From what I have read over the past few months, most folks seem to think that the 2002 4Runners come with 2.25" exhaust right from the factory. I was researching cat-back exhaust systems before I had heard that. My question is this ... am I going to be limiting myself if I just put a good muffler on if I have the 2.25" factory exhaust. I am sure it's not the fancy mandrel bends, but how much of a difference do you think that will really make? I want good performance and sound, and if I can get away with just a muffler and still have the performance of other cat-back systems I want to do that.

 

You'll be just fine adding a new muffler to the stock pipe. The factory muffler is very restrictive.

 

Cool! Now I just need to read a lot of the back posts to see what type of muffler I should get, and where the best place to get it from.

In a nutshell, I want something that sounds nice and deep, without being too loud or raspy. I want a good HP increase and a nice mellow note. I don't need the loudest exhaust in the state! Any suggestions?

 

I can't believe how cheap these mufflers are. This is my first SUV and have had sports cars in the past. I just can't get over how much cheaper parts are for these trucks compared to the other cars that I have had! But hey, I am not complaining!

 

A nice tip is also a good idea. The pace setter monza is a good one. It actually has a resonator in it and can take the "bite" or raspyness out of the muffler. http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=search.asp%3FType%3Dbysummitpar t%26Part%3Dpsm-95-9225%26Search.x%3D1%26SearchType%3DBoth is the one from summit a few folks like to use. What the muffler shop will do is just cut off enough of your stock tailpipe to weld on the tip and weld it to the hanger. Hope this helps.

Cheers!

 

I have never been a fan of any Pace Setter product. The monza tips that I have heard in the past really give off an awful sound. I have also read a few posts on here lately saying that the sound is less than desirable on their 4Runners, and produces a horrible swooshing sound or something.

I do want to get a nice looking tip, it just won't be a P.S. monza! :pat:

 

The ones I read about that were causing the swooshing were actually too small. They were using 3 inch tip that only had a 1 3/4 or 2 inch inlet. This is what caused the problem, the restriction before the tip, even if they had it expanded. There were a few guys over on 4X4 wire that used the 3 1/2 by 2 1/4 tip and loved it, so FWIW...
I've been told that some of the cheaper rolled-end tips can also cause funny swishy-whispy noises.

 

I kind of like this tip on Summit's website. I am going for the simple look. The pace setter is too much with all the yellow and what not.

 

Cool! I actually went with a 3 1/2 inch slash cut, as well. If you want, I can try and get a pic later today...

 

That would be cool! Seeing it online is one thing, seeing it on somebody's rig is another.

 

Called Meineke to see how much they would charge to put on a new muffler and they said $72.00 per hour, with it being at least one hour. That sounds pretty damn high to me! I think that he said this is classified as a high performance muffler and that's why they have to charge that much. What a rip!

 

I usually have better luck with privately owned shops, rather than the franchises. Call around and see if someone is willing to just install your parts for cash, maybe get it done a little cheaper that way. I'll post a pic later this afternoon. I'll have to run home and get my digicam at lunch...

 

I will have to ask around to see if I can find somebody "small time" to do the job. Those franchise shops just want to rape you and they usually do shotty work.

Thanks for the reply. I guess I am going to consider the Dynomax muffler. Does anybody want to try to change my mind to someting else? There was a page that somebody had that had links to people exhaust systems "wav files or something". Does anybody know where that is? I am sorry but I am too tired to search through tons of messages to find it now.

 

That would be my home page.
Look in my TOC on my website.

I am going to add two more of mine from last Saturday in a bit here.

 

Corey hosts a page with a bunch of sound clips of exhausts. I use the Flo-Pro and recommend it. I used to have the Monza tip. IT WAS AWFUL. Yes, it did quiet the exhaust, and sounded good with the windows up. However, the SWOOSH was quite embarassing. Last Saturday I went to my local shop, The Best Little Muffler Shop in Texas, and just bought one of his tips. It is stainless steel and is double walled. Looks very good and sounds even better.

Find a local shop and see what they have. Get a free flowing tip that is stainless steel though.

Corey's Exhaust Page

Good Luck,

Nick