Truck Trend Garage: 2009 Toyota Tundra TRD Flex-Fuel Exhuast Options
Question: I just bought a used Tundra, a 2009 with the Rock Warrior package. I got a few upgrades after the purchase (running boards, bedcover). I also added a TRD cold-air intake and wanted the TRD exhaust. I was told that TRD didn't have pipes for the 2009s yet, so I ordered a set of Borlas through the local Toyota dealership. The guys there said these would not affect the remaining warranty. When the pipes arrived, I took the truck in for installation.
A few hours later, the dealership called and said it couldn't put the pipes on because my truck is a Flex-Fuel vehicle. I didn't think that would be a problem. The truck has the 5.7-liter engine. What pipes could I get that are compatible and won't affect the warranty?
| Truck Trend Garage Exhausting All Options
Answer: I checked and double-checked, but can't confirm the problem you're encountering. TRD lists the same cat-back exhaust for the 2009 Tundra with the 5.7-liter -- Flex-Fuel or not. I got the same answer from Borla; both engines use the same pipe diameter, and there's no difference in routing. I took it one step further and contacted Toyota parts. We compared exhaust part numbers using the 3UR-FBE engine (Flex-Fuel 5.7-liter) and the 3UR-FE (gas 5.7-liter). It's the same exhaust component part numbers for both. Eliminating the Flex-Fuel engine as a discrepancy, exhaust layouts can also be affected by the cab option and bed length. The Rock Warrior package was available only on the standard-bed 4x4 Double Cab or CrewMax models. So double-check with TRD and/or Borla to be sure everyone is talking about the right body configuration.
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.
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