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TRD vs Flowmaster Exhaust

Discussion in 'Performance and Tuning' started by rodl12, Dec 12, 2020.

  1. Dec 12, 2020 at 6:42 AM
    #1
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    I want to change my stock SR5 exhaust to a dual exhaust. I've come down to 2 exhaust systems which are the TRD and the FlowMaster American Thunder. There's almost a $500 difference between the two. I know the TRD is tested and true and nobody regrets it. On the other hand the FlowMaster exhaust is a very good exhaust system also. For the $500 difference are there any reasons why I should not go with FlowMaster? And if you have the FlowMaster exhaust can you tell me if you're happy with it or you regret it?
     
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  2. Dec 12, 2020 at 6:48 AM
    #2
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    Did you consider the @dirtydeeds exhaust?
    There may even be a group buy going on or a sale.
     
  3. Dec 12, 2020 at 6:50 AM
    #3
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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  4. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:06 AM
    #4
    Toyotoholic

    Toyotoholic -4Life-

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    Are you living in the states?
    It says you're from Southern Germany, so does that play part of the decision too? I had the TRD liked it but swapped out for a DD TRD replacement and can't be happier.
     
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  5. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:09 AM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Chillin' in Alamosa

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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    Germany does present a shipping cost to take into consideration....
     
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  6. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:20 AM
    #6
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    Yes, many of us that live in NJ call it New Germany.
     
  7. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:22 AM
    #7
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    I have looked at the Borla exhaust. I think Borla is a good system but if I was going to spend that much I would go with the TRD.
     
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  8. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:25 AM
    #8
    Toyotoholic

    Toyotoholic -4Life-

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    Lol
    That's great!

    I'm from CT
    Or as we locals might say...
    Connecti-CRAP!
     
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  9. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:30 AM
    #9
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    You are going to lose some low end torque with the flowmaster and will have drone. TRD offering is nice but pricey, folks also reported loss of low end torque and on the highway the dual exits create a helicopter type of drone sound. Both will sound good, Tundras can sound great with exhaust. Just be aware Tundras like to drone and that can be maddening hours in on a long trip. Surely the flowmaster system you mention would be louder than the TRD. Plenty of vids on Youtube of the various Tundra exhaust options available.
     
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  10. Dec 12, 2020 at 7:37 AM
    #10
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Chillin' in Alamosa

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    YardBird likes this.
  11. Dec 26, 2020 at 3:11 PM
    #11
    GPJoeyD

    GPJoeyD Super Duper Cool Guy

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    So @rodl12, what did you end up doing?

    I've been debating exhaust systems for what seems like forever :frusty::frusty::frusty::frusty:

    As a former New Germany resident, now very happily living in Middle Tennessee, I feel bad for anyone still living there...
     
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  12. Dec 26, 2020 at 5:26 PM
    #12
    Kanobi13

    Kanobi13 New Member

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    The reason behind the New Germany?
     
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  13. Dec 27, 2020 at 3:02 AM
    #13
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    Governing Politics
     
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  14. Dec 27, 2020 at 3:09 AM
    #14
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    I haven't totally decided yet. I am leaning towards the TRD exhaust. I have had a Fowmaster exhaust with flow free cats and headers on a small block 95 F150 years ago. I loved the way the truck sounded and I don't remember any drone problems but with the Tundra 5.7L I'm not sure.
     
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  15. Dec 27, 2020 at 3:12 AM
    #15
    Berettafan

    Berettafan New Member

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    Loved my pro exhaust and it did not drone.
     
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  16. Dec 27, 2020 at 7:11 AM
    #16
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    I'm not worried about the TRD exhaust drone. I believe that is proven to be droneless.
     
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  17. Dec 27, 2020 at 7:46 AM
    #17
    Elduder

    Elduder New Member

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    TRD certainly doesnt have drone. I had a Pro with the dual and now have a SR5 with a the BAMF budget single. Obviously it doesnt look like youre shopping for a single outlet, but I think its worth mentioning that the single does feel a bit more powerful than the dual did.

    Which mufflers does the FM come with?

    *Edit, I see its the 50 series, those are great and have very little drone, more than the TRD Im sure though.

    Once issue I see with the FM is that it is aluminized steel. I live in the PNW and have had 2 50 series mufflers on my past Tacomas, they did start rusting after the first winter.
     
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  18. Dec 27, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #18
    TelemarkTumalo

    TelemarkTumalo New Member

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    This is my 2nd 5.7 with the TRD dual exhaust. My '18 TRD OR came with the standard exhaust and I ordered and installed the TRD dual. The hardware, fit, finish and overall result was outstanding and very much a DIY'ers dream. There is a lot of room under there to work and simple hand tools are all that is needed. As long as you remember to remove the spare tire during installation, you will have no problems. I had a Flowmaster single on an older 4.7L Gen I Tundra. I did have to quiet it down with a small resonator to decrease drone. I've no experience with the Dirty Deeds or BA Muffler.

    I really like the sound of the TRD dual system. Subtle, deep growl at startup, but otherwise very nice around town and at steady hwy. speeds. Hammer the throttle and it is rich and throaty. No mistaking that sound.

    It is indeed expensive. My local dealer matched the discounts from Sparks Parts and of course, with local pickup, there was no shipping expense to me. It is not everybody's cup 'o tea. Some complain of the sound exiting from the side pipes, but I'm one of those who loves it.
     
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  19. Dec 27, 2020 at 11:10 AM
    #19
    NCTundra18

    NCTundra18 New Member

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    TRD dual exhaust, Rough Country lift kit and too much money spent.
    I love my TRD dual exhaust on my tundra. I had it put on when i bought the truck and yes it can be loud but that only happens when i mash on the skinny pedal. Buy once you hear it you will continue to mash on the skinny pedal, lol.
     
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  20. Dec 27, 2020 at 11:42 AM
    #20
    ohmyheck

    ohmyheck New Member

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    I was asking that same question about a year ago. From listening to the people who’s knowledge is far above mine, I went with Keith at Dirty Deeds. On a frequent deal, with his much appreciated military/ veteran discount, I got an “8” budget drop for around $700. (I can never figure why some write, 700$). A good deal. Keith, the owner, talks to you personally and is a top notch and honest, small business man. I live in Northern Utah, and once the process began, I’ll bet it was w/in a week I had the product. Even as dumb as I am, mechanically,I was able to install in an easy hour. Now, a dual system would be more$$, but I,too, would give my vote to DirtyDeeds.
     
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  21. Dec 27, 2020 at 1:06 PM
    #21
    tye

    tye New Member

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    My PRO came with the TRD dual exhaust. Yawn. I went to Flowmaster 40. Yawn . Put on Flowmaster Outlaw. I like it. Dones like crazy but when you take off it sounds like a race car.
     
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  22. Dec 27, 2020 at 1:19 PM
    #22
    MentalBill

    MentalBill Mental in every state.

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    I have the TRD. Not 100% happy. Drone when doing about 60 on the freeway.
     
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  23. Dec 27, 2020 at 4:14 PM
    #23
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    I guess that has something to do with back pressure.

    They have a few different mufflers depending on how loud you want to go.
     
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  24. Dec 27, 2020 at 5:27 PM
    #24
    Berettafan

    Berettafan New Member

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    btw for those DIY'ing exhaust the Lisle exhaust hangar removal tool is worth its weight in gold!
     
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  25. Dec 28, 2020 at 3:08 AM
    #25
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks! I'll keep that in mind because other than a system that needs welding I'll be doing the R&R.
     
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  26. Dec 28, 2020 at 5:02 AM
    #26
    10TundraSR5

    10TundraSR5 Happy Tundra owner

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    In my exhaust dealings, the drone from Flowmaster wasn't horrible but noticeable. I prefer the sound and physics of a straight through muffler over a baffled and chambered design. To me, the TRD system is exactly what I was looking for in a truck exhaust note. Also, from what I've read on this site, these trucks are finely tuned so I'll trust the official TRD system. You can't go wrong with @dirtydeeds either. Keith knows his stuff and is a stand-up guy offering a top notch product.
     
  27. Dec 28, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #27
    Stumpjumper

    Stumpjumper Not a new member

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    I have the 50. When I bought mine they also were available in SS
     
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  28. Dec 28, 2020 at 9:57 AM
    #28
    rodl12

    rodl12 [OP] New Member

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    Comparing price I would have to go with the TRD exhaust. I've heard a lot of good things about @dirtydeeds but I don't want to spend that much extra for an exhaust that is just a little better, if it even is according to Toyota. Don't get me wrong, it very well could be, but not for $400-$500 extra. I think I'm pretty sold on the TRD system. I do some towing with a TT that weights @ 6,000 lbs so drone is definitely be a concern.
     
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  29. Dec 28, 2020 at 10:23 AM
    #29
    dirtydeeds

    dirtydeeds Exhaust Fabricator Vendor

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    Jim LE 1301[QUOTED] likes this.
  30. Dec 28, 2020 at 10:26 AM
    #30
    dirtydeeds

    dirtydeeds Exhaust Fabricator Vendor

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