Friday, May 30, 2003 at 10:19
Steve,
I can't recall the diameter, and I'm not very mobile at present so can't look for you. Will
check when I can. I do know that they replaced the exhaust system from the Cat back, which reduced the restriction, whether through larger pipe size or more open muffler design - it sounds louder now, but how much does that mean??
As far as cost goes, it was getting up near $1800 or so for Unichip, dyno time, exhaust etc. I also got an extra feature - a switch which allows you to use normal unleaded if you can't get Optimax/Mobil 8000. The Unichip is tuned for Optimax, but flicking the switch knocks the tops off the peaks so that it won't ping on normal unleaded. I thought that was a good idea since it's hard to get premium unleaded in some remote
places. Proved to be a wise choice, since I didn't see Optimax west of
Emerald, although it might have become more available since 2001.
The big questions - is it worth it? and do you notice the difference? We think it made a reasonable difference, particularly when we changed tyre sizes from the RV6 standard 215/80 R16 to 265/70 R16. We also seem to be able to tow the camper trailer quite
well with it. I think you need to keep the car for a while after doing it, and get someone good to install it. Bob Romano in
Brisbane did mine. As I found out with my Falcon, there are tuners and tuners out there, and a 'free flow' exhaust and a 'high flow' cat doesn't necessarily mean greater power output.
I'm rambling a bit, but I should also mention the other option for powering up - the supercharger..... The Toyota Racing Development mob in the US produce a supercharger kit specifically for the 3.4 Prado motor which would push power output to 200Kw or more. You'd still need a unichip etc, but she would go then! Trouble is the cost - 8 or 9 grand. I decided not to do that because I want to get into a diesel platform, and my Prado already has 120,000 km on it.
If you want the dyno chart, send me an email at fischpond@iprimus.com.au with your address or fax number, and I'll get it to you. Also happy to post it here, but would need help to do that.
Cheers.
Russell S.Russell S
Prado RV6
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