Header questions

[KLS]

What I'd really like to do is increase the hp below 3500 rpm, and it's OK if I give away some hp at high rpms to get there.

I'd appreciate anyone's comments about headers and exhaust. Here's what I've found out so far.

Cat-back exhaust systems don't add much power. TRD says that their system adds 4% hp and 2% torque, but they don't give the rpms where they get the gain. That's a lot of money for a 4% gain. I'm not interested in making the truck noisy, I just want more punch. I am aware that some systems give better throttle response but not necessarily better full throttle power.

Headers are questionable. A TRD rep looked at the dyno graph and told me that their headers added 8% (190 to 205 hp) @ 3400-3600 rpm, 3% (205 to 212 hp) @ 3600-3800 rpm, and 7% (215 to 230 hp) at 4200 rpm. This was rear wheel hp, and 4200 was the peak. The poor showing at 3600 rpm may have been his misreading of the graph, or maybe there was a dip. Anyway, not much for $800 + installation.

JBA's dyno chart looks too good to be true. I'm not sure I trust it. The header's runners don't look to be anywhere near equal length, the collector cone is really short, and the four tubes seem to have a flat filler plate filling the gap between the tubes where they enter the collector. None of these design shortcomings contribute to best performance.

Downey says that they haven't dyno tested their headers. If that's right, how did they develop the best pattern? If they did dyno test and didn't like the results, would they tell us? Downey's headers are 1-5/8" tubing; wouldn't 1-1/2" be better for low rpm performance?

So...TRD headers plus TRD exhaust increases the power maybe 10% (190 hp to 210) at moderate rpms. $1275 plus installation. Worth it?

Ken

[v8Toilet]

The TRD headers are nice and they do boost your low-end torque but they are way overpriced. Your crazy if you spend $1000-$1200 for a set of headers.

I've been researching this because I am in the market as well for headers. Like you I don't want more noise, I just want a nice boost in the low to mid range torque.

I have seen a dyno graph of a member who brought his truck to a dynamometer with the JBA headers and an exhaust. His truck put down 293-ft. lbs. of torque to the rear wheels and 217 horsepower. Another guy who also brought his truck to a dynamometer has TRD headers, an exhaust, and I think an air intake system put down 280-ft. lbs. of torque and 236 horsepower. The guy with the JBA headers was also running rich; the air fuel ratio on the graph was too low.

I have not seen any dyno graphs of anyone with the Downey headers except there is a guy with a thread who tested them with a G-Tech. His 2WD V8 goes 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and runs the quarter mile in the mid fifteen second range with the G-Tech. Stock 2WD Tundras do it in 7.9 ticks.

I have also talked to a lot of people here who have the Downey headers and all of them are very happy with the quality and power gains they feel with them. I specifically asked them if the Downey headers cost them any low-end torque. Most of them told me that they boosted the low-end slightly with a nice boost in the mid-range torque. One guy told me that his truck doesn't downshift on the highway as much as before when towing a load in overdrive. So I don’t think the 1-5/8 primaries are too big. If anything 1-1/2 inch primaries are too small.

One of my concerns was the placement of the 02 sensor in the headers. I wanted to know if they put the 02 sensor in a spot where it could read all four cylinders and not just one or two cylinders giving the computer inaccurate readings. I can't verify where the JBA headers 02 sensor is place but a member with Downey headers told me the Downey headers 02 sensor is placed in the collector so that it reads all four cylinders.

My conclusion is that the Downey headers are so far the best bang for the buck at $389.

[TUNDRABILL-21]

Please let me know you proceed with headers. I dont want to give all my money to TRD.

[KLS]

TRD V8 headers are $800 from Carson Toyota, one of TS' preferred vendors.
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...&threadid=1239


Ken

[red's tundra]

Sterling Mcall Toyota is having a sale on Headers...$749 and that includes shipping I believe. www.tundraterritory.com will give you a link. Not sure how long it is or what the "fine print" is...just thought I'd mention it. I got a quote on the TRD exhaust from them and Steve G still beat their price even though I have to pay tax if I buy from him, so I guess you just have to find who has the best deal when the time comes for you to buy.

[Michael]

I drive a 2000 Tundra Limited which has custom True Dual exhaust. It's pretty loud (I am yet to hear a louder truck where I live in Springfield, IL) and also has a real smooth tone, but I want more HP. I want to put a set of DOWNEY headers on, but don't want the truck to be any louder than it already is. I just want more horsepower without the noise ! If anyone knows whether or not Downey headers will make it a lot louder please post a reply or email me: HiRolla9@aol.com

P.S.- Anyone know if the Headers give the exhaust a more low-tone than cackle too,when equipped with true duals ?

Other Mods: K&N FIPK and Helix throttle body spacer

[Mr. Ving]

I have the jba headers with the stock exhaust. The sound isn't much different but the performance is better. I don't think that graph could be too far off.