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Let’s talk about a sound that’s become infamous in the world of Hilux N70 owners. It’s not the throaty growl of a V8, or the satisfying spool of a well-tuned turbo. No, we’re talking about that sound—the one that makes your Hilux sound like a caffeinated pigeon with asthma having an identity crisis every time you back off the throttle.
You know the one: tuuuuuuuuuuuu.
Some folks—mostly P platers, let’s be honest—live for it. They’ll stand around in a servo carpark at 10:45pm, freshly-minted vape in one hand, iced coffee in the other, showing off their pigeon-sounding N70 like it’s an AMG. But let’s break it down.
How Do You Get the Pigeon Sound?
Well, there’s a recipe:
- Start with a Toyota Hilux N70.
- Add a turbo (lucky you, it’s already got one).
- Purchase a PPD turbo-back exhaust system, but—and this part is key—make sure you get one without a resonator.
- Install said system, and prepare for feathered fury.
The absence of a resonator lets the turbo noise escape unhindered, creating that distinctive flutter or “chatter” sound as the boost pressure releases back through the exhaust. Some call it turbo flutter. Some call it compressor surge. We call it… annoying.
The Harsh Truth: It Sounds Terrible
Let’s be real—your Hilux isn’t a fighter jet. It’s a ute. A good ute. A reliable, hard-working, deadset legend of a rig. But when it starts chirping like a pigeon being stepped on, things go downhill fast.
Your mates might say it sounds hectic, but your neighbours are plotting your disappearance. And let’s not even talk about your chances of impressing the girl at the drive-thru when your Hilux starts cooing like it’s trying to attract a mate in breeding season.
But Why Do People Want It?
Well, it’s a mix of Fast & Furious nostalgia, TikTok trends, and the eternal quest for “being different” (by doing the exact same mod as every other Hilux in the state). And to be fair—it does turn heads. Just not always in a good way.
The Upside? At Least You’ll Be Heard
On the bright side, if you’re ever lost in the bush, someone might hear your Hilux pigeon-chirping from three valleys over and come rescue you. So there’s that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re absolutely set on annoying wildlife and pedestrians alike, grab that PPD turbo-back exhaust with no resonator and embrace your inner bird. Just remember: not all attention is good attention.
And for the love of all things diesel—if your Hilux starts cooing louder than it pulls, it might be time to reconsider your life choices.
Looking to make your Hilux sound like a pigeon? Or want to avoid that at all costs? Check out our full range of performance exhausts and mods over at 4X4OC.com. We’ll hook you up—whether you’re chasing chirps or chasing horsepower.