Toyota Hilux RN40 RN42 1979-1981 2.0L 18R-C Wildcat Exhaust Headers WILD118

Wildcat WILD118 exhaust headers (extractors) are designed for selected Toyota Hilux RN40 and RN42 models from 1979–1981 fitted with the 2.0L 18R-C petrol engine.

WILD118 features an interference 4-2-1 header design with 38mm (1.50") primary pipes, 45mm (1.75") secondary pipes and a 51mm (2.00") outlet. This configuration is designed to maintain exhaust gas velocity and improve scavenging for better low- and mid-range torque, throttle response and usable engine performance.

WILD118 is listed for applicable 2WD and 4WD Hilux models and manual and automatic transmissions.

Important: WILD118 will not fit Hilux models with a torsion-bar front end. See WILD713 for the applicable torsion-bar application.

Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

Key Features

• Designed for selected Toyota Hilux RN40 and RN42 applications
• Suits the 2.0L 18R-C petrol engine
• Interference 4-2-1 header design for street and utility applications
• 38mm (1.50") primary pipes
• 45mm (1.75") secondary pipes
• 51mm (2.00") outlet
• Direct-fit application
• Suits applicable 2WD and 4WD models
• Suits manual and automatic transmissions
• Designed to improve exhaust gas flow and scavenging
• Helps improve torque, throttle response and engine performance
• Australian-made Wildcat performance headers

Construction

• Quality mild steel construction
• Strong welded construction for durability
• Formed pipework designed for efficient exhaust gas flow
• Heat-resistant painted finish rated to approximately 600°C
• Australian manufactured by Wildcat

Additional Options

• RBG118S exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Replacement manifold studs and nuts where existing hardware is worn or corroded
• High-temperature exhaust gasket sealant where appropriate
• Performance exhaust system where further exhaust flow improvement is required

Vehicle Fitment

• Make: Toyota
• Model: Hilux
• Chassis: RN40 / RN42
• Year Range: 1979–1981
• Engine Capacity: 2.0L / 1968cc
• Engine: 18R-C
• Engine Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder petrol
• Drive: Applicable 2WD / 4WD models
• Transmission: Manual / Automatic

Fitment Notes

• Designed for selected Toyota Hilux RN40 and RN42 models from 1979–1981 fitted with the 2.0L 18R-C petrol engine
• Suits applicable 2WD and 4WD models
• Suits manual and automatic transmissions
• WILL NOT FIT models with a torsion-bar front end – see WILD713 for the applicable torsion-bar application
• Recommended exhaust manifold/header gasket: RBG118S
• Due to the age of these vehicles, replacement engines, suspension changes, modified engine mounts or non-standard exhaust systems may affect fitment
• Please confirm the vehicle, engine and front suspension configuration before ordering if unsure
• Please check availability and current lead time before ordering.

What’s Included

• 1 x Set Wildcat WILD118 exhaust headers / extractors
• Outlet components as supplied

Recommended With

• RBG118S exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Replacement manifold studs and nuts where existing hardware is worn or corroded
• High-temperature exhaust gasket sealant where appropriate
• Quality performance exhaust system where further exhaust flow improvement is required

Why Good Headers & Exhaust Systems Matter

At 4,000 rpm, the 1968cc 18R-C engine theoretically draws in approximately 3,936 litres of intake air per minute and can expel around 11,800 litres of hot exhaust gas per minute at approximately 600°C.

A well-designed header and exhaust system helps manage this high gas flow efficiently, reducing restriction and improving exhaust scavenging, torque, throttle response and engine performance.

Installation Tips

• Apply penetrating lubricant such as WD-40 or similar to the manifold studs, nuts and exhaust fasteners before removal
• Remove all traces of the old manifold gasket before installing the headers
• Inspect the cylinder-head sealing surface, manifold studs and threads before installation
• Fit a new RBG118S exhaust manifold/header gasket
• Confirm the vehicle does not have the torsion-bar front-end configuration before installation
• Trial-fit the headers before fully tightening the mounting hardware
• Check clearance around the engine mounts, steering, suspension, transmission, starter motor and surrounding components
• Protect the painted header surfaces during trial fitting and installation
• Check all exhaust connections for leaks after installation
• Inspect and re-tighten the header mounting hardware after the initial heat cycles

Warranty & Compliance

Wildcat headers are covered by the applicable 2-year manufacturer's warranty subject to standard warranty terms and conditions.

Correct fitment depends on the vehicle remaining compatible with the original application. Due to the age of these vehicles, engine, transmission, suspension, steering and exhaust modifications should be checked before installation.

FAQ

Which Toyota Hilux models does WILD118 suit?
WILD118 is designed for selected Toyota Hilux RN40 and RN42 models from 1979–1981 fitted with the 2.0L 18R-C petrol engine.

Does WILD118 suit both 2WD and 4WD Hilux models?
Yes. WILD118 is listed for applicable 2WD and 4WD models, subject to the front-end configuration.

Does WILD118 fit Hilux models with a torsion-bar front end?
No. WILD118 will not fit torsion-bar front-end models. See WILD713 for the applicable torsion-bar application.

Does WILD118 suit manual and automatic transmissions?
Yes. WILD118 is listed for both manual and automatic transmission applications.

What size are the WILD118 header pipes?
WILD118 uses 38mm (1.50") primary pipes, 45mm (1.75") secondary pipes and a 51mm (2.00") outlet.

Which exhaust gasket is required?
The recommended exhaust manifold/header gasket is RBG118S.

What finish is used on WILD118?
The headers have a heat-resistant painted finish rated to approximately 600°C.

Are WILD118 headers Australian made?
Yes. Wildcat WILD118 headers are manufactured in Australia.

Can I pick up from the store?
Yes. Pick up is available but must be pre-arranged before collection.

How much is freight?
Freight varies depending on your delivery location and where stock is available. Please contact us for freight charges before ordering. Where possible, we can arrange dispatch from the nearest available product location to help reduce freight costs and delivery times.

Do you ship to the USA?
Yes. Best Mufflers regularly ships exhaust systems and exhaust parts to customers throughout the United States.

Please note that import duties, tariffs, taxes, and customs clearance fees are not included in the product or shipping price. Once your order is processed and the applicable charges are calculated, we will send you a secure payment link to finalise the import duties and tariff charges before dispatch.

Customer Support

For phone orders, fitment advice or product enquiries, contact Best Mufflers:

Call Now: +61 2 9547 3511 Email Us

Best Mufflers
87A Planthurst Road, Carlton NSW 2218, Australia
Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm by appointment
Exhaust Systems Since 1983