havic

I want to know if the downey headers for the 3.4L 4Runner are any good. They are significantly cheaper than the trd and edelbrock headers, so I want to know how they compare to them. I also have the same question about the Jardine-Thorley catback exhaust for the 3.4L. Is it as good as the Borla? They don't have to be as good as the others I mentioned, but if they are ok, I might go with this cost effective option. I don't see the need to spend extra money if the others are only a little bit better. I would also like to hear from those who have or have had these installed in their 3.4L's. Thanks.

snwbdr

with exhausts, the power gains are similar...so get the one that sounds best to you....I was able to pick up a TRD exhaust super cheap so that's what I got...and I love it

havic

Where did you pick it up, how much, and can I get that deal snwbdr?

rimpainter.com

I would like to know how you found the Downey's cheaper than the Edelbrock's? Are you sure you included Downey's "hidden" cross-under pipe charge on that?

Are you talking ceramic coated, stainless, or what?

havic

I found the downeys for $284 non-ceramic coated, $384 ceramic coated. I just found out you need the pipe which is $95. How much are the edelbrocks?

rimpainter.com

I got them from Summit Racing. I believe they were $375 with free shipping. I decided to have mine ceramic coated, which was another $200. Don't skimp on the ceramic coating. It will save everything under the hood. The heat is intense with just stainless headers.

havic

I've read your previous posts about the headers 96 Runner, and you went with the edelbrocks. I'm leaning toward the downey's ceramic, but I wanted to know, how are your headers now that you've had them on for a while? Since the downey's are ceramic coated, there shouldn't be any problems, right?

rimpainter.com

My Edelbrock's have been good. I am happy with them. Not sure it was worth $575 and 8 hours of my time, but oh well. It was a great learning experience.

For some reason I remember Downey saying you could NOT run their headers with a Body Lift. I am not sure why...so keep that in mind when you take into consideration the future plans of the vehicle.

All I know, is that my 1" body lift made the install a lot easier. Install on the drivers-side header SUCKS. It took me 3 hours on one nut. The passenger side was easy.

Do you plan on doing the install yourself?

snwbdr

Sorry bro...it was a one-time deal...basically a guy I knew, his uncle bought the TRD exhaust...had it on for about 3 weeks...bought a new car for himself, leaving the tacoma for his wife who didn't like the exhaust...she thought it was too loud....so I took it off his hands for 3 bills...

boraxman

I hear JBA headers are better than the rest but cost is right up there w/ TRD. Anyone here running the JBA's?

havic

Hell no, I'm not installing them myself 96 Runner. You said it was a pain and I don't have the time or a place to lift the truck up. If I had a place to do this, I might tackle the job, but would probably need one of you guys on call to ask questions. As far as doing a body lift on the truck, that's not my style, so I don't have to worry about that.

Snwbdr, you are a lucky man. I wish I could run into a deal like that. Why can't a pair of trd headers (and exhaust, while I'm at it) appear at my doorstep when I come home from work. Better yet, already installed in the 4Runner.

rimpainter.com

Cool. Let us know what you decide to go with. Again, I stress the importance of ceramic. You also might want to check into install charges as you might change your mind about getting them when you see how much a shop may charge.

havic

I've read as much as $300 to get them installed. If I can't find a place to do them for $200 or under, I won't do it, because I don't think $600+ dollars is worth 10 hp. I could just get the catback exhaust and gain almost as much, without the hassle. That I might do myself.