85811-flowmaster-true-duals.html theres more but u'll have to search back farther.
