Vehicle manufacturers have presented various models of ute that have been shunned or embraced with cult-like beliefs of superiority. I can not deny I had a 1979 Ford F250, and it was a beast. I rebuilt the motor into a tree-snaping powerhouse and was an ardent Ford supporter.
We can not be so blind as to not accept the benefits and qualities of other manufacturers. In a highly competitive market, new technologies for market capture are continually hitting the sales floor and aftermarket supply companies.
I thought Toyotas were garbage until I went on a 4×4 excursion in a Landcruiser with a friend. I had never been so comfortable offroad and confident in the vehicle’s ability. The legendary 40 series was replaced with the J70 in 1984. The 2012 79 Series Landcruiser is a double cab ute with a 4.5l diesel engine. The Hilux is one of the highest sellers in Australia.
Finding performance upgrades for a Hilux, or the best sounding exhaust for 79 Series Landcruiser is as easy as typing it into a search bar. Caution; the rabbit hole of aftermarket parts can drain your wallet and be counter-functional on your vehicle. One exhaust type will increase your engines torque, and another the efficiency.
Getting air into your engine efficiently is just as important as exhaust when increasing your power. Open air is dangerous for debris and water ingestion, some type of air filter or baffle box is required. A snorkel intake is a smart 4×4 addition, and a longer intake increases power at low rpm scales. If you have a smaller lighter engine that operates on revs to generate torque in the gearbox, a short intake is better.
Import and aftermarket performance parts have an initial cost, but pay attention to the increased operating cost of fuel vs performance. We change the weight and performance characteristics by adding ute trays, canopies, bull bars, winches, eskie, ice, and kit.
We have been dealing with vehicle exhaust noise pollution and emission regulations for a long time. In an interesting turn of events, EV vehicles have a minimum noise mandate for safety to operate on our roads. Oh, how times have changed.
Diesel is an excellent fuel to use, but we need to change our injectors for better eco-responsibility in driving. Massive power surges of turbo-diesels thrust volumes of incompletely burnt fuel out into our environment. Tune and maintain your vehicle to share the road with all of us.
I would fight for your right to come home at any hour of the night you desire. Doing so at 3 am with an obnoxiously loud exhaust from any vehicle disrespects everyone on your drive home, not only your neighbourhood.
Because some people can not respect others’ rights over displaying their own, the government has to get involved with regulations or bans for everyone.
There are many reasons why driving offroad is better, but when on the highway “playground” we have to play well with others.
