I posted a message the other day, asking for advice on the cheapest places to get an exhaust for my 2.2 TD Townace. I had a few replys, with people suggesting Powerflow or Longlife stainless exhausts, so I rang around and got a few prices, then I tried a supplier who stocks ready made stainless exhausts (similar to Kwik Fit etc). He explained that he didn't stock them for imports so I mentioned Powerflow..........he said that although these are relatively cheap exhausts they are not checked and tested for the vehicle they are fitted to, so the pressures/flow/temeratures may not be correct......he also said there have been reports in the motoring press of engine failures because of it.

Has anyone got any thoughts on this? It could be that Long Life/Powerflow are cheaper than his exhausts (Proven Products) so he paints a bad picture, or he could have a valid point! Has anyone had one of these exhausts fitted for a long time? If so have you noticed any difference i.e Economy, power ,operating temps etc.

Appreciate any thoughts before I commit myself either way.

Toyota main dealer want £203 (ish) inc for a genuine back box, Long Life want £179 inc.......

- (#3568) Dave Freer, 29 Jun 02

Dave,
Your man could be right, any exhaust system needs to be made to Original Equipment Specification, to ensure that it has got the correct backpressure, flow etc, otherwise it can lead to running problems, and even overheating, remember Toyota would have spent many hours & thousands of Yen getting the exhaust right for the engine. When manufacturers make aftermarket products, they either have to copy the O.E. very closely, or spend similar sums testing & proving their product, as would be the case for manufacturers of upgraded or 'sports' equivalents of the standard part. I would suggest you contact Powerflow direct to check that their product is equivalent to O.E. spec. or is fully tested for these vehicles. I have a customer who uses powerflow exhausts on RX7 imports, pulling massive amounts of power, so I would think they must be pretty good, but have a check. Regards Rob.

- (#3569) Rob Drinkwater, 29 Jun 02

Rob,
Thanks for the reply, worded far better than I did the original! I can't imagine that the Longlife/Powerflow systems do meet O.E Specs based on what you say, as you just turn up and they make the exhaust up while you wait. There seem to be a lot of users of this board who have these systems fitted so I will contact Longlife and post their reply.
Thanks again
Rgds
Dave

- (#3570) Dave Freer, 29 Jun 02

Turbodiesels require no backpressure. petrol engines do, and the wrong exhaust may affect the mixture causing a petrol car to overheat/ burn out valves etc.
I've had mine for over a year, and can report a little extra power, and better turbo spool up time- both due to decreased restriction.

- (#3571) david miller, 29 Jun 02

David,
What about noise, one assumes if you have less restriction, you also have less baffling, so is it noisier?
Rob.

- (#3573) Rob Drinkwater, 29 Jun 02

Perhaps a little, but not excessive. A school of thought says that the turbo acts as a silencer, "chopping up" the pressure pulses. true enough, if you disconnect the standard pipe at the centre joint, you'll find a drone/ resonance, but not too bad.

- (#3576) david miller, 30 Jun 02

I have to agree. My first annual check is due in a couple of weeks. I may not be as knowledgeable as David in terms of power and restriction ratios but in layman terms - I took it in and it sounded dead rough. It came out sounding sweet and quiet and has done since with no problems.

- (#3585) Ian Dunse, 1 Jul 02

just had powerflow system fitted at 1st for value 144-146 seabourne road bournemouth.they fitted complete system inc.downpipe and flexi-joint all in stainless for £240 inc.vat.their no. is01202 431800.
also anyone in doset hants area may like to know,i have had mechanical work,inc.cambelt,done at s.v.s.unit11-12 ashley heath ind. estate ringwood road three legged cross,near verwood.tel;01202 821222.they have been working on townaces for a long time and know what they are doing,and also keep a load of spares.

- (#3631) jeremy everingham, 3 Jul 02