Upgrading my Toyota Tacoma with a performance exhaust system from Flowmaster was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a truck owner. The difference in sound, power, and driving experience is incredible. In this post, I’ll share my experience installing a Flowmaster on my Tacoma, the performance benefits I’ve seen, and advice for anyone considering this mod for their truck.
The Journey to a Better Exhaust Note
The stock exhaust on my 2016 Toyota Tacoma was, in a word, boring. It lacked the bold, aggressive rumble I wanted from a truck. Don’t get me wrong – the Tacoma is an incredibly capable midsize pickup right from the factory. But the exhaust note left a lot to be desired. It was way too quiet and subdued for my tastes.
After doing some research online, I decided a Flowmaster exhaust system was the best way to give my Tacoma the sound I was after. I had heard great things about Flowmaster’s reputation for quality and their expertise with performance exhausts. I loved the idea of really personalizing the driving experience of my truck with a badass exhaust rumble.
Choosing the Right Flowmaster System
Flowmaster makes several different exhaust systems for the Toyota Tacoma, ranging from mild to aggressive sound levels. I decided to go with one of their Force II systems which has a moderate interior resonance but maintains a bold, authoritative tone. This struck a nice balance for me between noise and refinement.
I also opted for a cat-back system rather than a full exhaust replacement. Cat-back systems replace everything from the catalytic converter back, while leaving your stock manifolds and catalytic converter in place. Going this route made the installation easier and kept my truck emissions legal and inspection friendly.
The Install – Not For the Faint of Heart
While any competent DIY-er can install a cat-back exhaust, I won’t sugar coat it – this is a challenging project. Expect it to take a full day in the garage, especially if you’re doing it solo like I did. Be prepared to bust knuckles and sling around some choice curse words. Just know your effort will be rewarded with an incredible new sound.
Make sure you have a good assortment of hand tools – wrenches, ratchets, PB blaster, and a sawzall or hacksaw. I also recommend a set of jack stands for getting access underneath the truck safely. You’ll be cutting the stock exhaust, removing hangers, and wrestling into place a new system that weighs over 60 pounds. Like I said, not for the faint of heart!
Instantly Transforming the Sound of My Tacoma
After a day spent cursing under my Tacoma, I took it out for a test drive and was absolutely blown away by the new sound. The Flowmaster gives my V6 engine a deep, throaty, aggressive tone that puts a huge smile on my face every time I get on the gas. It burbles and grumbles at idle, screams when I punch the throttle, but maintains a very livable resonance inside the cab.
This is the sound I always wanted from my truck but could never get from the wimpy stock exhaust. The Flowmaster makes driving my Tacoma way more visceral and fun. I feel (and sound) like I’m driving a truck with some actual muscle. And to me, the joy of hearing that sound every day is worth all the scraped knuckles and effort it took to install.
Better Performance to Boot
In addition to the killer sound, installing the Flowmaster exhaust has also improved my Tacoma’s performance. Flowmaster claims their systems can increase horsepower and torque via reduced backpressure and improved airflow. Based on the seat-of-my-pants feel, I believe it. The V6 seems to spool up faster and have more usable power down low.
The exhaust note also changes pitch and intensity in tune with throttle application. When I put my foot down, the Flowmaster screams a wild battle cry as the truck surges forward with a newfound ferocity. Midrange torque for highway passing is noticeably improved. And I no longer have to downshift just to get some auditory excitement when accelerating.
Improved Fuel Economy Too
Remarkably, while making my Tacoma feel faster, the Flowmaster has also increased my observed fuel economy. I’ve seen my average MPG improve by 1 to 2 combined. The truck just seems to breathe and run more efficiently with the new exhaust system.
Part of this might be from reduced backpressure allowing the engine to work less hard. And some of it may be from me babying the throttle less just to hear the Flowmaster wail. Whatever the reason, the fuel economy gains are an awesome bonus I didn’t expect from this mod.
Let Your Tacoma’s True Voice Shine Through
After several months and 5,000 miles behind the wheel, I couldn’t be happier with my Flowmaster exhaust install. The sound continues to put a smile on my face every time I drive. The improved power and mileage are just icing on the cake.
So if you drive a Tacoma, I can’t recommend going with a Flowmaster exhaust highly enough. Let that V6 engine really shine through with an exhaust note as bold and muscular as this truck. You won’t regret it – I certainly haven’t!
Whether you’re looking for a subtle growl or earth shaking rumble, Flowmaster has the perfect system to give your Tacoma the voice it deserves. Their build quality, sound tuning, and customer service are top notch. And the install, while challenging, is very worthwhile and can be tackled by any determined do-it-yourselfer.
Thanks for reading, and let me know in the comments if you have any other questions about installing a Flowmaster on your Tacoma! I’d be happy to chat exhaust mods any time. Now if you’ll excuse me, I feel the need to go rev my truck’s engine and hear that sweet Flowmaster sound…
