Lexus GX460 Accessories Program Build Gets Wicked-Sounding Custom Exhaust
The goal with this Lexus GX460 exhaust setup was to mimic the Mercedes-AMG G-Wagon, and it was certainly achieved in this case.
The Lexus GX460 is a lame duck of sorts, a large, body-on-frame SUV with V8 power that’s set to give way to the all-new 2024 GX 550 in the coming months. Regardless, the GX460 remains an extremely popular choice for many, particularly enthusiasts that love to modify the big, luxurious machine into a more capable off-roader than it already is from the factory. That’s certainly the case with this Lexus GX460 that’s currently being modified by the folks at Fluid Motor Union, which is using a slew of upgrades from the Lexus Accessories Program coupled with a variety of aftermarket and custom goodies to enhance it even further.
Thus far, the GX has been treated to a new set of side steps, a Bilstein lift kit, a roof rack, new wheels, and 35-inch tires. The crew has known from the start that it wants to unleash some sound from the GX’s naturally-aspirated V8 as well, but they didn’t just want to make it loud and obnoxious – rather, the concept here is to create something of a proper Mercedes-AMG G-Wagon rival with a classier yet aggressive sound.
Thus, the decision was made to simply enhance the factory exhaust by modifying it in a number of ways, including the act of giving it dual side-exit tips, just like a AMG G-Wagon. Of course, that decision presents its own unique set of challenges given the fact that the GX wasn’t offered with side pipes from the factory, and thee shop wants to retain the stock rear-exit setup for those times when they simply don’t want to wake up the neighbors.
Such a thing is possible in today’s world thanks to the presence of valves, which are used by manufacturers in vehicles with active exhaust systems, of course. Fluid also decided to utilize an X-pipe, which they believe will ultimately generate the most pleasing exhaust note, and thus, all that’s left now is to figure out how all of the corresponding pipes need to be cut and bent to fit perfectly underneath the big-bodied SUV.
The results of all this careful planning clearly pay off once it’s all buttoned, er, welded up, too – whereas the G-Wagon has a more truck-like sound thanks to its lack of an X-pipe, this GX emits more of a muscular tone that’s both pleasing the ears and not obnoxious by any means. Rather than go for pure “look at me” volume, FMU achieved its goal of keeping things classy with the last V8-powered model of its kind, which in this case is shaping up to be one seriously cool, impromptu send-off to the GX460 in general.
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