The latest Landcruiser to hit the showrooms is the 300 series. It is an evolution of a nameplate with one of the longest production runs in automotive history. With seven decades of continual refinement, the Landcruiser has defined the off-road segment. Its popularity is evident on Aussie streets as well as the outback, and thousands of Australians swear by its go-anywhere capabilities. Models have been tailored to tackle any terrain, as well as provide the best towing performance. An all-around family, work and recreational vehicle you’d want in the garage.
Big 6- and 8-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are paired with drivetrains that handle anything you can throw at them. They’re tuned for low-down grunt to make the best use of high and low gears wherever needed. So, what can you change in a car that is rigorously tested in the Aussie Outback, before welcoming customers? Not much in the way of reliability, as all Toyota cars are built to last. But a few necessary accessories can make your next camping trip just that much more pleasurable. That and an exhaust upgrade to get all those ponies in the engines alive and kicking.
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Toyota Landcruiser Exhaust Upgrades
You might be hesitant in modifying a new car, but there are thousands of Landcruisers that have taken a beating, and can use some TLC. If you’re constantly hitting dirt trails, you’ll have a modified suspension for taller approach angles, and some extra protection in the underbody and transmission when bigger rocks and water get in the way. To give your car some more push in the tighter stuff, a modified Toyota Landcruiser exhaust can go a long way. Older 70, 80 and 100 series Landcruisers and the smaller displacement diesel Prados will reap the most benefits. Straighter and wider tubing allows for less restricted airflow, meaning engines breathe better. When changing out the pipes, also consider putting in a snorkel and bigger air filtering systems to provide for cleaner air, and more of it
Types of Exhausts
When changing the stock exhaust on your Landcruiser, there are several types to choose from, and each with different performance gains:
- Axle-back exhaust systems are the most common modifications to stock exhausts, and the cheapest. They change out the least number of parts, and provide the car with slight gains in performance and a change in the exhaust note. All exhaust parts from the rear axle to the exhaust tips are changed. This includes the muffler, the tailpipe extension tube, the tailpipe and the tip. You can choose straight tubing, effectively deleting the muffler to get a louder exhaust sound, or include a resonator or larger muffler if you want something quieter.
- Cat-back exhausts change all the parts from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tip. This includes all the parts in the axle-back system along with the extension pipe from the converter. Cat-back systems provide fewer restrictions to airflow, and hence more performance gains. Here too you can choose a muffler.
- DPF-back exhausts are found specifically on the 6-cylinder diesels in the Landcruiser and change all stock parts up to the Diesel Particle Filter. With wider intermediate sections, a DPF back exhaust helps burn toxic diesel particles much better, meaning better emissions, and also better fuel economy. This is particularly good for older Landcruisers as they can get thirsty.
- Turbo-back and Header-back are the most common Toyota Landcruiser exhaust upgrades that most owners opt for. This involves removing all the stock exhaust parts. Different variants and sold for different engine types and Landcruiser models. This system includes much wider and straighter tubing straight out of the exhaust manifold to the tip. The result is you get the best performance gains, the raspiest exhaust note, and also the best gains in fuel economy. Aftermarket systems are available for all Landcruisers, and are supplied with all necessary mounting equipment. Parts are bolted on directly to the mounting points holding the stock exhaust in place, so there’s no drilling or additional work needed.
What to Look for in Aftermarket Toyota Landcruiser Exhausts
- Materials – Go for exhausts made of durable, high-grade stainless steel. These will have no worries with higher heat levels. The additional exterior enamel coating helps to prevent tubes from corroding when in contact with water, salt or road spray.
- Build and Design – Opt for straighter tubing where possible. Also, wider exhaust tubes, typically around 3 inches means there less restriction to gas flow and possible backpressure. This helps the engine breathe, meaning it’s not getting overworked. A modified exhaust will also help in extending the life cycle of the engine. All aftermarket exhausts sold in Australia are ADR approved and are built to tight tolerances.
- Vehicle Compatibility – Diesel exhausts will have modified particle filters and fit 6 and 8-cylinder diesel Landcruisers. Petrol variants also differ. Get the right exhaust upgrade for your Landcruiser model and series, and for the specific engine in your car.
- Price – Aftermarket exhausts are much cheaper than comparable parts sourced directly from Toyota. Browse for the best deals online, or visit your local exhaust parts shop. Also, factor in labour costs when you’re set on buying.