After Market Toyota Tundra Exhaust Systems
Jason | Jul 14, 2008 | Comments 64
No doubt you’ve been out driving your Tundra and had your head turned by the rumbling exhaust of another full size pickup driving by. There’s just something about the deep, throaty sound of a V8 engine amplified by a set of wide pipes and performance mufflers. Fortunately, there are dozens of options for getting that same aggressive sound on your Tundra – not to mention some nice horsepower gains. Let’s take a look at some of the options out there.
Gibson Exhaust offers aluminized and stainless steel cat-back exhaust systems with single pipes – either rear or side exit – as well as dual pipes with rear or side exits. Pricing starts at about $450 including shipping.
Gibson Performance Exhaust is a bit of an oddball company in the sense that the founders began their exhaust work while looking for a way to improve the performance of their motorhome. Not many people would think to parlay a venture involving Winnebagos into a full-fledged sport exhaust empire, but the Gibson family did and today they are one of the larger exhaust companies operating in the United States. For the Tundra, a cat-back system is available that Gibson claims will increase horsepower between 10 and 15%, while providing a torque boost of 15-20 lb-ft. The term ‘cat-back’ refers to an exhaust system which bolts onto the stock system behind the catalytic converters, maintaining the factory emissions controls, but replacing the stock mufflers and resonators. The extra power from the stainless steel Gibson exhaust comes from the less restrictive mufflers and mandrel-bent piping, which maintains the same pipe diameter without any crimping in the curves.
Flowmaster offers an aluminized steel American Thunder dual exhaust system that can either be configured to exit at the rear or on the side. Pricing starts at about $650 including shipping.
Flowmaster is a name long associated with performance vehicles. The company got its start in 1983 quieting down the engines of Sprint Car racers in order to meet local noise ordinances, and this racing experience has been carried over into their street applications. Flowmaster makes a complete cat-back system for the Tundra that is supposed to improve fuel economy and increase acceleration through greater exhaust gas flow. Interestingly, the company does not make any specific claims regarding power increases.
Borla offers a complete stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. It’s top quality, but it’s also top dollar – pricing starts at $1,000.
Borla is a well known name in the world of exhaust, and they have a long line of products that finds itself used on some of the most potent exotics and sports cars in the world. The company’s original focus was the design and installation of custom exhaust systems on rare European vehicles. Today, they have a wider range of offerings that even covers the Tundra. In fact, Borla has two cat-back systems designed for the Tundra, one with dual side-exit exhaust and one with dual rear-exit. Like Flowmaster, they don’t make any specific power claims, but the price is substantially higher than either of the other two companies we have so far discussed.
Magnaflow cat-back exhausts are available on the Tundra in either a dual rear exit or a single side exit configuration. Starting at less than $500 (including shipping), Magnaflow exhausts are very affordable and, along with Gibson exhausts, they’re an excellent option.
Magnaflow is well known for their stock muffler replacements and performance muffler options, but Magnaflow also makes a complete cat-back exhaust for the Tundra. In fact, they have 3 – one with a single side exit, similar to stock, one with a dual side exit but on the same side, which is unique amongst the companies we have examined, and one which is a dual exit at the rear. While Magnaflow claims that horsepower and torque are increased by their system, they decline to list an exact figure. One of the most interesting aspects of the Magnaflow website is the page where you can actually hear a sound clip of what the exhaust will sound like on your truck. While the Tundra sound clips only include the 4.7L, they promise more sound clips in the future.
Learn more about why you should consider buying an after market exhaust, the differences between single and dual exhausts, and listen to some Tundra exhaust system sound clips.
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Filed Under: Tundra Exhaust
which one of these exhausts is the loudest??
Khalid – Depends on the specific model number. If you want LOUD, look at a “racing only” version of the Flowmasters. If you don’t want loud, the Gibson systems are always nice.
what about a straight pipe, i heard that it has a really loud sound but will it have any damage to the vehicle ?
Khalid – Straight pipes can’t hurt your truck, but they are extremely loud and they don’t generate much back pressure (if any) that the engine designers were counting on when they calibrated the ECU. In other words, your vehicle will probably perform worse with a straight pipe than it would with a performance muffler.
Not to mention the noise level and your friendly neighborhood police officer wanting to know what the problem is….
I installed a single outlet JBA 3 inch, mandrel bent exhaust system on my tundra 5.7. It didn’t sound all that great from the outside. It had a very bothersome interior drone at highway speed at about 1800 rpm. Eventually I got tired of it and reinstalled the factory exhaust. My fuel mileage instantly went UP almost 2 mpg. This truck apparently is designed to have some back pressure to run efficiently. On my last tundra, (2006 model) I had the 4.7L engine and I cut out the factory muffler and installed a single inlet/outlet flowmaster 70 series with delta flow. I also removed the small resonator near the front where the pipes split to go to the manifolds, and installed a strait peice of stainless pipe. I left the factory tailpipe. That setup made a very crisp growl, but it never became annoying. I also never noticed any drone from in the cab. I wish I could get that same sound out of my 5.7, but I dont want to cut the factory system.
I use Borla Pro XS complete duels. It has no drone with a low rumble to it. You know it when you hit it.
I have an 08 Tundra 5.7 and i keep reading people are puttin 70 series Flowmasters on these trucks. Has anyone put the 50 series on. I have heard that the 50 has a good sound at the tail pipes but not the bad drone like the 40 or 44 series. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
While everyone makes an aftermarket system out there for the Gen2 Tundra, why would you give up Toyota quality for aftermarket parts? The TRD system and the OE systems are both made by Tenneco Automotive in Smithville, TN. The mufflers are all laser welded and use the same stainless steel materials and construction. Aluminized mild steel will not last nearly as long as the muffler is located so far from the engine. (Cooler exhaust temps and a larger muffler body = acidic condensation build up.) The TRD system has been tested for fatigue on hangers and joints, thermal radiation on the tailpipes (since the dual alters the routing to the driver’s side), stationary testing on the dyno in an anechoic chamber and pass-by testing on a track. Anyone can make a truck “loud.” Making it sound good at all RPM ranges and last long is the hard part. (Just my 2 cents)
Brian – All good points. Still, it comes down to cost. I would submit that TRD’s top-quality aside, the difference in lifetimes between the two exhausts is not enough to justify the difference in price. In other words, TRD systems cost twice as much as some after-market exhausts, yet I highly doubt that TRD’s exhaust will last twice as long. As for your points about TRD’s testing, they are well taken. Personally, I would opt to save money and go after-market, but I wouldn’t begrudge anyone for going with TRD. Thanks for commenting, by the way – looking forward to more!
Who had been making TRD exhaust? Borla…… Why pay more, when I can get Borla cheaper than through the Toyota parts dept. Like I said before I have Borla Pro XS complete duels.
I’ve narrowed down my exhaust search to Magnaflow and Banks. I’m leaning more towards Magnaflow because they offer a true dual exhaust (Banks splits theirs after the muffler). I noticed something different between the two dual Magnaflow systems. The dual out / same side exit setup does not have an X pipe, but the dual out / rear exit does. What gives? I thought it was important to have an x pipe in a dual exhaust system to keep the backpressure balanced on both sides of the motor. Am I missing something?
I have a 08 Tundra 5.7 with a Spin Tech cat back system featuring an X-pipe.
No other manufacturer seems to offer this,
R.P.M. related droneing sounds are not an issue.
Driveability is good, fuel mileage is unchanged.
I do NOT have dyno figures to verify horsepower numbers,
However “Seat of the pants” feed back seems positive.
Chris – Somehow I missed your question from February – my bad. To answer your question, it’s probably due to one exhaust pipe being longer than the other on the dual rear exit setup (routing around the spare). Have you contacted Magnaflow to confirm?
In just a few short months of ownership, my TRD exhaust tips went from a polished stainless look to a sort of brown been to hot look. Is this normal and irreversible?
Steve – Have you tried some metal polish? That should clear it up.
As a matter of fact i did try some chrome polish which seemed to help a bit but didnt bring back that orignal shine,was afraid with the extreme temps in the tips I might have been adding insult to injury. I know they are just tips and not that big of deal but I am kinda anal bout my Tundra’s look. Any product suggestion?
Steve – No suggestion on product, but this problem is pretty typical. I found a good thread on some different polishes here: http://www.autopia.org/forum/c.....-pics.html
Advice!? Just recently purchased an 06′ 4.7L tundra limited and was looking for aftermarket exhaust.. A local muffler shop around my area informed me they can install a flowmaster 50 series for around $200. Can’t afford a Borla or TRD system, so I was thinking about going this route. Question is: sound quality? Price?.. Also slightly concerned about performance. I don’t tow anything right now, but don’t want to give up torque for sound. Thanks in advance and any advice would be appreciated.
JD – That price is awesome. Quality of the mufflers is just fine (Flowmaster is a good brand), but the sound is hard to say. It depends on how they route and bend the pipes. I would suggest you get a referral or two from this shop before handing them your money. Check out this post for some tips on finding a good shop: http://www.tundraheadquarters......fications/
JD – Performance (I forgot) – likely negligible gain. TRD’s system adds just a few horsepower, and a hand made system might even subtract some power…but not enough to make a difference (at least not in the right hands). Most good muffler guys will copy the routing of popular aftermarket systems and/or OEM systems to keep things as performance positive as possible.
I had a local muffler shop put on complete duels Borla Pro XS. Borla makes TRD. I got it installed for $400. It also has Stainles Steel rolled tips. Sounds very low rumble until you punch it.
Great information, I’m shopping around for a updated dual exhaust system for my 08 Tundra.
I am looking for an aftermarket exhaust for my 02 Tundra with 4.7l v8. I pull a camper and would like more power. I could care less about the sound. I have seen some posts on RV websites that suggest a cold air intake coupled with a performance exhaust will improve my fuel mileage and increase horsepower while towing. Anyone have experience with this type of upgrade and suggestions on how I might proceed?
Eric – There are a lot of articles here that discuss both. This article breaks down why cold air intakes work. http://www.tundraheadquarters......ally-work/
Jason, thanks for providing me with the link, there is some good info in there. And as for Mr. Anonymous, give me one good reason to get rid of a truck that does everything I ask it to do, runs flawlessly, has never in it’s life needed any service above scheduled maintenance, and is one of the most comfortable rides I have ever been in. I’ll drive this one into the ground and it’s going to be a long time before that ever happens.
Erik I use an AFE Stage II CAI with a lifetime air filter. No oil needed and you just wash with mild detergent and air dry. I couple that with the exhaust system you see above. Since our trucks come with stock headers there’s no need to go more. I incresed my mpg’s by 1.5 on the CAI and another .5 on the exhaust. I only tow my 18.5 ft bowrider boat. I get an avg of 21-23mpg depending on weather and how I feel also. Keeping low RPM’s using street tires and keep up with checking the air in those tires to keep the mpg’s up. Pulling my boat I get from 16-18mpg depending on how fast I want to get there.
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Anonymous apparently you were brought up as a little sh*thead and was never taught proper manners. You have nothing good to say then don’t say anything at all.
Dumb, inappropriate comments take about 2 seconds to delete. Problem solved.
Appropiate Jason and thanks…..
I’m looking at the Borla dual exhaust from TRDsparks and wondered if you had any info on it. I’m worried about losing low end torque. I was also thinking about the Volant exhaust that is supposed to come out in March. It is a di/so. BTW, I have a 2010 Tundra with the 5.7. Thanks for the info.
Randy I haven’t dyno’ed my truck to find out about the low end torque. I have an 07 Crewmax 5.7. I have Borla Pro XS complete duels. With that I have an AFE Stage II Lifetime air filter that needs no oil. Wash in mild detergent and air dry. It has the low rumble and you definitely hear it if you kick it. I haven’t found a drone either. Had it on for over 2 years now.
I’ve got an 07 doublecab 5.7, I had the magnaflow single side exit exhaust put on acouple of years ago. I’ve been looking to put on an “x” pipe for it, but I wasn’t quit sure if I would need to get a whole new exhaust system, or would it even work?
Bobby – Cross pipes usually help balance dual exits, so in this case I don’t think it will do much. Have you talked to your local muffler shop? They’re the experts and can answer this question definitively.
Jason- Thanks for advice, I think I’ll have to agree with you on that. But I will definately go to a muffler shop to get a definite answer. I do have one more question though. Exhaust headers…I was looking at some JBA headers to replace the stock ones, I know ya’ll had a article about aftermarket headers, but would buying some be that much better than the original? I know the new 5.7 engine is fine by itself. Couldn’t hurt nothing right?
Thanks.
Bobby – You bet! Certainly couldn’t hurt to add headers, but I don’t know that the money isn’t better spent on a power programmer or put towards a supercharger. Here’s a link to an article about UniChip’s tuner: http://www.tundraheadquarters......ine-tuner/
Also, there are some folks who’ve added headers and weren’t happy. One guy put shorty headers on his truck and lost power. Another put on ceramic headers, but they cracked after 40k miles. Two more reasons to skip em’ I think.
I am looking to get an aftermarket exhaust purely for performance gains. I do not care about looks or sound. I drive a 2004 tundra SR5 4wd with a V8. Please advise on brand and single vs dual exhaust. Thanks
I am also wondering if there are good power programmers that you would recommend. thanks
Nick – All the brands are going to be roughly equivalent. They all make different claims, but none of them significantly outperform the other in any of the testing I’ve seen. As for programmers, I don’t think there are many options. Uni-Chip and Jet Performance are the only two (and we haven’t tested either of them).
Which ones will be the best way to go for a 4.6L V8 engine for a decent loud sound? Not disturbing loud but they hear me coming loud.
Adam I have a 5.7L and I use Borla Pro XS in a complete duels set up. Mellow tone and when you punch it you will definitely hear it.
4.6L 2010 Doublecab -
i’m waiting on TRD exhaust and CAI!! KN CAI coupled with a BORLA or MAGNAFLOW exhaust would be ideal. Any news on when they come out? Not much out for the 4.6L yet. makes me anxious to think about it.
Conner – As of now, TRD does not offer an exhaust system for the Tundra. I’m not sure if it’s in the works or not, but my guess is that the take rate was low. Why would I buy a TRD cat-back kit for $1200 when I can get an after-market kit for half the price? The quality of the TRD kit is great, but it’s certainly not twice as good. Besides, the best quality option is arguable the Borla cat-back system, and those are also less expensive.
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Long and short of it – I don’t think TRD is bringing out any exhaust kits anytime soon. They’re too pricey.
I have a 2010 Tundra TRD with the 5.7. I just installed a magnaflow muffler on the stock duel to single exhaust. Sounds good picking up speed and idleing. I have a BAD drone on the highway from 60 to 75 mph and it really resinates in the cab. Does anyone know how I can fix this? If not Im going back to stock exhaust. Its loud and anoying and you cant even talk at highway speeds. Thanks for any information
Rob – That’s disappointing – I’ve ever that same complaint from someone else, only they didn’t say it was quite as bad. As for a fix, you can check to see if everything is still hooked together nice and tight, and then you can run over to your local muffler shop to see what they can do to quiet it up.
Rob – I have spent a lot of time researching exhausts and opted for a Corsa Sport exhaust system (part #14577). The system sounds great with the afe CAI and there is no drone. The only problem is the price…its around $800. However, the quality, slight mpg increase, the look, simple instal, sound, and best of all no done is worth the price. If the price is not an issue then take the muffler back and get the Corsa system.
I like the sound of glass pack mufflers on my older trucks. Has anyone ever put them on a Tundra. I’m thinking about 2 glasspacks and 2 1/2 dual pipes to the bumper.
I love the stock setup and wonder if I can just add a driver side exit to the stock 2010 crew setup without any impact on backpressure and/or power loss, Has anyone tried this? or know how it can be done? if so what would be needed?
Pete – You’ll probably want to get a new muffler to do that correctly. The alternative is to add a pipe to the existing pipe, but I don’t think that will help performance or get you the right sound. In fact, I think it would hurt performance. Your stock muffler is dual in, but only single out.
Well i added the flowmaster 40 dual in dual out today. It sounds great at idle but it is MUCH louder than i wanted on accelleration. By far, this is the loudest exhaust i’ve ever owned or driven. It sounds wicked on accell but it’s excessive. Also, there is a terrible drone between 1500-2000 rpms. I can easily say at or around 80 decibles inside the cab. Going to take it back tomorrow and see if there are any options. I read in a comment above that the TRD exhaust drones too at the same rpm range but im sure its no nearly as loud. So, basically, i’m disappointed.
Danny – That’s no good. Sorry to hear it.
I am planning to install an exhaust system in my 08 5.7L Crewmax Tundra but I have noticed most of the after market systems are 2.5″. I am looking for a 3″ offroad exhaust system. Did anyone use this setup before.
I have also noticed that most of the headers are shorty’s or equal but couldnt find any long tube headers for the Tundra, which I believe should be better for low end power gain.
Khalid – Both Doug Thorley and JBA offer long-tube headers.
As for a 3″ exhaust, the reason you’re not finding it is probably because that’s way too big – check this out:
http://www.exhaustvideos.com/f.....-diameter/
You’ll see that a 2.5″ setup is more than enough for a stock Tundra, and if you add a supercharger you’re still OK.
Thanks Jason for clearing this out for me, I would go with the 2.5″ exhaust with the JBA long tube headers.
Which exhaust system do you recommend with these headers? I am not really fuss about the loudness of the exhaust, all I am looking for is best power gainer.
My plan is to install a unichip, a volant cold air intake and headers with exhaust system.
Khalid – For sure. If you’re not concerned about noise, Flowmaster or Magnaflow are fine. If you want power and good sound quality, I think Borla is the best route.
update. removed flowmaster 40 and replaced with flow 50HD. it’s just as loud and the drone is still there. Added 2 12 inch resonators and the drone is now minimal but it now sounds terrible. Gonna have the resonators taken off and just have to deal with the drone until i can find a solution i can afford. i did test drive a Titan 5.6 4×2 that belonged to the husband of one of the girls at the muffler shop. he had the flow50 and the drone was as bad in his truck as it was in mine but my truck was still louder, even with the little 4.6L. On the good note, the lil 4.6l dc 4×4 is much faster than the titan 5.6 4×2.
Danny – Good news that the Tundra 4.6 outruns 5.6 Nissan, bad news that the muffler still isn’t what you want.
Did I mention switching to a side exit as a possible solution?
Jason,
what does a side exit do? i’ve got them coming straight out the back. it looks really good. when i get a chance i’ll email you pics. the drone is what’s killing me. the updated, updated and updated again system is now just a dual in dual out flowmaster 50, behind the original cats. it sounds good but a lil’ on the loud side. the drone at 70mph is quite loud and annoying. One thing i did notice was the 6spd tranny shifts so quickly, that you don’t get to stay in the rpm ranges that produce that mellow sound very long. well, as compared to the 3spd+ overdrive that my old gmc had.
regarding the 5.6 nissan, i was expecting more.
Danny – Side exits are supposed to reduce drone – the rear exit setup can be louder because the bed can reverberate more easily.
Thanks for the pics too – looks great.
I have just purchased a 2010 Tundra dbl cab TRD SR5 with the 5.7l, I purchased the AFE CAI based off your reviews. What would be a great exhaust system to match this with? I do not really care about the sound, more concerned with “drone” and interior noise! I do not want any of that and would rather benefit from increases in MPG etc. Thanks!
Chad
Has anyone tried a dual in dual out muffler with an internal x-pipe design? or just dual in/ dual out? and maybe try turn downs at the mufflers exit this could counteract the highway drone. just curious. as for the? exhaust is hit or miss as to the sound each person wants find someone with a sound you like and go with the same system is my best advice! otherwise open your pocket book hunting for the perfect tone may send you on a search cost some time and hopefully not too much dough!
I was wondering how the Gibson dual exhaust system is? I haven’t heard much about it and i have been reading on here what would be an ideal exhaust for my ‘06 4.7 Tundra Thanks
Jason, update on mpg. I made my 1st working roadtrip today in the tundra, a 4×4 d/c 4.6L. the only mods are a drop in k&n filter and a recently added dual in dual out series 50 flowmaster.
My previous high mpg i think was 19.58 with mild crosswinds, temp in the upper 90’s and a/c on and about 280 miles round trip. Round trips are averaging about 18 mpg. 90% highway miles with the average speed of 70mph. at this point the only mod is the drop in k&n.
Todays trip, now with the flowmaster 50 looked promising. i decided to gas up about 1/2 way there. temps in the 70’s, mild crosswind and NO a/c. most traveling at 70 mph. it got 21.89 actual mpg.
The 2nd part of the observation included some fast moving congested interstate traffic with me driving for a few miles kinda, spirited. 90% highway miles, temps now in the low 90’s and a/c ON. actual mpg’s during the 2nd part dropped to 17.35 mpg. the entire trip mpg’s is 19.62. so my benefit was only .04 mpg. i guess if i had run the a/c the entire trip i would have had a negative impact?
i know that this observation was very un-scientific but the initial results look bad.
oh, the drone is miserable and almost put me to sleep.
Chad – I don’t have a specific kit in mind, only the more I read about Borla the more I think they’re the way to go…if only they weren’t so expensive. Danny has had some bad luck with Flowmaster, but I know of a lot of people that are very happy with them, so I’m guessing that everyone has a different ear. I would suggest listening to our exhaust videos.
Bob – I think that cross pipes balance sound more than anything, but they may have a muffling effect. As for turn downs at the exit, it might work to quiet sounds, but it might also counter-act some of the free-flowing benefits of an after market muffler (maybe, not sure). Your advice about finding the right system is great, btw – you’ve just got to search.
Kyle – Gibson has been making exhaust systems for GM trucks for a long time, and they’re very well known in that world. For Toyota, they’re a newer manufacturer, but there’s every reason to believe they’re a good option.
Danny – Hard to say what has happened because the conditions are so different, but it doesn’t sound like your truck is doing much better fuel wise despite the mods. It could be that the engine is still adapting.
The worst part is the drone – any luck with getting a set of 70’s on an exchange?
Allright guys I need some advice. I have an 07 SR5 Double Cab with the 4.7 and am finally going to try to make some modifications on an otherwise stock truck. I want to get a set of pipes to replace the stock ones, as well as a cold air intake. I looked on Autoanything and most of the cold air intakes only work on the 5.7 also the only exhaust I could find was the Gibbons that would fit.
I was thinking of going with AirRaids cold air intake and the gibbons dual exhaust. Any opinions or better ideas?
I am not worried about the noise as I usually have the stereo blastin and driving Spirited. This is my daily driver and I wanted to clean it up and make it breathe. Thanks for any help.