I have a 88 4runner 4inch lift 33's i'm getting a new exhaust put in but before i do that i would like to get a few opinions on whether i should get a Header or just stay with the stock manifold.it's a V6 3.0,

 

IMHO, if you're going through the trouble, might as well get headers. I hear they make a huge difference on this motor.

 

Any suggestions on where i should order it from,I'm not rich i can't spend more than $700 on a exhaust

 

I ordered my header from LC engineering, also got a free flow cat from them. They are expensive, but their stuff is quality. The header and cat have been on for over 6 years now and are still in great shape!

Remember, you get what you pay for.

NEVERMIND, LCE only makes them for 4 cyl.

 

NWOR makes the best quality headers for the 3.0, but I'd never buy a thing from them.

That leaves Downey, and you WILL spend at least that much on exhaust.

 

3 choices:

• Downey
• NorthWest Off Road (NWOR)
• Thorley (maybe)

Do a search for either of the three here and you'll find more info than you can shake a stick at.

If you can weld and bend pipe, you can fab your own exhaust for way cheaper than $700 including the headers. If not, you can expect to spend at least that much.

 

I have both NWOR and Downey. NWOR have been on my truck for like 5 year now. I think they made a HUGE diffrance in the motor. (well relitivly speaking its still a 3.0)

Ive got the downey sitting in the garage ready to go on the motor im building for my 4runner.

NWOR are stainless very high quality but you pay for it on the order of $600.
Downey are cromed and thinner but you pay for it, on the order of $300

both make a cerimic coated version for more $$

 

I'd have a y pipe built and then a new exhaust installed and see what you have. If you are happy then leave it otherwise you can always have them installed later. Basicly you will have to install a y pipe and exhaust anyways so if you put headers on later no real huge loss. Plus that way you can save your pennies for the headers and spread your investment over time.

 

What he's talking about is keeping the stock manifolds and removing the crossover pipe behind the engine. You could even swap out the driver's side exhaust manifold with an extra passenger's side one, and block the 2 holes in it. Then cut the flanges off of the original crossover pipe and use them to fab up a bolt on Y-pipe. In short, a poor man's header system. Check out his performance exhaust for the 3.0 thread for more information.

 

I looked at my exhaust manifold gaskets today and if you flip it over they don't actually match up. The bolt pattern is off by about .25". Nice idea though, except that your swapping out a higher flow maniflod for a more restrictive one.

 

Man, I'll have to check that again next time I go home! I'm sorry, I really thought they lined up. Maybe the bolt holes can be drilled or milled that 1/4". Yeah, it'd be cool if there was a driver's side manifold that would point down the right direction on the passenger's side. Even so, the starter and A/C are in the way. Unless the A/C
compressor was already removed (non-functional system) and a downpipe could be
run under the engine and connect to the other downpipe (like a FWD V6 Camry). I'm
just bouncing around ideas here.

 

I WAS RIGHT!! I went home yesterday and while I was there I checked my exhaust manifolds. THE PASSENGER SIDE MANIFOLD WILL BOLT RIGHT ON TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEAD! Actually both manifolds will bolt to either side, even upside-down! So, that means my poor man's header idea can work! I placed the manifold onto the head this time (over the studs) so there is NO more doubt. Now everyone knows that it can bolt up, so feel free to convert your exhaust system and eliminate your crossover pipe.