Is the TRD sport exhaust/muffler a worthwhile accessory for road use?

[TrevorS]

Hi,

I'm seriously looking at the purchase of a 2008 xB (5 spd manual), but I'm looking for accessories that genuinely make a difference to how the car performs/behaves with road driving (racing isn't an issue.) So, if that TRD sport exhaust/muffler provides a useful improvement during road manouvering and hopefully also in fuel economy, then that sounds good to me. On the other hand, if mostly what it accomplishes is to give a throaty sound, then I'll pass.

Can anyone help me with this question?

Thanks -- Trevor

PS. Since my dealer would charge $625 for the TRD exhaust and installation, I'm thinking of getting it from this site instead and installing it myself:

http://www.trdsparks.com/displaycate...ubmit=Continue...

[burstaneurysm]

It's really just gonna be sound... you might notice some modest HP gains, but nothing significant.

Self install of an exhaust is a breeze, so don't have the dealer do it.

[captainlaziness]

Yeah, that's what? Two bolts and a little messin' with the hangers?

You might gain three or four HP.

[TrevorS]

Thanks guys :)! I get the impression from burstaneurysm that upgrading the header is the most effective way to go. Course, I don't know if such an upgrade is a drop-in replacement, or if it requires replacement of the whole exhaust system (would prefer drop-in :)!) Course, I don't yet know where one gets exhaust headers for these machines either :confused:!

[burstaneurysm]

I'm not sure if there's a header available for the 08 xB yet... keep an eye out for offerings from Strup, DC Sports, Weapon-R and Greddy. It took an hour to install my header. Bolt on at the block and downpipe. 7 bolts total. The only hard thing is access... but the header on the 2AZ-FE is on the front, so it's easier to get to. The 1NZ is mounted backwards, so you have to work against the firewall.

Where are you located? When you get into emissions modifications, you need to pay attention to local laws... for instance, good luck with any legal stuff in Cali, or any of the other CARB states.

Also, as far as the tC header goes, it will remove the 1st cat, and require an antifouler to prevent a CEL... but that's easy enough. I'd be inclined to think that it's the same case on the 08 xB, since they share the engine.

[TrevorS]

I'm in Delaware -- they're becoming more emissions conscious since New Castle County (northernmost county) has both chemical industry and heavy interstate traffic from NY/NJ/PA through to MD and D.C. -- the interstate traffic being a growing issue. I ride a bicycle and it can get pretty unpleasant, definitely not as bad as CA though.

A bolt in direct replacement between the cylinder head and down-pipe would be perfect. I guess it's a question of seeing what becomes available. Thanks for the info :)!