TRD radiator cap & exhaust

[ClockworkTGT]

I'm coming up on my 5000 mile maintenance for my 2011 tC and I'm thinking about asking the dealership to order the TRD radiator cap and exhaust so they can install it while the car is in for it's tire rotation.

Do you guys think these are worthwhile upgrades and will I actually have any small performance improvement from them or will my car just sound cooler?

[09CamrySE3R3]

Honestly..all that money for a axle back exhaust is not worth it in my opinion. The radiator cap is cool but you can find it on ebay cheaper...if you want an exhaust check this out...about $100 less and its cat back...http://www.speed-element.com/servlet...muffler/Detail

check that out

[ClockworkTGT]

If I buy the TRD radiator cap on eBay is installing it as simple as unscrewing the stock one and screwing in the TRD one?

[ClockworkTGT]

What's the benefit to a catback exhaust design versus the TRD design?

[09CamrySE3R3]

not sure...but for the price you get nicer looking exhaust imho

[HATEnFATE]

It's all going to depend what you want in an exhaust. The TRD exhaust is a perfect fit and you know you wont have to screw with anything when you install it. With aftermarket, you might get a nice fit, you might not.

The TRD exhaust it not loud and obnoxious, it's subtle, and tasteful. Some aftermarkets are that way, some are not.

The Radiator cap will just be a direct screw on reguardless of where you get it, as long as it's the right part.

[ClockworkTGT]

Does the radiator cap actually do anything for performance or is it just a cap with a logo on it?

[BLUEMEANIE]

Just a cap with a logo.

Intake and exhaust are about air flow.
- An axle exhaust back literally only replaces the section behind the rear axle which includes a foot or two of pipe , the muffler and the visible exhaust tip. This can increase flow depending on how restrictive the original muffler is.
- A cat back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converter back. This includes a significantly longer section of pipe, a resonator (delete or replacement), the muffler and the visible exhaust tip. This can also include deleting the secondary catalytic converter and any superfluous bends the original exhaust required to fit all of its components. This can greatly increase flow over the stock system especially when the pipe diameter is increased.
- A header exhaust back replaces everything from the header back. This includes a significantly longer section of pipe and deleting any superfluous bends, deleting the secondary catalytic converter, a resonator (delete or replacement), the muffler and the visible exhaust tip.
- Adding a header will delete the primary catalytic converter.

Sound depends on muffler and resonator design but can also increase when you remove things like catalytic converters.

Also keep in mind, some back pressure is needed. Bigger isn't always better.

[ClockworkTGT]

So if I'm reading that right and the TRD exhaust for the 2011 tC is an axel exhaust according to 09CamrySE3R3 then it sounds like the TRD exhaust won't do much for the vechicle in terms of performance, but will make it sound pretty?

~$500.00 to make my car sound different? >_>

[BLUEMEANIE]

It will sound good. You can always have an exhaust shop build the rest later on down the road much cheaper than you can buy something pre-made.

I have the GReddy SP2 axle back with a custom made 2.75" mandrel bent mid section and aftermarket resonator added.

[ClockworkTGT]

Originally Posted by BLUEMEANIE

It will sound good. You can always have an exhaust shop build the rest later on down the road much cheaper than you can buy something pre-made.

I have the GReddy SP2 axle back with a custom made 2.75" mandrel bent mid section and aftermarket resonator added.

Out of curiosity, what did that custom work run you?

Did they cut the catalytic converter out of the equation when they did the custom job? Did you notice a performance improvement after having the work done?