Find the best sounding exhuast for the 79 Series Land Cruiser...
The 4.5 litre V8 diesel in the 79 Series is one of the best sounding engines Toyota has ever put under a bonnet. The problem is the factory exhaust system is engineered to muffle it as much as possible. Restrictive pipe diameters, a baffled muffler, and a conservative system layout work together to suppress what the 1VD-FTV is actually capable of producing. A quality aftermarket exhaust changes all of that, and the difference between a well-chosen system and a poorly matched one is significant in both sound quality and character.
This guide breaks down exactly what makes the 79 Series exhaust sound the way it does, what variables you can change, and which Redback Extreme Duty system is the right pick for your specific build and sound preference.
What Actually Makes a 79 Series Exhaust Sound Better
Sound is not random. Every change you make to the exhaust system has a predictable and specific effect on the note the engine produces. There are three main variables that determine how your 79 Series sounds once you leave the factory system behind.
1. Pipe Diameter
Pipe diameter is the single biggest driver of sound character. A larger bore pipe allows exhaust gases to exit faster and with less restriction. This changes the pressure wave dynamics inside the pipe, which directly affects the frequency and depth of the exhaust note. A wider pipe produces a lower fundamental frequency, which translates as a deeper, fuller, more bass-heavy tone. The factory system on the VDJ79 runs a conservative pipe diameter that constrains both flow and sound. Moving to 3 inch improves on the factory significantly. Moving to 4 inch transforms the note entirely, giving the V8 the deep, authoritative diesel rumble that the engine is genuinely capable of. The twin 4 inch configuration takes this further again, with dual exits producing the fullest possible sound stage.
2. Muffler Configuration
The muffler determines how much of the raw exhaust note is filtered before it exits the tailpipe. A factory baffled muffler uses internal chambers to cancel sound waves, which drops both volume and character substantially. Aftermarket systems give you options at this point in the system. A straight-through resonator uses a perforated core inside a packed shell that smooths the exhaust note without cancelling it. The result is a deep, clean tone with significantly more character than factory, but without the harshness or drone of an unrestricted system. A muffler delete removes the muffler section entirely and runs a straight pipe. This is the loudest possible configuration, gives maximum exhaust gas velocity, and produces the most aggressive sound, but it is not for every use case. On a touring or work 79 that spends hours on the highway, cabin drone can become fatiguing without a resonator in the system. For a vehicle used primarily off-road or for short work runs, the muffler delete is a serious option.
3. System Configuration: Turbo Back vs DPF Back
The starting point of the exhaust system also has a meaningful impact on sound. A turbo back system replaces everything from the turbo outlet all the way to the tailpipe. This is the maximum possible change to the exhaust system and gives the greatest effect on both sound and performance. A DPF back system starts after the diesel particulate filter, leaving the factory section from the turbo to the DPF in place. For post-2016 VDJ79 models equipped with a DPF, a DPF back system is the correct approach as it retains the DPF for compliance purposes. For pre-2016 models without a DPF, a turbo back system is available and represents the full upgrade.
Exhaust Sound Comparison: System Configurations
| Configuration | Pipe Size | Muffler | Sound Level | Sound Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factory | 2.5" | Baffled muffler | Quiet | Suppressed, flat | Stock compliance |
| 3" DPF/Turbo Back + Resonator | 3" | Straight-through resonator | Moderate | Deeper tone, clean note | Daily drivers, highway touring |
| 4" DPF Back + Resonator | 4" | Straight-through resonator | Loud | Deep V8 rumble, controlled | Touring builds, mixed use |
| 4" DPF Back + Muffler Delete | 4" | Pipe only | Very Loud | Aggressive, raw diesel bark | Off-road, work rigs, show builds |
| 4" Turbo Back + Muffler Delete | 4" | Pipe only | Maximum | Full V8 diesel, turbo audible | Pre-2016 builds, maximum performance |
| Twin 4" DPF Back | Twin 4" | Muffler delete | Maximum | Deepest, widest sound stage | Show builds, serious performance builds |
Why Redback Extreme Duty Is the Right Exhaust for the 79 Series
Redback are one of Australia's most respected exhaust manufacturers, and their Extreme Duty range for the 79 Series is built to a specification that matches the vehicle's use case rather than simply fitting it. The systems are engineered and manufactured in Australia using 409 stainless steel throughout, which provides strong corrosion resistance without the cost premium of full 304 stainless. Every Redback Extreme Duty system for the 79 Series carries a 10-year warranty, which is one of the strongest backing periods in the market for a product of this type.
The construction details matter at this price point. Redback systems use 4-bolt, 10mm thick flange plates at the connection points, which resist warping and maintain a proper seal under the thermal cycling that a working or touring 79 puts an exhaust through. Extreme-duty hanger brackets are used throughout the system rather than the lighter gauge hardware found on budget alternatives. Pressed fire-ring gaskets provide a reliable seal at each joint. A removable quarter-inch NPT EGT sensor boss is built into the system, which allows an exhaust gas temperature sensor to be fitted without modification for owners running tuned or performance builds.
Redback Extreme Duty Models for the 79 Series: Which One to Choose
Redback produce several specific configurations for the 79 Series to cover different engine variants, cab styles, build dates, and accessory fitments. Here is how to match the right system to your vehicle.
Redback Extreme Duty 4" DPF Back Exhaust, Dual Cab (2016 onwards). This is the most popular choice for post-2016 dual cab VDJ79 owners. The 4 inch bore delivers a dramatic improvement in sound over factory. Available with a choice of a straight-through resonator for a deep controlled note or a muffler delete for maximum aggression. This is the system to specify if you want the best sounding exhaust on a current-spec dual cab while maintaining DPF compliance. This is the system we recommend for most dual cab builds at 70 Series Store.
Redback Extreme Duty 4" Turbo Back Exhaust, Dual Cab (2012 to 2024). For pre-2016 dual cab 79 Series without a DPF, the turbo back system starts further up the exhaust path and delivers the full system upgrade. Running a turbo back on a DPF-equipped vehicle would require DPF removal, which is not road legal. On pre-DPF models, this is the definitive sound upgrade and the system that gets the most from the 1VD-FTV's natural character.
Redback Extreme Duty Single Cab (2007 to 2016). The single cab 79 Series runs a different tray and exhaust routing to the dual cab, and Redback engineer this system specifically for that body style. A 3 inch turbo back system with the option of a resonator or muffler delete, this is the correct spec for a pre-facelift single cab and produces a genuine improvement on the factory note.
Redback Extreme Duty with Auxiliary Fuel Tank (2012 to 2016 and 2016 onwards). For dual cab 79 Series fitted with a long-range or auxiliary fuel tank positioned ahead of the rear differential, the standard exhaust routing does not work. Redback produce specific systems routed to clear auxiliary tank installations for both pre-2016 and post-2016 models, so owners who have fitted long-range fuel do not have to choose between fuel range and an exhaust upgrade.
Redback Extreme Duty Twin 4" Dual Cab (2016 onwards). The twin 4 inch system is the top of the Redback range for the 79 Series and delivers the widest sound stage of any system available for the vehicle. Dual exit tailpipes, maximum exhaust gas velocity, and the deepest possible V8 diesel note. This system is for builds where maximum sound and presence is the goal.
Which Redback System Is Right for Your Build?
If your 79 is a post-2016 DPF model used for touring, towing, or daily driving and you want a meaningful sound upgrade that is controlled and comfortable on long runs, the 4 inch DPF back with straight-through resonator is the system to go with. It transforms the sound character of the vehicle without making highway driving fatiguing.
If you want the most aggressive sound possible on a post-2016 model and the vehicle is not spending extended time on the highway, the 4 inch DPF back with muffler delete will deliver exactly that. Raw, loud, and instantly noticeable.
If your 79 is a pre-2016 non-DPF model, the 4 inch turbo back is the system to specify. Starting from the turbo outlet gives you the maximum possible sound and flow improvement, and without a DPF to work around, you have the full range of muffler options available.
If you have an auxiliary fuel tank fitted, go straight to the LRA-specific Redback systems. Trying to fit a standard routing system around an auxiliary tank creates fitment issues and is not worth the effort when Redback have already solved the problem.
Shop Redback Exhausts for Your 79 Series
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sounding exhaust for the 79 Series LandCruiser?
The Redback Extreme Duty 4 inch DPF back with muffler delete is the loudest and most aggressive sounding option for post-2016 VDJ79 models. For owners who want maximum sound without highway drone, the 4 inch DPF back with straight-through resonator strikes the best balance. For pre-2016 non-DPF models, the 4 inch turbo back is the definitive upgrade. All are available at 70 Series Store.
Does a bigger exhaust pipe make a 79 Series louder?
Yes. Increasing pipe diameter from factory to 3 inch and then to 4 inch produces a progressively deeper, louder, and more characterful exhaust note. The larger bore allows exhaust gases to exit faster and changes the pressure wave dynamics inside the pipe, which drops the fundamental frequency of the sound and produces the deep V8 diesel tone that the 1VD-FTV is capable of but suppressed from producing in factory configuration.
What is the difference between a muffler delete and a resonator on the 79 Series?
A straight-through resonator uses a perforated core inside a packed shell to smooth the exhaust note without cancelling it. The result is a deep, clean sound with significantly more character than factory but without harshness or cabin drone on long drives. A muffler delete removes the muffler section entirely and runs straight pipe. This is the loudest possible option, producing the most aggressive raw diesel sound, but can cause cabin drone on extended highway runs.
Is a turbo back exhaust legal on a post-2016 DPF-equipped 79 Series?
No. A turbo back exhaust on a post-2016 VDJ79 would require removing the diesel particulate filter, which is illegal on a road-registered vehicle in Australia. Post-2016 models should use a DPF back system, which starts after the DPF and retains it in place. This is still a significant sound and performance upgrade without any compliance issue.
Do Redback exhausts suit the 79 Series with an auxiliary fuel tank?
Yes. Redback produce specific exhaust systems for dual cab 79 Series fitted with auxiliary or long-range fuel tanks, covering both the pre-2016 (January 2012 to October 2016) and post-2016 (November 2016 onwards) models. These systems are routed to clear the auxiliary tank without requiring modifications or custom fabrication.
How long does a Redback Extreme Duty exhaust last?
Redback back their Extreme Duty systems with a 10-year warranty. The systems are constructed from 409 stainless steel throughout, which provides strong corrosion resistance in the conditions a 79 Series is typically operated in, including coastal tracks, water crossings, and dusty outback environments. With correct installation and without physical damage, a quality stainless steel exhaust system on a well-maintained vehicle will typically outlast the vehicle itself.
