Exhaust system for LX 450

[Gijs]

I am the proud, happy, lucky owner of a great 1997 Lexus LX 450. In the past 12 years I first a bought Land Cruiser 100 (4 years, 250k KM) and then a Land Cruiser v8 (8 years, 400k KM). But I always looked at the 80 series, which I simply loved the most. A couple of months ago I decided to do what I wanted since a long time, and bought my new black friend. I enjoy that decision daily, and drive it as much as possible - that is if is not hijacked by my wife or daughters.

However, there is a technical issue. The exhaust system has been creatively adjusted and contains one catalyst, whilst I'm told there should be two catalysts installed. The motor management system gives a warning light that the emission is not clean enough. The exhaust system is quite old anyhow, so I consider replacing it from top to end. But, according to the Toyota dealer (great folks, thats not the problem) the parts would cost a small fortune, at least here in The Netherlands.

Does anyone have a suggestion what to do? Is there an appropriate after market solution available? Replace the current catalyst with another one, and pray for the error message to disappear? Any suggestions more than welcome.

By the way, it is a 1997 car with the 4.5 liter 24v engine (gasoline) originally delivered in the USA.

 

[Michael Montgomery]

Hi is this RHD version if so possible parts availability in the uk could be your best bet?

 

[Gary820]

Being a US version it's possibly a bit different to UK spec.
Does/should it have 2 cat converters inline or side by side?
It might have a pre and post cat converter sensor too.

There are some after market parts available but for a full system having one made in stainless steel is the way to go.
pacemaker do off the shelf things like headers but might not allow for cats, I think they based is Aus and they don't have cats on the fzj80

If you go stainless you can still fit cat converters (i use free flow sport cats on mine) you can increase pipe diameter and if want a bit more growl lose the rear silencer. Lets the engine breathe better too.

We also need pics as black is the best colour

 

[Gijs]

Thans for your reactions.

@ Dervis: my car originates from the US based and is fortunately LHD. Certainly more practical in The Netherlands...

@Gary: the exhaust system should have two cats in line. And it has one sensor pre cat and a sensor post cat. The sensors seem to work fine. Although one cat is missing and instead a piece of pipe is welded.
I looked at the website of Pacemaker, they indeed sell complete exhaust systems, but the images on their site do not include cats. I posted a question whether do do sell them including cats, so we'll see.

@Gary: black is certainly the best color...;-) Nothing wrong with a bold opinion. I uploaded a pic to my profile.


The picture underneath shows the exhaust system as it should be installed, according to the friendly local Toyota dealership.

Question 1: if I would mount an exhaust without cats, is there a way to mislead the motor management system so that it does not generate the orange warning light?

Question 2: if I would build a custom exhaust, what are the cat converter specs needed in order to satisfy the sensors and MMS?

 

[Gijs]

@Gary: another for you: can you give me some more details on your exhaust system?

 

[Gary820]

You'll need the cats as the sensor after them monitors the emissions to check they're working. UK spec only has a pre cat sensor.

You could buy an after market one or a universal one to replace the missing cat.

I've got 2.25 inch down pipes, a pair of 200 cell cat converters, the rest of the system is 2.5 inch with one silencer, smaller then the main standard one. There's no rear silencer and exits behind the right rear wheel.
Makes a bit of noise

 

[Gijs]

@Gary Thanks for this direction you put me in. I will indeed explore further to replace the exhaust system by a stainless steel set from downpipes to exit. I already found some vendors in NL.
By the way, my car has two sensors although one cat is missing. Currently the downpipe is adjusted and does not contain a cat anymore.

 

[Gary820]

That cat is part of the downpipe, you can buy aftermarket items here in the UK fairly cheap tbh, it should then bolt up to the 2nd cat.

I ran with no cats at one point but it was a bit fruity on emmisions!

2.5 inch stainless will help it breathe better, you could go 3 inch but more cost for little gain imo.

 

[Gijs]

Well, thanks for the responses. I just talked to a Dutch exhaust specialist who will install a new full front to back 2,5" stainless steel exhaust system for a very fair price. Including free flow sport kats and silencer and warranty... Hope this solves my annoyance! By the way, they warrant a great sound as well..

 

[Michael Montgomery]

Great news all to often custom is the way to go for about the same cost but easier to buy and fit.

Hats what I did with mine having it side exited and a larger 3in bore.

 

[Aspire]

I have an imported 4.5 as well I went the same way in that stainless front to back. Mone has 2 cats and 2 pre cat and 2 post cat sensors. The post cat sensors are discontinued. So may have to get mine re mapped or different configuration.

If I am hijacking your post it is unintensional.

 

[Gijs]

In the meanwhile, I got my new stainless steel exhaust system. Great job done by Crooke Tuning in NL, using Magnaflow parts. This new system has one cat and two sensors mounted. The original exhaust had two cats, but according to the repair shop it was fine to mount just one, modern cat with higher capacity than the old ones. The motor management system is not complaining anymore, so no warning lights. The pipes are all 2,5 inch, except the exit which is brushed 3 inch. Looks great, that is if you like exhaust systems...
Very nice bold sound, by the way.

 

[thelal]

Well, thanks for the responses. I just talked to a Dutch exhaust specialist who will install a new full front to back 2,5" stainless steel exhaust system for a very fair price. Including free flow sport kats and silencer and warranty.

What price? interested as I need full (including header) front to rear. I've a USA 1997 as well bu not LX

 

[Gijs]

Well, I can tell you, Ipaid 1.400 euro including the VAT. For mounting a complete new system.