Cat-back Exhaust (MagnaFlow, Borla, or Gibson?) for the 5th Gen – Which Exhaust is right for you?
This is a general overview of exhaust system options for the 5th Gen. What most people run and our thoughts on what systems might work best for you, depending on your goals.
Everyone has different goals when it comes to an exhaust system and there are only a few options for an exhaust, so hopefully one will fit your style.
Exhaust systems increase air production, and combined with a CAI (cold air intake) can really step up the airflow through your engine. If you are really looking for performance, look at the supercharger made by Magnuson. It is only here where you will find the holy grail of holy shit 4Runner power.
We got a question so I thought it might help someone else with a similar question.
What exhaust should you buy for your 5th Gen?
Hey there, I am currently looking to get an exhaust system for my 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner. I Just installed a Flowmaster on my Buddies Jeep Wrangler JK and I really liked the way it sounded with the 6 Cylinder.
It got me really interested in that system. But after looking all over the internet and doing some research it seems like they don’t make a complete system for this truck, but that’s when I stumbled upon your page and read up on it.
I noticed that you said they make a Flowmaster Cat-back system for this truck. Is this system like the Magnaflow and Borla where all you do is remove the old and in with the new, or am I going to have to take it to a shop to have them weld and all that?
From the ones that you mentioned on your page which one would you recommend and why? Also, I want a system that is not going to give me issues with Droning.
In the case that it is a complete system for the Flowmaster could you please send me some links where I could purchase this?
I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
MagnaFlow, Borla or Gibson
When it comes to exhaust systems, you have a few options. Each of these exhaust systems has their up’s and downs. If you are looking for an exhaust that is super deep, go with a Flowmaster. If you are looking for semi-deep, go with MagnaFlow. If you are on the more conservative end and looking for an exhaust that will not drone out on you, go with the gentleman’s exhaust (the Borla).
The problem with Flowmaster is that they have discontinued the Flowmaster Cat-back System 409S – Single Rear Exit – Force II. This leaves your options down to the MagnaFlow, Borla, Gibson, and aFe now (late addition).
Exhaust Options
- Flowmaster Cat-back System 409S – Single Rear Exit – Force II (DISCONTINUED)
- Magnaflow Catback – Check Today’s Price
- Borla Catback – Check Today’s Price
- Gibson Superflow Single Exhaust – No Experience with this one
Flowmaster
If you go to the Flowmaster website and punch in anything 5th Gen 4Runner (anything from 2010-2014 says discontinued and everything from 2015-2018 says unavailable).
This Flowmaster exhaust would have been the go-to system for someone looking for a deep rumble on idle and throttle.
Flowmaster systems sound amazing, to say the least. They are deep, mean, aggressive and just down-right impressive. Wouldn’t it be nice if Flowmaster continued making an exhaust for us 5th Gen guys?
Magnaflow
Probably the closest you will get to a Flowmaster system with a few downsides. With the Magnaflow, Idle can sometimes rattle on the heat shields. This is a simple fix, though. Just bend the heat shields back, pushing them away from the exhaust.
Overall the Magnaflow is a good sounding product and it does open up your airflow quite a bit. This combined with an intake makes a world of difference in the ride quality and performance.
The Magnaflow has a deep growl at about 3k-3400 RPMS. It sounds incredibly impressive in this range. But, the MagnaFlow has droned out from time to time. At highway speeds and at around 2500 RPMS, but it really is not that bad, at least with our TRD Intake on.
RPM Sounds of the MagnaFlow
- 2400/2500 RPMS – Deep Throaty Growl
- 3000 RPMS – Mellows Out
- 3500-4500 RPMS – Pushes a Deep Raspy Popping
Overall, I would recommend it but then again, the rattling is something to watch out for. There is also a guy on YouTube that has uploaded like 15 videos about how much he hates MagnaFlow, so you will really need to be the judge on this one.
If I had to buy again, I might go with the Borla but I love how the Magnaflow sounds. It’s a tough choice.
Borla
The “Gentleman’s Exhaust” is what Jeff calls it. And, it is. I heard a Borla on a 4Runner a couple months ago and its a good mix of sexy, subtle and aggressive. This system overall is really clean and definitely not as deep as the MagnaFlow, but still, opens up the airflow like any exhaust should. For the whole article on the Borla and video
A similar problem with the rattling happened with the buddy Jeff from Minnesota.
I began to notice, at the end of my 15-minute drive home from work. Intense rattling. After inspecting the vehicle I realized that as the tailpipe arcs over the rear axle, it comes in close proximity to the heat shield for the spare tire. While this has plenty of clearance at rest, the tailpipe does expand with heat, and thus was coming within the vibratory distance of the heat shield. I simply bent the heat shield away and that completely solved the problem.
Gibson Superflow
No real experience with the Gibson over here. If you are looking at the Gibson and you are thinking about buying it, please let us know if you do an install on it and please share it with us. You rarely see owners with the Gibson Exhaust and it really does lead me to wonder why. They make incredibly well-built products and come from a long line of performance mods, Gibson definitely has the backing to provide power exhaust systems.
Straight From Gibson: In the early 90’s, when performance exhaust systems became popular for sport trucks and 4×4’s, friends asked, couldn’t they get the power and torque they wanted with lower level of noise inside the cab? With our complete testing and manufacturing already in place for the RV market, phase two of GIBSON began.
What Exhaust Should You Buy?
This is a tough question but at the end of the day it comes down to MagnaFlow or Borla for me. I think the main deciding factor here is that MagnaFlow has a deeper growl, while Borla is a bit more reserved. And, both of them can have a tendency to rattle at low RPMS. With your exhaust system options; MagnaFlow, Borla, or Gibson, you have some tough choices but I know what I would still buy at the end of the day.
Good luck with your search
Cheers!
Flowmaster is back to making a 2.5″ stainless exhaust for the 5th gen 4runner. I purchased the exhaust and installed it myself, It’s an easy install and fit very well. That said, the muffler that comes with it is beyond obnoxiously loud to the point my wife refused to drive it. It comes with their Flowfx series round muffler. which I then replaced with the 2.5″ Delta 50 series Flowmaster. The sound is perfect, does have a bark when your on the gas. All told, the entire exhaust system, even with the price of the Delta 50 muffler, was around $550.00.
I have always liked Borla exhausts, but the Magnaflow really sounded nice. I went to the Flowmaster site this morning and they now have a cat back system for $351 and they have a video of it on the truck, before and after, sounds great!
https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/exhaust_systems/flowmaster/flowfx/parts/717805
in case anyone wants to have a look. More choices are good, just harder to decide.
Just got the MF street series installed the other day. I have driven a good mix of city, freeway, and country roads and must say I am impressed. The sound is generally a low, deep growl. I have had 0 rattle issues, however the kit was welded on as opposed to using the bolt kit. As for performance, I noticed a significant acceleration response on the freeway, as well as on-ramps. We will see how long term effects come into play, but I am highly satisfied with the MF so far.
Hi guys, do you know if I can install just the Borla muffler, on a 2019 Toyota Prado 150 with a 3.0 turbo Diesel engine.
Firt Time Poster, Yesterday, 6/7/2020, I installed the Flowmaster FlowFX 717805 cat back exhaust system on my 2017 4runner, SR5 4WD. I accidentally found an article that Flowmaster released this in April, I think, then pulled the trigger on it last week.
I used some of Trail4runner.com install vids from other exhaust systems since nothing was available for the FM install.
Remove Spare tire and heat shield near spare tire.
Two bolts at tailpipe flange, DO NOT TRY TO BREAK LOOSE THE NUTS WELDED TO THE FLANGE, like I stupidly tried lol.
Two spring bolts on inlet falnge.
Remove from Hangers, snake tail pipe through
Install was super easy and fast.
Anti-seize lube spring bolts and 3 clamps.
use factory rubber hangers
line up, tighten down.
Great deep sound, will do CAI next.
Any ideas on what to do whith the stock exhaust I removed? Sell, donate, recycle?
FLOWMASTER FLOWFX CAT-BACK STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEMPART# 717805
https://www.holley.com/products/exhaust/exhaust_systems/flowmaster/flowfx/parts/717805
Left FM, right Stock
How are you liking this system since you’ve had it on for a while? Could you give an updated review on it? I just started looking for my ORP.
Great sound so far, Not too obnoxious. I’ve since added K&N CAI, it definitely feels like a little bit more HP. Both mods cost less than $700, great budget options.
I have a little rattle on the FM, I just have to get back under there to make adjustments.
Would purchase and install again.
MPG:
60 miles/day mostly highway, 20 MPG if I keep the speed at 70 or below.
If I drive aggressively, 17.5-18.5 MPG
30 days in and the MF Exhaust combined with the TRD CAI has really made a difference in drive feel and sound of my Trail Premium ‘16. Thanks for the writeup, breakdown, and advice!
I just recently installed a Borla system on my 2013 4Runner. I also noticed a rattle after warm-up. I thought it was the heat shield itself, but the rattle was not ‘tinny’ enough to be just that. It took some time, but I finally tracked it down to a heat-shield STUD that the pipe was hitting on. I had previously removed this rear heat shield due to rattling on its own even before my Borla install. I simply cut the stud off with a sawzall and all has been well. A note on the Borla system: I could scarcely hear the difference between stock and the Borla system, but after adding a K&N intake the vehicle became much more vocal inside. Nothing objectional, just a bit louder.
Got the gibson dual Exit on the right . Its looks amazing, the sounds is just perfect, (2005 sr5 V6 4×4)
stay away from gibson. They sell 4th gen targeted exhaust as the 5th gen, and it rattles and clicks – I had to get shop to bend pipes for me.
Also, their stainless option is garbage and rusted out in two IL winters.. i’m thinking the new Borla is what i’ll be going for.
Installed Gibson single rear exit elite black series on 2016 Trail.
Well packaged and easy install instructions – must have basic hand tools and reciprocating saw or you won’t get old exhaust off.
Fitttment was the only issue. Over the frame section bounced on the frame at low rpm or shifting transmission. Adjusted and readjusted without success. Finally looked at a tuner hack and used some pipe clamps to squeeze down the rubber isolators on the hangars. Seems to be good now.
Tail pipe is pretty long so the exhaust tip is pushed way up so you can see the tip of the pipe inside. Still May trim the tail pipe a few inches. If the exhaust wasn’t bouncing on the frame I probably would have compressed the back rubber hangar to pull the tip closer to the bumper a bit regardless. Didn’t love the somewhat pointed down exit.
Sounds equal to or less then TRD exhaust. It’s a good sound for me – no drone or excessive noise. With a K&N drop in filter in the air box already on the truck I am better about 1mpg when adding the exhaust.
Satisfied after some adjustments – can’t beat the price for 365 shipped. Time will tell if it lasts.
Anyone have experience with the afe exhaust on the 5th gens?
Hey guys. Sorry I didn’t reply to these, the exhaust was actually covered in rust and the powder coat started peeling after one salting here in Jersey. Working on a resolution with Gibson + supplier. My idea would be stay away as I ordered stainless but welds and tips corroded and rusted the minute salt hit them.
Put a Gibson on a couple months ago, sounds exactly how I wanted it to plus has the dual side exit that I love. I can send images and videos if you guys are interested just shoot me an email.
What is your email
Reach me at neoprism@msn.com
anthonyszeto28@gmail.com
I’m interested seeing your setup. please send!
Carson I am looking at purchasing the Gibson dual side exit, could you send me some video?
For sure. Comment your email or a way to contact you where I can send media.
david@cleanroomswest.com
Thanks!
I miss the side exit tip. I remembered Magnaflow had one with side exit as oppose to straight out the rear bumper.
Put the Boria on my 2018 4runner. The exhaust tip touches the rear plastic bumper. Does it get hot enough to melt the plastic? any ideas to fix it?
Ouch, that’s a bummer. Can you contact us and send over a picture of that?
Thanks for the review. I wound up installing the MagnaFlow on my 2018 4runner TRD Pro. Sounds great with no rattling as reported by some.
Is there any benefits to having an after market exhaust, besides for sound?
I don’t see many people upgrading, but would like to know if there is an additional benefit.
hi, any difference between 2″ steeling steel exhaust and a 3″? any difference hp gain between both?
What was the part number for the Gibson exhaust you purchased?
Thanks
18815
Had a Cat. back Gibson exhaust kit installed. Nice sound!
I ordered the kit from a company whose info said it would fit my 2018. After 2 weeks and they didn’t ship it I canceled the order. When I went to Amazon to order the Gibson their info said it would not fit. Hmmmm. I checked the Borla part number and it’s the same number for the 2018 and a few years prior. So I figured it has to be close and ordered it. Of course after i order I call Gibson and ask if the part number I bought will fit and they said they will have one out in about a month that fits… opppps
I figured I’m not going to try it but i was sure a muffler shop could. I was right it took the guy about 30 minutes to install and weld it up. The installer said he had to cut the last pipes a little to get them level.
So I’m all happy driving home listening to a nice growl noise and stop for a bite. While I’m in the drive I hear this horrific noise, I see a car beside me and figure it’s them… It’s not, it’s me rattle from f-ing rattle hell… embarrassing to say the least.
I don’t panic because I have a good idea of what it is. I get home let the truck cool and climb under grab the exhaust and shake the hell out of it until it Rattles. I find the spot and it’s the heat shield. I bend it easily out of the way and no more rattle at all!
You guys that installed a after market exhaust and are being drove crazy by rattle, 9 out of 10 times it’s a ridiculously easy fix…
Do you know anything good or bad about AFE exhaust systems? I’m looking at the aFe POWER 49-36040-P MACH Force-Xp 2-1/2″ 304 Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System, but can’t find any reviews. It looks great, but I don’t know how it performs or sounds. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
I have not, no. You can maybe judge the sound by other trucks and SUVs. It probably won’t sound spot on, but should give you an idea. Let us know if you grab one, share the install and sound.
Thank you so much for this. This really helped me out and I think I have finally come to a final conclusion on what to get, and that’s going to be a Magnaflow. Which I believe would have been your choice as well no? Haha
Again thank you so much for taking the time to write up about this and helping me make a decision, I will check to see if anyone updates with other information between now and when I get my exhaust.
No problem. In the end, yes I would go with MagnaFlow again. But if we get a 6th Gen 4Runner when they come out, I might go with a Borla Exhaust just to see and feel the real difference. Who knows. In any case, glad we could help!