V8 and exhaust issues for a newb

[Slowgoat]

I've been reading all the posts about the different v8 configurations and all the trouble the stock v8 manifolds cause on the 4th gen.

I'm a long time lurker about to take the plunge and get a white 2006 V8 sport 4x4. You all helped so much figuring that out! Thank you!

It seems that aftermarket manifolds and headers are nonexistent for the v8 in 4th gen in 4runners. This is due in part to them changing the design on each of the three years around the 06.

If I'm getting this right, people are modifying a tundra aftermarket set to fit with a lot of headaches and some money.

I am pretty much dead set on a 2006 v8 sport after reading everyone's advice here. It is the one.

Am I setting myself up for major headaches and big bucks later getting the v8?

Pretty much everyone I see on here asking for advice on v8 vs. v6 almost always gets advised to get the v8.

It seems hit or miss how long it takes for the manifolds to fail. Also, it seems that the 06 was really problematic because the cat is in the manifold, making a custom one or stock way too expensive. Then you're in trouble, right?

What do you all think? Am I taking a chance with the v8 in 06? Should I go v6? A v8 in another year?

Seems like the v8 is worth it. I'm not too worried about the money. I just don't want to do anything really stupid because I want to keep this 4runner forever.

Thanks again!

 

[chaz]

hope this thread doesnt just start another v6 vs v8 debate since you will get many pro's & con's for both engines which basically boils down to everyones individual opinions. both engines are good, each with its own set of maint. issues. my advise would be to read some of those threads & make a decision for yourself.

 

[Slowgoat]

I just need advice on if the manifold issue is a deal breaker.

I am unconcerned with every other maintenance issue that could come up.

I can do the timing belt myself, etc.

I just want input on the v8 manifold issue specifically. I'm 99.9% sure I'm going v8. I just want to know if I'm screwing up in the long term.

 

[rileyru]

I just need advice on if the manifold issue is a deal breaker.

I am unconcerned with every other maintenance issue that could come up.

I can do the timing belt myself, etc.

I just want input on the v8 manifold issue specifically. I'm 99.9% sure I'm going v8. I just want to know if I'm screwing up.

I just got a V8. When I was surfing these forums, speaking with service techs at the local Toyota dealer, and speaking with my mechanic before my purchase- I learned that both engines do have some issues that pop up "rarely" to "occasionally" - mainly, the V6 can blow head gaskets and the V8 can crack manifolds.

To me, a major difference between the two is that I can keep driving with cracked manifolds as long as I want to deal with a ticking noise. However, a head gasket issue needs to be handled RIGHT NOW to avoid further damage like warped heads or worse.

 

[rileyru]

Oh I forgot the years for the V8. 2005 and later got some added power due to VVT-i

 

[KingPrat]

If money isn't an issue, and you're dead set on the V8, why all the worry? :rockon: If you want to keep it forever, you're going to have some big maintenance dollars coming along (timing belt, etc) so you're going to put some money into it. That's reality with any vehicle kept for long time and lots of miles. If manifolds go, you can drive with them if you can stand a little ticking for a bit.

Go for it. You won't regret the V8.

 

[Slowgoat]

I just got a V8. When I was surfing these forums, speaking with service techs at the local Toyota dealer, and speaking with my mechanic before my purchase- I learned that both engines do have some issues that pop up "rarely" to "occasionally" - mainly, the V6 can blow head gaskets and the V8 can crack manifolds.

To me, a major difference between the two is that I can keep driving with cracked manifolds as long as I want to deal with a ticking noise. However, a head gasket issue needs to be handled RIGHT NOW to avoid further damage like warped heads or worse.

I think you and I are on the exact same page!!! Thanks!!

 

[Slowgoat]

If money isn't an issue, and you're dead set on the V8, why all the worry? :rockon: If you want to keep it forever, you're going to have some big maintenance dollars coming along (timing belt, etc) so you're going to put some money into it. That's reality with any vehicle kept for long time and lots of miles. If manifolds go, you can drive with them if you can stand a little ticking for a bit.

Go for it. You won't regret the V8.

Thanks! Perfect!

 

[cloh09]

The tick sound from the manifold is a little annoying at times, especially when going slow with the windows down. Having said that, I haven't heard of any breaking into pieces, and as long as it doesn't throw any codes, I can deal with the noise. Mine have been cracked for a few years now (about 90k miles). The V8 is superb.

 

[coconutpete]

It's more annoying than anything. You'll be annoyed that your nice 4Runner basically sounds like a jaloppy when you are driving it at first, especially when next to a building or in a parking garage.

The worst thing really is the fact that if you buy new Toyota OEM manifolds and keep the car long term - you'll be doing it again later.

 

[nevada]

It's more annoying than anything. You'll be annoyed that your nice 4Runner basically sounds like a jaloppy when you are driving it at first, especially when next to a building or in a parking garage.

The worst thing really is the fact that if you buy new Toyota OEM manifolds and keep the car long term - you'll be doing it again later.

ive never changed any, nor seen pics of the crack, but if they are like most every other car out there, they crack at the collector, where the heat is concentrated...
on most cars this is from the heat shields, holding the heat in, they overheat and crack.

perhaps a spacer could be used under the heat shield mounting bolts. maybe gain 1/2" or so of airflow, to prevent them from cracking again.

on mine, with just over 100k, I hear the SLIGHTEST exhaust tick for just a split second when I start it. I only hear it if im outside the vehicle, inside I hear nothing.

 

[Bossman]

My mechanic diagnosed cracked manifolds in my 03 V8 a while back. He knows how particular I am about keeping my truck in very good condition and getting the necessary repairs done in a timely manner.

For this cracked manifold issue, he said "just drive it!" I trust his judgement and will just keep driving - the annoying ticking sound is not all that noticeable just yet.

 

[Slowgoat]

Thanks everybody.

This cinches it. V8 it is.

 

[Gatafly]

I think it is actually a rare problem and you just hear more about it on this forum because of the type of people here. I have an '04 with 135k and zero issues with truck so far. My aunt had an '03 that she sold with 165k and never had an issue. She has an '09 now with 65k and zero issues. I even asked a local toyota 4x4 mechanic and he has heard about it, but never seen one personally. I would not worry about it because the chance of it happening to you is probably extremely low.

 

[coconutpete]

ive never changed any, nor seen pics of the crack, but if they are like most every other car out there, they crack at the collector, where the heat is concentrated...
on most cars this is from the heat shields, holding the heat in, they overheat and crack.

perhaps a spacer could be used under the heat shield mounting bolts. maybe gain 1/2" or so of airflow, to prevent them from cracking again.

on mine, with just over 100k, I hear the SLIGHTEST exhaust tick for just a split second when I start it. I only hear it if im outside the vehicle, inside I hear nothing.

- They are not like every other car out there
- They do not crack at the collector
- A spacer will not solve the issue
- They crack right at the flange which is paper thin.

 

[nevada]

- They are not like every other car out there
- They do not crack at the collector
- A spacer will not solve the issue
- They crack right at the flange which is paper thin.

interesting.
can you post some pics?

 

[JB.]

Couple of threads with some pics.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/142013-cracked-exhaust-manifold-question-v8.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/115116-v8-aftermarket-exhaust-manifold.html

 

[coconutpete]

interesting.
can you post some pics?

There are a few threads out there where the memeber was kind enough to post pics of the manifold after they removed it. Personally I haven't taken any pics of mine since I took the "lazy approach" and had the dealer verify that the "pffft pffft" noise indeed was the manifold which had cracked.

Basicaly the manifolds are thin as hell. As far as I can tell we have the new emissions laws to thank for this as the manifolds heat up faster the thinner they are - and the faster they heat up, the faster the cat starts working.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the V8 is shoehorned in there pretty good, leaving practically no room to experiment with custom solutions.