2002 Tacoma Exhaust Manifold

I have a 2002 Tacoma with the 2.7 in it. My exhaust manifold is going bad, and almost all the options I’m finding that aren’t $300+ are listed for up to 2001, are they the same?

 

2000-2004 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L OEM headers have the same part number: W0133-1742312. Aftermarket "probably" follow the same fitment.

 

Good enough for me, thank you!

 

The cheap ones you see for sale that say "up to" 2001 are cast manifolds vs the mini tube style header that are newer.

Yes technically they will bolt up the same but the reason toyota did away with the cast manifolds is because they are prone to cracking

If dollars are an issue you could buy the cheap one but, depending on where you live plus weather, plus engine mounts being worn out, I've seen some crack and leak in as little as 1 year.

 

Looking at it, it might not work for you.. the old cast ones had 2 output ports for the downpipe where (looking at the example currygoat posted) that one only has 1 output.

I upgraded my cast manifold with a mini tube header from a 2001 because they both had the 2 port output.. no idea what your 02 has

 

For clarity... my header is a 2.4 OEM. Not sure the ports on 2.7. As @Abeyancer noted... check your downpipe.

 

You need the later 3RZ mini header (tubular steel), do not waste your time with the cast iron manifold. The 2.7 3RZ manifold is different than the 2.4 manifold.
This is the mini header: https://www.ebay.com/itm/323903509443

 

2001..... 2rz's (2.4L) eliminated the egr....and went to the double cat system....
so they exchanged a broken knee for a blackeye...


so 2001 and on the 3rz and 2rz are a different layout from each other...


The old cheap to make cast iron pipes may be doing you a disservice........their poor thermal conductivity may cause overheating problems and maybe even early failure...


So up to 2000 both 2rz, 3rz use the same exact 'suck lemons' cast iron one.......
but can be replaced with the same 2001 and later new design steel 3rz ones......the ones with that little egr port on it....

Also seen where using non oem gaskets caused a problem....specifically the egr ones.........auto store ones are paper and holes off.....oem is a metal hybird......

 

This. Read too many reviews saying the cast just cracks again.
OEM I purchased from toyota picked up.
1714175080 1 $ 264.62 Exhaust Manifold

 

90% of the head gasket leaks I've seen.....is on that side .....usally cyl 3 or 4.......

 

Same thing can happen if you remove the egr system......that keeps that whole side running cooler ....
....because of the heat back feed generated from the single cat.......
reduces oxyen to cat.......

Keeping that egr valve and port working good is essential for the longevity of these......
probably the main reason for these cast iron ones overheating and cracking.......

My guess is Toyota had to open their wallet wider and start using the more expensive steel exhaust headers in 2001 due to reliability issues..........probably due to poor maintenance, 'drive the wheels off' mentality.....

 

3rz woe twinsies!!


@Blear91 I second the importance of keeping the egr operating as intended.

 

However ......not a fan of the counter balance shafts.......if you get a rebuilt 3rz.....always delete that......
you'll never know its gone.......

 

I did not notice.......the crank shaft is its own counter balance......

If you experience vibration at idle......its most likely a worn IAC.......

 

3rz was designed and released in 1959......
that's just the way they did things back then...
and designed for a large sedan and not a truck.....

the 2rz without the shafts came along two years later.....

I notice on the newest toyota engines.....its not integrated into the engine any more....
but a separate add-on on the bottoms of the engines....
making a super tall engine ...and a two lower section oil pan design.......

 

Pretty sure the block has remained unchanged....

Its the heads that keep getting modernized to keep up with newer fuel delivery and management.........

That's pretty damn good run.....from 1959 to 2004........

Probably descended from a marine design......
and probably reason for the counter shafts.....