Toyota Tacoma and Tundra: Performance Modifications
The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are powerful trucks, but there is always room for improvement.
This article applies to the Toyota Tacoma and Tundra (1996-2016).
The Toyota Tundra and the Tacoma are trucks designed for hard work. They are powerful vehicles, but there is always a way to make them stronger. This guide will show you how you can make the best out of your current engine. With these modifications, your truck will become an absolute beast. If you're ready to make your Tacoma or Tundra an even stronger truck, read on to learn how one of these three, or all of these three, modifications can achieve all of your desires.
Performance Modifications
#1 Cold Air Intake Kit
DIY Cost – $200-400
Professional Cost – $400-600
Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires the removal of various components.
A cold air intake is the first modification you should ever consider for your truck. This crazy invention does not only increase your horsepower, it also improves fuel economy. This product is designed to replace your stock air box. It brings cold air from outside of the engine compartment, and pushes it into the warm engine, which increases its performance. There are tons of manufacturers that make great cold air intake kits. This modification can easily be done without the help of a mechanic. If you're looking for immediate increase in performance and better gas mileage, this is the mod for you. Recommended for its increase in performance and better gas mileage.
#2 Cat-Back Exhaust
DIY Cost – $400-800
Professional Cost – $600-1,000
Skill Level – Moderate; this job requires the removal of various components and working in tight areas.
This modification works perfectly if you've already installed the cold air intake kit. This is designed to free the air leaving the engine, which allows for better performance and even better fuel economy, since it flows freely. This modification can be done at home if you are comfortable working under your truck. It's a matter of removing a few bolts and installing the new ones. If you're looking for the next level in engine performance, this is it; you will see immediate results, your engine will run freely, and you'll see roughly 5% better fuel economy. Recommended for its immediate results.
#3 Exhaust Headers
DIY Cost – $135-1,000
Professional Cost – $500-1,300
Skill Level – Difficult; this job requires the removal of various engine components and working in an extremely tight area.
The Toyota engineers had performance in mind when they were designing their trucks; however, they also had efficiency in mind. The stock exhaust headers are designed to be quiet, unobtrusive and offer more working space in the engine bay. Aftermarket headers are more efficient at scavenging exhaust gasses and forcing them downstream through the exhaust. Even though they will take more room in the engine compartment, they are designed to fit right in. Again, this modification will increase your horsepower. Installing new headers is a difficult process, however; the original manifolds are usually stuck on the heads due to heat cycling and in general, access can be tight. However, if you're comfortable in doing so, it can be accomplished with hand tools over the course of a weekend. Recommended for its increase in horsepower.
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