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By: Jason Lancaster.
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The new Toyota Tundra is a powerful truck � anyone who�s driven one will tell you that. Toyota has made a truck that can haul, tow, and race with any half-ton on the road. However, Toyota fit this truck with a relatively quiet exhaust system. If you think your 381 hp 5.7L V8 ought to sound as fast as it is, then this article is for you.
The new Toyota Tundra comes with an excellent set of exhaust manifolds. They are made of stainless steel, so they're lighter than cast iron and highly rust resistant. They're also an "equal-length" tube design, a feature you usually only find on expensive after market headers. Finally, they have a 4 into 2 into 1 design, which is the most efficient way to remove exhaust gas quickly. This is one part of the exhaust that doesn't need changed.
After the manifold, the exhaust passes thru two (2) catalytic converters. Unless you intend to race this thing off-road, there�s no good reason to remove your catalytic converters. First of all, it�s illegal to do so. Second, it�s bad for the environment. Third, and most significantly, they really don�t result in that much of a hp loss. Today�s designs are fairly performance friendly.
From the catalytic converters we come to the factory muffler. The factory muffler is good in terms of efficiency, but not good in terms of character. The factory system is quiet and the V8 can't be heard. While many will tell you that you'll get better performance changing the muffler, keep in mind it's going to be very small. Less than 10 hp or lb-ft of torque (at best). But, it will sound better and every hp counts. As luck would have it, there are literally hundreds of mufflers to choose from. Finding the right one is tricky, but here are some guidelines.
Most people want to hear the exhaust rumble at idle and under acceleration, but not really while cruising on the highway. If you get the wrong muffler, you�ll end up hearing an annoying drone at highway speeds. The experts at the local muffler shop can help you choose the right muffler, as well as the websites www.tundraheadquarters.com and www.tundrasolutions.com.
Second, in terms of noise, how much can you stand. If it's too loud, your neighbors will be awake when you start your truck. If it's too quite, you won't be able to hear your exhaust unless under hard acceleration. Most mufflers aren't too loud, but to make sure you avoid the loud mufflers, stay away from descriptions that mention "racing only" or "glass pack".
Third -- single or dual exhaust? Typically, it's best to match the factory setup. On the new Tundra, that would be a single exhaust. However, if you change exhaust and go with a dual, it's not a big deal. Don't choose a dual setup because you think it will be more powerful -- it won't. It will be the same or even less. The dual exhaust is best in terms of sound and looks.
Stainless steel or aluminized steel -- that's what you'll be asked when you're choosing your new muffler. While stainless looks cooler, that's not really a good reason to buy it. After all, how often is anyone going to be looking under your vehicle? The best reason to choose stainless is resistance to rust. If your local geography has salt water or high humidity, stainless steel is a good idea. Otherwise, save some coin and go with the less expensive galvanized or aluminized steel.
Article Source: http://www.ezarticles.info
About the author: Jason Lancaster has been working in the car business and with the Toyota Tundra for the better part of a decade. Get more Tundra Info at his website, www.tundraheadquarters.com.
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