Exhaust Recommendations - 2002 Double Cab Tacoma

[RabidRover]

I am looking at replacing my exhaust including the catalytic converter on my 2002 double cab Tacoma with a V6. I was looking for something I can bolt on so I could do it myself or should I take it to a muffler shop and get something built? I understand the factory cat is the best but I cannot justify the cost compared to a Magnaflow or similar after market product. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[CA-RJ]

I have a Magnaflow 49 state legal cat and the TRD catback exhaust in the garage ready to go on my 4Runner. It will probably be another week before I get it on, but as soon as I do, I'll let you know what I think of it.

 

[RabidRover]

I have a Magnaflow 49 state legal cat and the TRD catback exhaust in the garage ready to go on my 4Runner. It will probably be another week before I get it on, but as soon as I do, I'll let you know what I think of it.

Thanks - very much appreciated. Are you going to replace the O2 sensors at the same time? I was thinking about going the same route but was wondering which catback to go with ... you might decide for me :sombrero:

 

[CA-RJ]

I recently replaced them. I'm only replacing the cat and exhaust because some scumbag stole my old cat.

 

[offthebeatenpath]

X2 on the Magnaflow cat. Tons of choices, and inexpensive. Had one in my last Jeep, no issues whatsoever.

 

[J-man]

There is no reason to buy a full aftermarket "cat back" system - total waste of $$. Just replace the muffler with a magnaflow or similar "straight through" design, and the same for the cat. Its not a bad idea to replace the oxy sensors while your at it cause you know you'll have to once its all back together. The first oxy sensor (before the cat) is the most critical - its the one that measures your a/f ratios - the second one after the cat just monitors the cat - not worth the $125 to replace. URD has good prices on oxy sensors and has a part# guide to help you find the correct one for your rig.

 

[RabidRover]

Has anybody chipped their truck to fake out the O2 sensors? I spoke with the local muffler shop and they have experience with the after market cats tripping the check engine light. They recommended going with factor or considering the chip. I was thinking about trying the after market cat and if I do run into problems, chipping the truck. I can't stomach the $900 sticker (Canadian) for the factor cat.

 

[J-man]

ive been running the rear o2 sim from empire offroad for over 3 years now - just plug & play. You can delete your cats all together. I had to because i turbo'd my 2000.

 

[Mc Taco]

...because some scumbag stole my old cat.

I had my muffler shop friend weld a tab on my catalytic converter so it couldn't just be un-bolted. $15. There were a rash of thefts of cats at work from Tacomas. Cheap insurance. I know that if they really want it they can use a cordless sawzall to cut it off, but that will take longer and make a bunch more noise.

$.02

 

[RabidRover]

I had my muffler shop friend weld a tab on my catalytic converter so it couldn't just be un-bolted. $15. There were a rash of thefts of cats at work from Tacomas. Cheap insurance. I know that if they really want it they can use a cordless sawzall to cut it off, but that will take longer and make a bunch more noise.

$.02

If I go with a cat ... I am definitely doing that. Tempting to weld some razor wire on as well ...

 

[CA-RJ]

They won't steal new ones. They can't turn those in. It's the 200k mile old used one like I had that is a perfect candidate.

 

[Ramont]

I own a muffler shop here in town. On my 99 4runner v6 I installed a Magnaflow high flow cat and a Magnaflow muffler. It sounded awesome and gave the 4runner a little more power. Didn't have any issues with o2 sensors or anything else for that matter. The set up is still on the 4runner after 5 years (my brother owns it now) and it still sounds awesome. The best part about the set up is that Magnaflow products are warrantied for life. Any issues and they can be replaced for nothing.
Don't buy an expensive cat back system when a good muffler shop can do the same thing for half the price