Is the TRD Exhaust worth getting?
Is there any factory mods worth getting?

 

The TRD is an axleback, so it doesn't provide much performance gain... but you could add a custom mid-pipe. IMO, it sounds better than all the others out there, especially with a CAI. Here is a video clip someone posted of the TRD with a K&N CAI. Even without the CAI it sounds nearly as good.

http://www.socalpunkandska.com/images/trdkandn.mov

 

I am very happy with the other factory mods I have (the floormats are expensive... but the removable carpet in wet weather is very nice to have). Some say the floormats wear out fast, but mine are still good after 12,000 miles.. so we will see. The sub I will probably replace with my own custom fiberglass enclosure later this year.. but for decent sound and a hatch-space-friendly design, it does pretty well.

 

i voted yes! how do u get the carpet off?

 

You know those two plastic inserts at the corners? Pull them off... you have to tug a little, then the plasitc peiece underneath comes off. Then you just pull the carpet out. They should have given you a peice of paper with the instructions to take them out. They are made that way so you can remove the carpet in rain, or during the winter, and be able to hose off the rubber mats. Then in nice weather you can just put them back in.

 

If you have the money get it. Not to loud but not to quiet. I love it with the windows down. Not to mention it looks real good. 374 shipped was the cheapest I could find.

 

Yeah, I'm wondering if I should get one too...

How's the install? Can someone with no experience do it?
if not do you think the dealer would install it for me if I bought it online?

 

i assume with a name like needs2gofast you are looking for power. if that is the cast the trd exhaust is useless to you since it's an axle back. it may sound good but won't provide any power gains. one of the exhaust specialists on here said maybe 2 - 3 at the crank.

 

Whether or not it provides any power will really depend on if you have any other mods and how your car/mod setup responds to that.

For example:
Intake A: 2HP
Exhaust B: 2 HP

That is not equal to 4HP when put together. Could be 5 could be 3 could be 4. Who knows. Besides, when you are talking about JUST ONE mod (intake, exhaust, header, ignition, etc..) on a NA engine, you are likely not going to ever know if it does anything due to dyno variables.

However, the TRD exhaust sounds very, very nice. And like someone said, can be a good, nicely priced, good looking, start to an "aftermarket" exhaust.

 

The thing about it is the muffler has nothing to really do with gains. it is about the s piping, catbacks, no resinators, and how straight the piping is... I bet if you get a sweet SS catback section and hook it up to the TRD exhaust, you will get the same gains as all the others claim.

I am waiting for a good catback system then I plan on just keeping the TRD exhaust. Got to love the sound.

Someone please prove me wrong about my post.

 

motozen: depends on the stock part of the exhaust you are replacing.

As for tC's - I'd say "pretty much" although vendors might try to convince us otherwise.

Exhaust is a pretty minimal gain in general unless you've got a larger engine or FI. But there is still _some_ gain.

I got the TRD for the sound, I will never believe it is helping me performance wise. That's what my Nology Ignition wires are for (KIDDING!)

 

TRD exhaust sounds crappy with headers if you get one

Injens nice...

 

Ok, since you asked ANY reduction in exhaust flow restriction will improve performance. So as long as the axleback is less restrictive than the stock exhaust (they claim it is) then it is helping. However, this is a very minor gain... around 3 bhp from what I have heard, so you will not feel any difference when driving it. But it is helping. A catback system is definitely better because you are removing much more of the restriction in the system, hence the better gains.

 

Thanks for your replys.

 

Question: When / who / where can I get the Cat-Back? Who offers one that merges to the TRD exhaust, cause I'm keeping that!!

If I only knew what an axel back was when I bought the darn thing

 

Is the TRD worth it for performance? No.
Is the TRD worth it for the fun/sound of it? Yes.

It's a good quality, almost stock (but stainless steel) looking exhaust that sounds nice and not too loud. It also won't count as an aftermarket mod when you sell your car, since it is an official Scion accessory, which can often times be a good thing.

 

for one, the trd exhaust doesnt settle with me. i love that its the trd, id prefer everything to be. but the design is SO restrictive. i mean just look at it.... the pipes going in and out of the muffler. i know why they did it like that, and since its only and axle-back they knew it wasnt for gains so trd wasnt worried but what about full exhaust with the sc? that bend in the back is going to hold back a little..

also, ps- nology hot wires really do work. i got about 5 extra on my accord. it just sucks because they burn the ignition out because grounding them pulls more power than the ignition system wants to give..

 

To date, I am not convinced that Nology Hotwires provide anything to justify their cost. Especially on our car.

That said, they do look cool, and I don't mind spending some money to make my engine look nice. hey, that's why you make money.. to spend it.

 

it was deffinately a solid 5, but considering i paid 200+ dollars for such a vague improvement, because to me 5 horses is as small of gain you can get while still being able to tell a difference. they suck, but they do something. dont get them!

 

I drove a bone stock TC and mine with the TRD exhaust and I felt better throttle response with mine, I agree, it looks and sounds awesome and the muffler is smaller and more free flowing than stock...have you SEEN a stock muffler, they are HUGE!!!!! I agree...maybe 3hp, but whatever, its worth it for the sound alone!