I just purchased a set of TRD headers for my 97 Tacoma 4x4 V6. I should be getting them in about a week. Does anyone have suggestions for this install? I've read some old posts about having them coated with Jet Hot or ceramic coating to keep the engine compartment cool. I thougt I read a post a while back about using Felpro gaskets instead of the copper one's, but I don't recall where I saw it. Any help would be great!

 

I don't know about the TRD headers, but I wish I had used stock gaskets for my Edelbrocks.

Tips:
First I'd get a small steel brush from the welding section at Home Depot and a bottle of anti-sieze and PB Blaster from Napa or some other car place. Then I'd take the steel brush to the exhaust studs to scrape any rust off. Next I'd start spraying all the nuts and bolts you'll be removing with PB Blaster at least 3-4 days in advance at least once a day. On the big day I'd take the brush and reclean the studs and then apply the antisieze to the threads before you start to remove the nuts. I have found applying anti sieze makes a really big difference when removing semi rusty nuts and bolts and may save you a big headache.

I'd also have a sawzall handy with a good blade and some leather gloves. I tried undoing the nuts on the cross over and collector but soon gave up and just cut them right off, which saved a lot of time.

You will also need a set of open end wrenches and a torque wrench. Just make sure you don't overtorque the nuts, I think they're supposed to be 13 ft/lbs.

Good luck

 

PB Blaster is good stuff, but once you start spraying it, don't start the engine. If that stuff gets hot like on an exhaust system it will work backwards and lock those nuts up super tight, like they are welded on. Don't ask me how I know that...

Gadget

www.GadgetOnline.com

 

Lucky for me I live where it doesn't snow, unless I drive into the mountains, so they don't salt the roads. The rust of vehicles is very minimal... My last Toyota was a 86 4x4 and I never had any problems with rusty bolts. But, I'll spray the bolts for good messure before removing them, just in case...

 

I had mine ceramic coated(HPC) and used the stock gaskets. Been on for about 4 years now. No problems. I measured underhood temp in comparison with my buddies uncoated headers and there was varying difference from 0 to 25 degrees measured from the air filter. (Could have been more scientific...) Depends but anything helps in the desert! The only thing I've had to watch out for is the bolts on the collector to the converter. One always seems to come out no matter what.
Scott

 

let us know how the install goes...I heard its a living hell.

 

I'll definitely reply with a post after the install, probably be 3 weeks or so... I had a Jeep CJ7 with the straight 6 eng. and had to remove the intake manifold to get at the bolts for the header. I put on the Borla headers and it made a big difference in performance and fuel economy. From the sound of it, the Tacoma will be more of a challenge with the crossover, but as they say patience is a virtue. I called HPC about the ceramic coating, they coat the inside and outside of the header for $175. I've never heard of that, I thought the coating was just on the outside? I may go that route, but still not sure if it's worth the $$.

 

Here are some header install prices I just received from some local(Phoenix)shops:

Larry Miller Toyota: $760
Bell Road Toyota: $425
Toyowest(Independent shop): $350

So far the best TRD header price I have found is $721 from toyotaparts4u.com. I have Sterling Toyota of Texas trying to beat that price.

Now to get the best price for ceramic coating


Paul

 

Wow, that's not bad considering the aggrivation the install entails (or so I hear).

Still, $1100 for TRD headers installed at the cheapest place? Ouch. That's a lot of money.

 

I bought my headers from Toyota Territory for $700, they have free shipping. If interested talk to Omar. This is actually last years price, I guess retail went up $50 this year. They quoted me $689 in December. I've talked to him a few times in the last couple days, tell him Rob referred you. The # is 800-749-9632. They are going to send the headers directly to HPC for me, to have a ceramic coating sprayed on, then HPC will send the headers to me, I figure I can save at least a week in shipping time by doing this. HPC charges $175 for the Tacoma V6 headers. I have a wide array of tools, plus I enjoy working on my vehicles so I'll do it myself. I figure the cost of installation that I save can pay for the ceramic coating and maybe an electric fan. Good Luck! Oh, Toyota Territory is out of Houston, Tx so I didn't pay any sales tax either.....

 

Toyota Territory now wants $787 for the headers (according to their web site)

 

Give Omar a call, maybe he'll match the price he gave me...

 

Omar gave me a quote of $715 + shipping

 

Bummer, he didn't match the price... I see that it's free shipping if you spend over $30 except for heavy or large items, guess the headers fall into that catagory... I wonder why he gave me such a good deal, maybe because of the price he quoted me back in December?