I wanted to leave one more update here. I'm back from running around for the last couple of hours, and before that, I got my exhaust fixed - it's now plumbed with 2 1/2" pipe from the cat to the tail.

In a word...

*** WOW ***

I am REALLY happy with the performance of my truck now. The low-end torque is back, there's power up top, it sounds good, and it's no where near as loud in the cab.

I have to do some tuning with the SMT-5, but I'll let it settle in as it sits for a bit. Dr. Z also asked me to try running with the FPR mod again, and I'll do that as well.

Overall, the truck feels right now. You can practically hear it thanking you for letting it breath!

 

Thanks Steve! I'll be sure to check this - do I need the N-JUN runnin'?

 

Midiwall, checked out your write up, thanks for the info. I was wonder... I've been thinking about headers for a while, and I know it's a PITA to do, but I'm a do it yourself type of guy bleading knuckles and all Does the downeys bolt right up to the stock exhaust? ie. no cutting welding etc. Everything you need to do it yourself? I have no issues with going into the stock system with my sawzaw or high speed.

Thanks

Mike

 

Everything you need comes with the Downey kit... BUT. It may not come with everything you want.

It's really recommended that you not use the bolts that come with, and that you instead get a set of studs and locking nuts from Toyota. Some folks have had issues with the Downey bolts. You won't be able to use the originals since they kinda' get destroyed when you take 'em off. I got a set from Todd ("TOR" here on the forum).

I did find that I didn't have gaskets in my kit, though they were supposed to be there. But, folks have also found to have better luck with the stock Toyota manifold gaskets (NOT the TRD header gaskets which tend to leak).

Hope that helps!

Mark

 

Thanks for the link Mark. They have the 3.0 headers, collectors, crossover, and transcooler relocation kit for $414. This is about $250+ less than Downey...

 

Hey Mark,

thanks for the info. I was balking at the headers also because they were priced in the $600+ range but $414. sounds like a better deal. It will have to be a spring time project, but I will look forward to giving it a try.

Thanks again.

 

I'm happy that I could help you out guys!


I too was balking for a long time because of the price. The TRD's for my truck are around $1000, but can be found for $700ish if you catch someone just right.

The Downey's had come up in an old thread, and when I started looking around I found that quite a number of folks had good things to say about 'em. Like I say on my page, I finally just did it.

If I had more of the proper tools (and paitence and room!) I would have done the install myself. The actually work is very straight forward, it's just a matter of getting in there and wrenching it all.