1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

3” Dual Exhaust Build w/ X Pipe

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by swank501, May 24, 2020.

  1. May 24, 2020 at 12:18 PM
    #1
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    I’ve been thinking about fabricating a catback exhaust for my RCSB. Currently running 1-3/4” American Racing long tubes and 3” midpipes with the TRD catback. I’m also supercharged with other mods, tuned. Making ~590hp/540tq onnlast dyno.

    I was wondering if I should go with 2.5” or go up to 3” true duals? Would also be adding an X-pipe. Not sure about mufflers or resonators at this point.
    One thing about the ARH midpipes is that the OD necks down from 3” to 2.5” right at the catback flange. Not sure why they did this, but imagine it needed to be compatible with other catbacks beside their own.
    I’m really after something a little more aggressive than the TRD catback. Some more power wouldn’t hurt either.
    I already have some 304ss adapter flanges, so I can do 3” or 2.5” at this point.
     
    Rica25 and Rex Kramer like this.
  2. May 24, 2020 at 1:03 PM
    #2
    Sunfish

    Sunfish New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2019
    Member:
    #39358
    Messages:
    171
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    17 4X4 CM Limited
    With the kind of money you have already laid out there is no reason to go cheap now. 3 inch stainless
     
    HulkSmurf14 likes this.
  3. May 24, 2020 at 1:17 PM
    #3
    TheCAPA1

    TheCAPA1 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2020
    Member:
    #45290
    Messages:
    163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wes
    Southest TN
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax
    Icon Six Speeds, King shocks
    agreed. sounds like a sick setup. What other mods do you have surrounding your boost?
     
  4. May 24, 2020 at 2:56 PM
    #4
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Custom fuel system (pump/injectors/rails) custom intake, built trans etc.
    it’s not about being cheap (although I am) but more about setting the right system up.
     
  5. May 24, 2020 at 3:01 PM
    #5
    TheCAPA1

    TheCAPA1 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2020
    Member:
    #45290
    Messages:
    163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wes
    Southest TN
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax
    Icon Six Speeds, King shocks
    I hear that. I saw you had the Auburn LSD, how has that been for you? Would you recommend it? I have a 2012 Crewmax, I do a fair bit of off road/forest service roads, camping, etc. What is the "window conversion"?
     
    08TXTundra likes this.
  6. May 24, 2020 at 3:02 PM
    #6
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2017
    Member:
    #7181
    Messages:
    6,620
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2002 4.7L RCLB 4X4 2007 5.7L RCSB 4X2
    3" stainless with X pipe... talk with Keith @dirtydeeds about the best muffler & resonators.
     
    WFD473, Flyinryank, daays and 3 others like this.
  7. May 25, 2020 at 8:45 AM
    #7
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Auburn has been great. No issues in the 8+ years it’s been installed. always lays two black stripes.

    Window conversion details here. Grab a beer: https://www.tundratalk.net/threads/crewmax-glass-conversion-on-rcsb.153393/
     
    08TXTundra, Black Wolf and Flyinryank like this.
  8. May 25, 2020 at 11:38 AM
    #8
    TheCAPA1

    TheCAPA1 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 20, 2020
    Member:
    #45290
    Messages:
    163
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Wes
    Southest TN
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tundra Crewmax
    Icon Six Speeds, King shocks

    just made it through the glass conversion. Pretty sick. he did a great dob on that. Kuddos to you to for taking that on.
    Good to know about the LSD. Definitely looking to pick one up soon.
     
  9. May 25, 2020 at 11:40 AM
    #9
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    I want to go with Auburn if I do install an LSD. It's the path less traveled lol
     
  10. May 25, 2020 at 2:25 PM
    #10
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Thanks man. That was probably the wildest body mod I’ve taken on. Nobody has done one before so there was not a go by to reference. Fortunately it worked out and has been flawless over the last 7 years.
     
    Rex Kramer and TheCAPA1[QUOTED] like this.
  11. May 25, 2020 at 2:52 PM
    #11
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    You're damn near famous bud lol
     
  12. May 25, 2020 at 4:04 PM
    #12
    daays

    daays New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2019
    Member:
    #33342
    Messages:
    107
    Gender:
    Male
    Agreed. His products are amazing.
     
    Rex Kramer[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. May 25, 2020 at 4:10 PM
    #13
    TTund16

    TTund16 New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2017
    Member:
    #5798
    Messages:
    1,150
    Gender:
    Male
    can't recall, does adding the x make it louder or quieter? I have the factory TRD dual with no X.
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2020
  14. May 25, 2020 at 4:46 PM
    #14
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Believe slightly quieter as it helps with scavenging and smoothing out the exhaust pulses. I’m sure there’s a far more scientific explanation or possibly a contradiction to what I just said.
     
    TTund16[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. May 25, 2020 at 4:52 PM
    #15
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    To quickly amend my statement above, it would only be quieter if all other components remain constant. Adding an x pipe to the system I want to build would not be quieter than what I currently have.
     
    TTund16 likes this.
  16. May 30, 2020 at 5:09 AM
    #16
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    I have been thinking this over and have an rough draft of how I want to set this up.
    I’ve procured some adapter flanges that are 2.5” DIA at the flange and quickly flare to 3”DIA. This is to adapt to the ARH midpipe flange that tapers from 3” to 2.5” at the catback connection. Another option would be to cutoff the adapter flange for the ARH mids and weld on a true 3” flange, but I’m not quite ready to permanently modify these yet.
    I’m also procuring some UJL 3” mandrel bend pieces that should give all the variants of bends I’ll need to connect the system.
    Next I’ll need an XPipe. Still researching the best options, but I’ve pretty much ruled out the stamped section ones as I cannot find any details of the chamber geometry where welded pipes are known.
    For mufflers, I’m looking to do dual 3” in/out. For cost sake, I’m trying to stay under $100/muffler and I want to be stainless since the piece I’m building is all 304SS. I’m looking at either carven or Kooks oval at this point as they meet the criteria. I can’t find much info about the kooks design, so I’m going to call them tomorrow to find out. It’s also strange that they have 2 models of oval mufflers with nearly identical (but limited) specs on their website. But one is $80 and the other is nearly $300. I’ll find out what that’s all about tomorrow.
    Lastly, I intend to reconnect this new piece to my TRD tailpipes. Seems kind of counter intuitive to do this, but my thought is 1.) it’s less pieces I have to fabricate for now 2.) hopefully the exhaust has cooled enough at that point where the narrower ID does not affect performance. 3.) the tailpipes look good and have resonators in them to hopefully mitigate drone.
    In all I’m sure this approach would probably seem not so well thought out, but i do appreciate any feedback. Also I enjoy fabrication and doing this as a hobby. That’s also why I do not want to permanently modify anything at this point. Worst case scenario is that I put the TRD muffler section back in and sell the mufflers/ x-pipe.
     
  17. May 30, 2020 at 7:03 AM
    #17
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Do you think you'll have much drone?
     
  18. May 30, 2020 at 10:57 AM
    #18
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    I’d like to avoid that if possible. I’m thinking the x pipe will smooth the flow and the tailpipe resonators will help. Guess I’ll find out!!
     
    Last edited: Jun 9, 2020
    TTund16 likes this.
  19. May 30, 2020 at 4:01 PM
    #19
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2017
    Member:
    #7025
    Messages:
    8,720
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Charles
    Conroe TX
    Vehicle:
    2016 DC MGM 4x4
    See build link
    Resonator at the ready lol
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  20. Jun 9, 2020 at 7:33 PM
    #20
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Been playing around with this design in my head for a while. I’m just going for it. If it sucks I’ll take it out. Nobody makes a proper x-pipe in the dimensions I want, so I’m making my own. I do my own work out of my tiny garage so unfortunately I don’t have every tool I want at my disposal. Sometimes you just have to make it work.
    I purchased some pre bent mandrel 180’s from Squirrelly. I needed a jig to make accurate miters, so I made one.

    72527B13-6950-4BE1-A739-01D887EF152A.jpg
    F5A28910-F846-4DB0-8C4C-54CA70C5D3DE.jpg
    AB63FA29-7A5E-4FB2-ADF4-4896E741203F.jpg
     
  21. Jun 9, 2020 at 7:45 PM
    #21
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    The proper tool for this job in 98% of cases is a bandsaw. Well I don’t have one. Don’t have the space for it. I do have a table saw, however I cannot recommend to anyone to do this even though it works really well. While I labored for days thinking about how to make accurate miters in stainless, I just could not justify or accommodate the expense of a bandsaw. Much to my surprise, a 10” metal blade comes with the same arbor size as a wood cutting blade. So for $5, I outfitted my table saw to cut metal.
    Disclaimer: this is incredibly unsafe and I cannot recommend this. The blade rotates and throws sparks at the user, so PPE is mandatory. Stay out of the line of fire.
    As long as you take your sweet time and let the tool do the work, it comes out really nice. Note that the cut depth is not sufficient to go through the 3” pipe, so each cut must be flipped over for completion. This is why the jig is a must have item.

    9ABB1136-FF02-4A19-800B-2B655D0508E5.jpg
    2F5AB504-F90D-4AAA-B943-F32F5CE7431E.jpg
    AF7789DA-885E-41CE-B7DD-2EC5D5518EAA.jpg
    FB911E0E-C4ED-4B36-899D-7524D5606DD6.jpg
     
    saybng, Toyotoholic and Rica25 like this.
  22. Jun 9, 2020 at 7:49 PM
    #22
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Also worth noting that while the squirrelly mandrel bends are the cheapest out there, they are not top quality like stainless bro’s are. I ordered 2 180 bends, but they are more like 167 degree bends. They are very dirty and have tooling marks. If that matters to you then prob don’t order them.
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  23. Jun 9, 2020 at 7:58 PM
    #23
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    The final cut in these is the mating faces of the “x”. I’m sure there is some research out there on the optimum scientific profile, but I can’t find it. Obviously you want to create a scavenging effect, so the converging pipe area must not create a choke point. I am targeting a 6.5” center to center measurement to mate to the TRD dual tails. That translated to roughly a 30% cut off of the 90’s to form the mating faces for my “x”. It also translates to exactly 2x the cross section area so this seems ideal in my head.

    BC227541-B440-44AB-B6E1-3C0339F45EE0.jpg
    439959C3-DB73-4F10-A214-789DFC421587.jpg
    3AFDFE5F-9FB5-4634-8EA8-0FF8119DC1A3.jpg
    E77A4EC1-16F7-4FAF-8265-CF46B438E5D5.jpg
     
    Toyotoholic, snivilous and Rica25 like this.
  24. Jun 9, 2020 at 8:01 PM
    #24
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    A bit of hand cleanup and a mock up of the X pipe. Everything fits really nice and I’m at exactly 6.5” center to center. I’m pooped so welding will have to wait.

    2834D412-66CF-4C53-9852-FA5370EF2B66.jpg
     
  25. Jun 9, 2020 at 8:51 PM
    #25
    Dorks68

    Dorks68 New Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2020
    Member:
    #47029
    Messages:
    160
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Derek
    Vehicle:
    2010 Rock Warrior
    Working with what you’ve got. Respect. X-pipe turned out great. Good job!
     
    Rica25 likes this.
  26. Jun 10, 2020 at 4:52 AM
    #26
    TX210Tundra

    TX210Tundra New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Member:
    #29863
    Messages:
    453
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2008 RCSB 5.7 2WD "Sport" / 2022 Limited Hybrid
    2008 - SOS 2/4 Lowering Kit : Firestone Bags : Bilstein Sports at 4 corners : TRD Pro Grill : TRD Pro 18in BBS Forged : Grip Pro LSD : Mike's "ByeNanny" : ARH LT 1 3/4 : ARH Cats : 3" X-Pipe: 3" Dual Borla XR1's / 3" Vibrant Resonators: 3" Tail pipes: DIY SABM: TRD Intake : AFE T/B Spacer : TRD Accelerator : LED Interior/Exterior : Atoto Pro HU : Cerwin Vega 10in Slim : AVS Visors : Sequoia Leather Seats : TRD shift Knob - OVTuned "Spicy 91 Torque Tune" 2022 Limited Crewmax Sonic Red Hybrid - TRD Filters : EGR Window Visors : Cheer Dring Android Adapter : RC Bed Cover : RC 1.75 Level Kit : Undercover Swing Case
    Great job ! You are definitely doing it right as a fellow DYI'er

    You planning to Tig or Mig it ?
     
  27. Jun 10, 2020 at 7:35 AM
    #27
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    I only have a MIG welder, but have welded some 409 in the past with good results
     
  28. Jun 10, 2020 at 10:53 AM
    #28
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Got everything tacked in place. I have a buddy who is going to TIG weld it for me, so this is all the welding I’m going to do for now. Nice tight joints. Not too bad.

    Until I mocked it up and realized I could buy a few extra inches if I point one of the legs at the driver side midpipe. This will allow me to move it up and give some more freedom on muffler selection and placement. So I cut it off and rewelded that leg.

    EA53486D-ECBA-419F-A4CB-696FD2C6B563.jpg
    40D96637-52AF-4E16-86E5-FAEF0FADE382.jpg
    E6C5891B-BD61-4416-830D-8CC5FF3A9532.jpg
    147791D1-F034-4AB0-9F39-60C4BFF452A7.jpg
     
  29. Jun 12, 2020 at 3:51 PM
    #29
    swank501

    swank501 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2018
    Member:
    #20204
    Messages:
    314
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Vehicle:
    2007 single cab 4x4
    TRD S/C Crewmax window conversion Auburn LSD Custom interior
    Making some progress here. The x pipe is fully tig welded. And the post showed up with a pair of beautifully polished Kooks mufflers. Still need a few more pipe pieces, but this should be nearing completion soon.

    C26AC8E4-CDA4-408E-A076-268CF8A756FA.jpg
    128B7B10-695A-4E5B-ABB8-92D5A16DB142.jpg
    569B1F6A-D62B-4D29-8A28-40BC7C9BB9E2.jpg
     
  30. Jun 12, 2020 at 4:50 PM
    #30
    TX210Tundra

    TX210Tundra New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2019
    Member:
    #29863
    Messages:
    453
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2008 RCSB 5.7 2WD "Sport" / 2022 Limited Hybrid
    2008 - SOS 2/4 Lowering Kit : Firestone Bags : Bilstein Sports at 4 corners : TRD Pro Grill : TRD Pro 18in BBS Forged : Grip Pro LSD : Mike's "ByeNanny" : ARH LT 1 3/4 : ARH Cats : 3" X-Pipe: 3" Dual Borla XR1's / 3" Vibrant Resonators: 3" Tail pipes: DIY SABM: TRD Intake : AFE T/B Spacer : TRD Accelerator : LED Interior/Exterior : Atoto Pro HU : Cerwin Vega 10in Slim : AVS Visors : Sequoia Leather Seats : TRD shift Knob - OVTuned "Spicy 91 Torque Tune" 2022 Limited Crewmax Sonic Red Hybrid - TRD Filters : EGR Window Visors : Cheer Dring Android Adapter : RC Bed Cover : RC 1.75 Level Kit : Undercover Swing Case
    Those mufflers look really good, looking fwd to a sound clip.

    I'm shopping 3in for my RCSB currently so staying close to this thread.
     
    swank501[OP] likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top