Toyota Tundra TRD Dual Exhaust Installation

Jul. 14, 2014 By Josh Burns

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The TRD Tundra dual exhaust kit is designed to provide improved low-end and midrange torque, while producing an additional 5 to 8 horsepower for the 5.7-liter V8 motor.

Toyota Racing Development, or TRD as most know it, has served a number of roles for Toyota over the years. First started as an aftermarket parts distributor and speed shop in 1979, it then turned into an R&D division of Toyota that went on to share a 30-year partnership with one of the most recognizable off-road legends in Ivan “Iron Man” Stewart. TRD has now grown into one of the most recognizable monikers on Toyota trucks.

Back when we drove its TRD Pro models earlier in the year, Toyota officials told us that roughly 40 percent of the Tacomas it sells are equipped with a TRD package. Although TRD stickers on the rear quarter panel of Toyota truck beds are certainly a recognizable moniker for its upgraded trucks, it might go unnoticed by some that TRD is also a parts and performance division that offers a number of performance parts through dealers to upgrade their vehicle. When we first drove the TRD Pro Tundra, we were very impressed with its tough-sounding exhaust system. We later came to find out this part was already available in the TRD catalog. We wanted to check the system out. Toyota obliged.

The TRD Tundra exhaust kit features dual polished tips at the end of each pipe.

The TRD Performance Dual Exhaust System for the Toyota Tundra is a cat-back exhaust design that will fit 2010-2014 Tundra models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8 motor. It fits the Double Cab models with the standard bed but is not applicable to single-cab Tundras or long-bed setups.

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The dual exhaust system replaces the stock unit to reduce backpressure for a claimed improvement in low-end and midrange torque, and an improvement of 5 to 8 wheel horsepower over stock. The stainless-steel exhaust replaces the single-pipe stock unit to split into dual pipes that exit just under each rear corner of the Tundra. For added personalization, TRD-logos are etched onto the polished dual tips. Aside from the performance improvements, the TRD Dual Exhaust provides the a deep, throaty rumble that gives the 5.7-liter motor added growl all while meeting the legal 95-decible noise limit.

To aid in removing the stock exhaust from the hangers, a soapy water mixture will help lubricate the pieces for removal.

As we said, our first impression of the Dual Exhaust System came during the TRD Pro drive. We were impressed with the added rumble from the exhaust that, in our opinion, gives the powerful 5.7-liter a sound that compliments the motor; we always felt the stock motor felt a little strangled and too quiet for its capability.

Although lubricating the rubber mounts will aid in the removal of the stock exhaust, a large pry tool will provide the added torque if needed.

After speaking to TRD engineer team manager Ted Moncure during the event, he filled us in on some of the backstory on the development of the exhaust. In developing the system, he said the team paid careful attention to the power, sound, vibration and drone balance before settling on this particular setup. What was most impressive during our chat was his note that the TRD team actually tested 30 different exhausts before settling on this one, a considerable test pool when you consider that a five or six different test systems is often a more realistic number. Toyota clearly wanted to get this Tundra system right the first time.

The stock bolts are removed next. Be sure to retain the metal gasket used at this connecting point on the OE exhaust, as it will be reused on the TRD kit.

Having a lift will make the removal and installation of the large exhaust parts will make the process a little easier, but even if you do the work at home an extra set of hands will be very useful.

Here's a comparison of the stock exhaust (top) with the TRD dual exhaust system.

The center muffler assembly is put into place, using the stock hanger locations to secure it while the front bolts are hand tightened. For this section of the install, the original metal gaskets from the OE exhaust are reused here.

The stock heat shield (left) will be replaced with a larger piece (right) included with the kit.

The new heat shield is secured in place.

We walked away from the TRD Pro launch impressed with the exhaust, and we wanted to upgrade our Tundra with the same setup. Once we got our hands on a system, we headed over to SoCal SuperTrucks in San Bernardino, California, to help us with the install. Although installation is fairly straightforward and could be done in a driveway or garage, the access to SoCal SuperTrucks’ lift certainly made the process a little quicker. Our only suggestion for at-home installation would be to have an extra set of hands to help when taking apart and installing the exhaust components.

The system uses the stock hanger assemblies and includes an extra one for the new additional exhaust pipe. The kit comes with all the necessary hardware, including two new metal gaskets that will be used in addition to the two stock ones that will be reused from the OE exhaust. The kit also includes a new larger heat shield that will replace the stock unit as well.

The new hanger included with the TRD exhaust is installed on the rear driver side next to the spare tire using stock mounting holes for installation.

Additional metal gaskets are included to provide a seal between center muffler assembly and the dual tail pipe assemblies.

As the tail pipe assemblies are fitted into place and secured to the center assembly, the bolts are only hand tightened so the pipes can still be adjusted to fit on the hanger mounts.

The new tail pipe assembly on the driver’s side installs into the new hanger support, while the passenger side tail pipe will be suspended by the original stock hanger positions.

Once the tail pipe assemblies are supported and set it place, the final tightening of the center muffler assembly and rear tail pipes will complete the job.

With SoCal SuperTrucks technician Ryan Poe helping us, the TRD Dual Exhaust took a little less than two hours from start to finish to install. It can be done at home in the garage or driveway, but access to a lift will cut down on the install time. As for the exhaust performance, we definitely notice a livelier bottom end and midrange when accelerating. The powerful 5.7-liter motor really comes to life with the exhaust, as it feels much less strangled by the stock exhaust.

Here’s a look at the completed installation of TRD Dual Exhaust. The job took less than two hours at the SoCal SuperTrucks shop. The home mechanic can tackle the job in the garage, but the use of a lift certainly makes moving the large exhaust pieces a much simpler task.

The sound is truly great on the Dual Exhaust Kit as well. It provides added growl with the twist of the key, and the added rumble when accelerating is definitely a rewarding sound. What’s most impressive is the exhaust’s pitch never drones annoyingly or becomes a nuisance at cruising speeds. The TRD team’s exhaustive search (pun intended) when picking the right setup for this kit was worth the effort, as it is the perfect blend of a more aggressive growl without being overbearing.

The Dual Exhaust Kit can be ordered from your local Toyota dealer’s part counter. It has a suggested retail price of $1000 (parts only), which isn’t going to be the cheapest kit on the market, but in our opinion, it’s worth every penny. If you own a Tundra and have considered an exhaust upgrade, the TRD Dual Exhaust Kit should be near the top of your list.