Install A New Tundra Exhaust System in 27 Minutes

OffRoadWeb.com has a nice quick article that shows how installing an MBRP cat-back exhaust system takes just about 30 minutes (27, to be exact). While this install time assumes that:

• you have all the tools you need
• that you know how to use them
• that you have access to a vehicle lift
• that the underside of your Tundra is relatively rust and grime-free

it’s still a great illustration of just how easy it can be to install a cat-back after-market exhaust system on your Tundra. Most cat-back exhaust systems are designed to use factory exhaust hangers, which means that install can be really, really simple…especially on a newer truck where there isn’t any rust or grime to deal with.

Off-Road Magazine installs a MBRP cat-back system on a new Tundra. Click to read the full article.

If you’re thinking about adding a cat-back exhaust system to your Tundra, here are a few ideas to consider:

1. What sound do you want? Some people really like an aggressive sound that will draw attention from a quarter-mile away, while others want to improve exhaust flow without appreciably increasing noise at all. If you’re looking for aggressive sound, the good news is that it’s easy to find and generally very inexpensive. Magnaflow and Flowmaster both offer aggressive sounding systems for most vehicles, and often times the prices are less than $500.

On the other hand, a quiet performance exhaust system can be harder to find. Many people will tell you that a Borla exhaust system is generally quieter than the average system, as is the exhaust system from TRD. However, despite Borla and TRD’s reputation for quality and sound – and their higher price (both systems cost $1,000 plus) there are other people who say that neither the TRD or Borla exhaust system is quiet enough.

2. Are you worried about drone? If you’re looking for an aggressive-sounding exhaust system, I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The bad news? Your system will have some drone. The good news? You probably won’t notice it. After talking to hundreds of truck owners about their exhaust systems, I feel comfortable making the following general, blanket statement:

People who want aggressive-sounding exhaust systems generally don’t complain about drone. People who want quiet exhaust systems very often complain about drone.

If you’re really concerned about drone, I have three options:

1. Test drive a truck with a TRD exhaust system. There’s a very good chance one of your local Toyota dealers has a truck with a TRD system on the lot. Take it out on the highway and see what you think.
2. Consider the DynoMax VT drone-free muffler. Early reports are that this thing really works.
3. Don’t buy an after-market system.

To be completely honest and truthful, the best drone-free exhaust system available for your Tundra is installed at the factory. Don’t buy a new system if drone is a major concern.

3. Buy the best stainless you can afford, at least in corrosive climates. There are three types of exhaust system materials available:

• Aluminized or galvanized steel (lowest cost, shortest life-span)
• 409 stainless steel (the defacto standard for new vehicles as well as many after-market companies)
• 304 stainless steel (marine-quality stainless that can even hold a polish)

There’s a good blog post here that breaks down the stainless vs aluminized steel exhaust system question, but the short answer is that 304 will last longer than your truck, 409 may last the lifetime of your vehicle, and aluminized can corrode really fast in the wrong climate.

Related Posts:

• Toyota Tundra Exhaust System Modification Guide
• Popular After-market Tundra Exhaust Systems
• Tundra Exhaust Sound Clips