TRD Sport Muffler
Pros:
TRD's Sport Muffler is offered as a factory upgrade for the Scion xB, so it came as no surprise that quality construction and fitment were spot-on. The unit replaces the OE exhaust rear section with larger diameter piping and a straight-through muffler with a signature TRD tip constructed of mandrel-bent, TIG-welded stainless steel. Power production rose and the exhaust note grew only slightly more aggressive-no cop headaches with this one. Best of all, installation took only minutes-and we didn't even need a jack.
Cons:
The TRD unit's piping was larger than stock, but since it is only an axle-back piece, the improvements in exhaust flow it brought were marginal-meaning power production wasn't as great as we could've found by installing a full cat-back unit. The real bottleneck in the xB exhaust system lies in the mid-pipe and catalysts.
Parts:
TRD Sport Muffler with axle-back piping
Tools:
14mm socket and extension, WD-40
Installation Time:
10 minutes
Notes:
Upon firing the xB back up after installation and powering through some runs on the dyno, we noticed a ton of smoke emanating from the exhaust's tip-excess muffler packing dust that burns away under operating temperatures. Don't worry about this; it's normal and only lasts a few minutes after installation.
Dyno 3
TRD Sport Muffler
Peak HP: 135.6 / Peak TQ: 138.9
Horsepower Gain
* 4,000 to 5,500 HP range: -1.3 to 3.0
* 5,500 to redline HP range: -1.7 to 2.2
Torque Gain
* 4,000 to 5,500 TQ range: -1.1 to 3.3
* 5,500 to redline TQ range: -1.6 to 1.8
Pros:
Strup is probably a new company to a lot of you; it was to us prior to installing their header on our xB. Header design is absolutely critical for fitment of all other exhaust parts, making power, and maintaining vehicle street legality and longevity-and the Strup xB header met these challenges beautifully, with full mandrel-bent, TIG-welded, polished stainless construction, perfect fitment, and increased power and torque across the entire powerband.
Cons:
The Strup unit removes one of the xB's two catalytic converters, meaning it's not legal for highway use in California. Additionally, removing one or both catalysts will prompt a check engine light (CEL) in the xB-a minor inconvenience at worst.
Parts:
Strup header, CEL Eliminator
Tools:
12- and 14mm short- and deep-well sockets, swivel, extension, 22mm wrench or sensor socket, pocketknife
Installation Time:
30 minutes