Performance mods that work well for first gens (excluding superchargers)

DJenerated · Mar 10, 2023

fast_1st gen[OP] said: ↑

I know a lot of people say “just get a different truck” or “sell it” but I don’t really want to, I don’t want to own a truck everyone builds up or an engine everyone builds. I also understand the supercharger but until then when I can afford one (those price tags are hefty) I want to work my way to that point and put other mods that will help in the future or for now show at least a little power until I can actually afford a supercharger. Also thanks empty lord I’ve actually been looking into headers, any suggestions on brand to pick?
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I would highly suggest cruising the second Gen Tacoma section of tacomaworld.com for more 1GR-FE performance mod info since they put way more of the 4.0L into those trucks than the Tundras. There are definitely some power mods available but they aren't cheap. The Magnison supercharger will likely be the best bang for your buck, followed by long tube headers and full exhaust. Check out www.urdusa.com

DJenerated · Mar 10, 2023

Mr.bee said: ↑

Its faster if you manually shift, too.

Stock manifolds, cats, and resonator with a bassani 1-2 muffler and cowboy duals. I like the way my truck sounds under load, but kinda wish it had a bit more character at idle. (Why i regret missing out on longtube tri-y's)
https://youtube.com/shorts/UUf1r6A-q38?feature=share

https://youtube.com/shorts/LmAA1P5U83M?feature=share
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You should remove the resonator and see if that changes the sound for the better. Then report back. I'm tempted to remove mine but I don't want to cut up the TRD catback too much. I'd almost rather remove the two resonators and muffler as a whole and give to someone that wants it. But I'd keep the TRD tips, naturally. Then buy a dual in/out muffler. Maybe an H pipe or an X pipe.

Soupbean77 · Mar 10, 2023

Mine had the 4.7. Just did the TRD drop in filter and the TRD catback. Muffler on the catback quickly burned out and I felt always lost too much back pressure. Cut the exhaust completely apart, utilized the piping and installed a Solo Performance Stealth SS with a resonator at the tailpipe. Sounded and ran perfectly..!!

The Black Mamba · Sep 15, 2023

shifty` said: ↑

I saw your engine size under your avatar before replying, but what I'm saying still applies. I think what everyone is saying above this reply aptly solidifies things.

You gotta understand: At least once every 4-6 weeks, someone posts on here with virtually no exposure or experience but wanting to turn their new-to-them 1st Gen Tundra into something that:

"Sounds fast" (obnoxiously loud exhaust to get attention, which just makes people think, "goddamn, what an insecure, little-dick attention-seeking a-hole!)

"Big gains in HP/TQ" (which often starts with them adding a cold air intake or similar, not targeting you w/this, just sharing real-world historical stats)

"Riding on 35s" (But wanting to do that for under $1,000 - $1,500 spent on tires, and usually have no idea the necessities or consequences w/running 34"+ tires)

"6 inch suspension lift" (Again, w/impossible $1k budget, some already have installed garbage cheapo kits, mix & match w/spacers, truck already damaged etc.)

One of the best things you can do is remove the CAI you put on your truck to start. They're worse on filtration and allow extra garbage to pass into your top-end.

If you want things to feel peppier, look into gearing, but as with bigger tires, just know: If you do this, your speedo/odo will no longer be accurate unless your truck has wheel speed sensors (tks @assassin10000 for clearing up, this is not an issue for '05-'06, but is an issue for '00-'04). If impacted, you can Yellow-box to compensate.

Like I said in the thread I linked, headers are about the only to eek out double-digit performance on a naturally aspirated 1st gen platform. I won't front: I wanted the same as you when I got my truck. But Toyota didn't build this truck for rally racing, they built it with reliability in mind 1st, longevity 2nd, and balanced performance 3rd.

Bottom line: There are virtually zero good, easy, bolt-on performance options for these trucks if naturally aspirated. If you want big gains, you need forced induction. The multi-hole injectors are an unproven gimmick. Cold air intakes are dyno-proven to offer no performance gain, and even performance loss (they look and sound cool though). Programming/tuning kits are a often gimmick. Unless you're doing the work yourself, and you can tear into the engine and do significant modification, I'd be shocked if you could net 30HP/30TQ gain for less than $1k-$2k without ditching NA and going FI and/or rebuilding internals. I know - nobody wants to hear this. But it's just reality.

Whatever you do, just don't be the asshole who throws a big fartcan exhaust on your truck to make it sound more powerful. Just owning a 1st gen makes you cool enough.
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@shifty`, you clever dog. You never cease to amaze me.
I do Subarus for a living and I have been preaching this exact kind of thing for years. Truth is, I was searching for any research on CIAs with the mindset of what you stated, just hoping that I was wrong.
I also own a 2017 Impreza, FB20. There is a guy named Mark with rallisport, who tunes these motors. He did a study and was able to produce amble more hp on a tuned ECM with stock intake and performance high flow foam filter with charcoal filter delete.
It’s amazing how people presume that OEM is a downgrade.
https://rallisportautomotive.com/fb20d-tuning

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Performance mods that work well for first gens (excluding superchargers)

#31
DJenerated Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!

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DJenerated Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!

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Soupbean77 New Member

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The Black Mamba He must increase, but I must decrease - John 3:30

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Performance mods that work well for first gens (excluding superchargers)

#31 DJenerated Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!

#32 DJenerated Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!

#33 Soupbean77 New Member

#34 The Black Mamba He must increase, but I must decrease - John 3:30

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: 1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)

#31
DJenerated Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!

#32
DJenerated Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!

#33
Soupbean77 New Member

#34
The Black Mamba He must increase, but I must decrease - John 3:30

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