The Toyota Tacoma is one of the midsize trucks that standout due to their ruggedness and impressive off-road capabilities. Owners seeking to get all they can out of their Tacoma seem to have a penchant for the exhaust system upgrade. Often they have two exhaust systems in which to upgrade: headers or the exhaust manifold.
While these components both play vital roles in managing exhaust gasses, they function differently and offer distinct performance benefits. If you’re looking to improve your Tacoma’s power, sound, and efficiency, understanding the difference between the exhaust manifold and headers is key.
It is an exhaust manifold.
Your Tacoma’s exhaust manifold collects exhaust gasses from the cylinder plus sends them all to an exhaust pipe that will lead to your catalytic converter and the rest of your exhaust system. Stock exhaust manifolds are usually made of cast iron or steel, materials chosen for their durability and heat resistance.
While the exhaust manifold gets the job done satisfactorily, it’s design constrains it in having to restrict exhaust flow, thus creating backpressure. That is, the engine needs to work harder to expel exhaust gasses and in turn will affect the output of the engine and the efficiency at higher RPMs when it needs to have a better exhaust flow rate.
WHAT ARE HEADERS?
Headers are aftermarket parts replacing the stock exhaust manifold. The manifold is a single pipe design. Headers, however, have individual tubes that gather exhaust gasses from each cylinder which flow to a collector. This design has minimized back pressure as the flow with exhaust gasses is increased; hence it has improved engine efficiency and performance.
To produce headers, usually, stainless steel is used or a material better made for high-performance application. There are two main classes of tacoma headers, shorty and long tube.
Shorty Headers: Much less complicated than long tube headers, and much easier to install, shorty headers replace your stock manifold with shorter tubes. Their increases are not in the same class as those of long tube headers but do provide decent gains in horsepower and torque overall, especially at lower RPMs.
Long Tube Headers: Long tube headers are designed for maximum performance, having longer tubes so that the exhaust gasses can pass in smooth flow with a higher flow rate. These headers offer improved engine efficiency at higher RPMs and provide maximum gains in horsepower and torque; however, they are more difficult to install compared to others and may require some additional modifications to the exhaust system.
Benefits of Upgrading to Headers
More horsepower and torque- The first advantage is increased flow of exhaust and the resultant reduction in backpressure. By making it easy for exhaust gasses to leave the engine, headers can create tremendous horsepower and torque, especially in higher RPM, resulting in faster acceleration, the ability to tow also in general performance.
Better fuel economy: In most cases, the engine will require less effort to clear the exhaust gasses, hence an efficiency reason for better mileage in some cases. This is, though not drastically, noticeable in mileage, which may become more appreciable over time-long highway runs.
Aggressive Sound: Headers also improve the exhaust sound of your Tacoma. Installation of headers, replacing the standard manifold, results in a deeper, more aggressive growl that often pleases performance enthusiasts. Lower Exhaust Gas Temperatures: Headers minimize exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs). Excessive heat can destroy important engine components, and really, there is no better cure for the beating that towing and/or high temperatures in off-road use inflict on an engine.
Considerations Before Installing Headers
While upgrading to headers has several benefits, it has its few considerations one should know about.
Fit and compatibility: The heads are designed for only some Tacoma models. Therefore, ensure that it fits with your truck’s engine and whether the model year fits. Emissions Compliance: Certain headers, particularly longer-tube headers, may interfere with emissions systems or will require modifications to the catalytic converter, so check local regulations to ensure your modification complies with emissions standards. Installation Complexity: The installation of shorty headers is relatively straightforward. Long tube headers, however, require more intrusive modifications and therefore demand professional assistance. You may choose to let the installation be handled by a professional mechanic depending on your skills and equipment. Conclusion Upgrading to headers for your Toyota Tacoma has numerous benefits, such as increased horsepower and torque, this developing fuel efficiency, and a more aggressive sound of the exhaust. Headers release back pressure created by the stock exhaust manifold, thus allowing easier flow of exhaust gasses and letting your engine perform at its full capacity. Whether you choose shorty or long tube headers, this modification is the fabulous way to unleash the true power of your Tacoma. Just ensure that fitment, alongside with emissions regulations, installation process, will not discourage you when you opt for modifying your Tacoma.
