I'm the guy that this car is not made for (age wise), but I just find this car with so much utulity. It saves gas, it's big, I can haul stuff in the interior, it's functionable, and I have it on order. But my question is that I want to modify it with an intake and exhuast sytem, but want to keep it with minimal noise, but still want the power for freeway traveling here in Houston Tx. I'm looking at the injen and AEM and TRD exhuast. I know that the injen is good, but is it loud? Can any you young experienced guy's help me recommend a system set up?

 

Either one is fine.....plus intakes arent to terribly loud....that make a slight growl sound when you get on it from the air being pushed through....exshaust eh look around on that topic....its always coming up you will find plenty of research info on that topic

 

Keep it stock.The AEM intake wont do much (slight increase in noise).

The TRD exhuast is too loud. From your Avatar you have a child, so that exhuast is too loud and pointless to have on since the xB is underpowered. Kinda embarrassing when your idling loudly at a light when you only have 108hp/105 torque at the flywheel...IMO.

Also, most/all high flow exhuast system/muffler (including TRD) will decrease the amount of torque it has. You need torque to really keep moving in all situations, IMHO. Have you driven an xB before? The engine does make a bit more noise (pleasant rumble) compared to a, let's say a Camry.

 

The complaint with the TRD exhaust seems to be the loss of some low end power. I've never heard or experienced any after market exhaust myself, but have been doing research on the topic. As far as intakes go, I have the AEM and am installing it this weekend. It's very expensive compared to the short Ram's that are out there (Injen and SPFR besides others), but it's a solid unit.

One older guy sold his TRD exhaust for making too much noise...here's more on that... https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4896.

He got $100 for it. If you'd like, I'll buy your TRD exhaust for $100 if it's too loud for you :D .

The axelback/catback exhausts generate more power, but I don't know how they compare to TRD in sound.

 

trd is loud when u r in the car...

 

Thanks for the replies. So Basicly, I just need a good intake and no upgraded muffler? If so, between injen or AEM?

 

Flip a coin.

Fitment issues with Injen, but slightly more HP/Torque. $165 or better. http://www.adventon.com/acb/showdetl...6807&CATID=230 (best price on the net)
Here's more on the issue https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...ighlight=injen

AEM is offered as a factory option, but more expensive $280 from an after market shop. Refined looking piece. https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1861 for more info. Take a look in the store on this site under "intakes" to check out other options.

The only reason I'm running AEM is because I like the look and I got it for $160 from a private party.

 

Ok, Houston is basicly a controlled swamp and we have alot of flash floods and I know that the AEM has a specific valve for incidents of high water. Does the injen have the same system?

 

Someone correct me if I'm wrong...
The Injen is a short ram intake and the filter is located near the fog lights. It is well protected from water intake and should not require a flood protection valve.

The AEM filter is going to be a lot lower than the Injen intake, thus, the valve.

 

well, i guess you have never heard or ridden in a car with the trd exhaust in person, cuz i have it on mine, and it is the quietest exhaust that i have heard, it only gets loud if you give it wide open throttle, and it DEFINATELY is not loud just sitting at a stoplight. As a matter of fact, 2 times now i have accidentaly hit the starter when the car was already running because its so quiet! And if anything, it gives it more torque.

 

Have riddin one with all the dealer upgrades at the dealer ( AEM and TRD combo) and it sounded not to noisey. But did ride both a regular stock and upgraded and could tell the difference in power.

 

the injen intake is right behind the the light.....fittment on mine was cake.
the only problem is the battery sits real close to a sharp piece of metal that is bracing the intake...but sounds awesome and gives great power.
i have a son and its not loud at all for him.

 

is that sharp piece bracing the intake a problem then? if it is, is there anything that can be done?

thnks

 

I used to have a TRD muffler on my car. It was made by Borla, sold as a TRD part. I know at cruisin highway speeds, at least on that one, the noise (or lack of) is similar to stock. But during summer months, when i would use my A/C and at a light it would rumble nicely. Probably an underpowered A/C on my car.

Maybe the xB version is different, so I wouldn't know. :?

Links for East Coasters for Scion parts when available. Save you on shipping too i think. Sometimes they have sweet deals.
Located in PA
http://www.partznet.com

Located in NC
http://www.toyotaparts4u.com

 

yeah that was one of the complaints on the injen intake when I installed it in the shootout. You can pretty much shave it down or file it down.

Aside from that I have no complaints....it makes good power which you can feel even if it isn't worth it according to 1NZ-FE. I say anything that can help the engine should go on.

As for your concern on hydro-lock the Injen Short ram sits the highest up compared to all the intakes that I dynoed. Interesting huh considering that it yielded the best results.

Anyway, none of the intakes made annoying noise....if anything it they all gave the box a little growl.

 

IMHO

Before adding power mods, get a baseline dyno of your stock ride after the car has been broken in properly. then add the mods, and then dyno away :D

 

i had no fitment issues when installing the Injen intake on my wifes xB. Nothing sharp, and everything had plenty of room.

 

Thanks guy's! All your info is great and I feel pleased to be part of the Scion family. It gives me comfort that many issues can be pm'd and the feedback very helpfull.

 

I'd have the SPFR intake. The intake is outstanding, and there's an SPFR exhaust coming soon which is a true cat-back, and will add horsepower without sounding obnoxious!

welcome to the Scion family!

 

Workbox-

I'm an older guy too, and like the car for the way it looks as well as the things you mentioned.
I too, wanted to make a bit more power then stock and not sound like a kid driving around town. I went with the AEM after I bought my car and then added the TRD muffler after that. I can tell you that the AEM seems to make a difference, although not huge. The TRD on the other hand was crap, it killed the torque as 1NZEFE said, and it was louder inside the car then it was outside. It may have made a tiny bit more power in the upper RPM's but I doubt it. My very young kids didn't want to ride in Daddy's new car after I put it on...they complained about the noise!! I took it off after 5 days and eventually sold it for a huge loss. After putting the stock muffler back on and putting on a tip (I liked the look of the TRD) I noticed a BIG difference in driveability...it was MUCH better with the stock muffler!

PM me if you have any further questions..like how to get it to ride better!