Differences in mufflers between '98 and '99+

[anthrax323]

Hey guys,

The dealership (and just about everyone else) wants ~$580 for an OEM muffler and tail pipe assembly for my 2001 XJ. Needless to say, I'm not going to pay that much, so I'm looking for alternatives.

I found that '96-'98 XJs use part number 52101262AB, whereas '99-'01 XJs use part number 52101262AG (identical aside from the suffix, AB vs. AG).

Are there any noteworthy differences between these parts, such as shape or size? I've always been under the impression that the tailpipe routing remained pretty consistent over the years, and the 4.0's have always used 2.5" exhaust pipe.

Anyone know about this, or have an XJ between '96 and '98 that they can take a look at to reference? My 2001 has a single-piece muffler and tailpipe assembly that bolts to the catalytic converter via a flange (diamond-shaped flanges, not sure exactly what the technical term is). The AB (pre-'99) part is $110 whereas the AG part (99'+) is $581, so needless to say I'm a little confused. The last time I noticed a difference in part numbers like that like that was between keyless entry remotes, and my AB part (original) has 3x the range as the newer AG part that superseded it (from the dealership).

 

[rocknxj]

I'm not sure why you need to go with OE parts. You might do better to get an aftermarket muffler installed, say a Magnaflow, and have a reputable exhaust shop weld it on. Oh, my '99 uses 2.25" pipe.

 

[anthrax323]

I'm hell bent on retaining OE quietness (I really have never liked the sound of the 4.0, so I want to avoid aftermarket mufflers), plus I would like a quick bolt-on solution... I can weld, but for some reason I want to stay 100% OE until I decide to do more intensive work to the exhaust.

 

[anthrax323]

The more I look, the more I find that the '96 to '98 cat-to-muffler connection is a compression fitting rather than a bolt-on flange. If anyone could confirm this, that'd rock.

 

[aparke4]

2.5 mandrel bent - 80 bucks

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/mercha...&Product_Code=RP-643-XJ&Category_Code=PER_EXH

with

2.5 in and out for 115
http://www.quadratec.com/products/17603_9100_07.htm

i would go aftermarket... there are many better flowing and better sounding mufflers that outperform stock ... if you are going to replace anyways save money and go with a better muffler/ tail pipe combo... you can find plenty of mufflers that are quiet but flow better than stock

just my opinion if you are going to replace anyways

oh and most magnaflow mufflers will be on the quieter side but allow the I6 to breathe

 

[rocknxj]

i would go aftermarket... there are many better flowing and better sounding mufflers that outperform stock ... if you are going to replace anyways save money and go with a better muffler/ tail pipe combo... you can find plenty of mufflers that are quiet but flow better than stock

just my opinion if you are going to replace anyways

oh and most magnaflow mufflers will be on the quieter side but allow the I6 to breathe

This

 

[Johnnie Walker]

They cost a decent amount, but Magnaflow, borla, gibson all make a bolt in cat back.
OR, go to a good local exhaust shop. Pick a muffler you want, and have them bend/weld up pipe. Magnaflow makes muffelrs in lots of shapes and sizes. To keep close to stock db level. 22" is probably your way to go.

 

[hubs97xj]

Dynomax sells a 2 bolt flange to connect their catback to the stock flange. It says in the instructions that it is for late 00 and 01 XJs. It's a normal slipfit through early 00, apparently. This comes with their pn 17340 exhaust system.

Here's the flange. You might be able to buy this separately for a lot less than $600. Sized for 2.25" pipe.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii244/AHhub/510081.jpg
http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii244/AHhub/510082.jpg

You could also just cut the flange off and slipfit the new pipe.

 

[PhotographerMike]

I got one of these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-17340/ '99 cost is $150- (the one for the '89 was only $109-)
The web site shows the same number fitting 1993 ~ 2001

Dynomax Performance 17340 - Dynomax Super Turbo Exhaust Systems

I don't know about the sound as I'm holding it for later, but it is very well built. Shipping weight was 42 pounds.
The part that convinced me was the $75- REBATE making my net cost all of $44- with shipping included.

Mike

 

[BMWGuy]

+1. Got mine from Jegs. Fits perfect. I removed the OEM with a sawzall. No reason to keep anything behind the cat. My kit came with an extra clamp and pre-bent hanger which I didn't need. Mine's a 2001 also.

Sound is decent but it's not a Borla or CherryBomb. Just a little throatier than stock.

I got one of these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WLK-17340/ '99 cost is $150- (the one for the '89 was only $109-)
The web site shows the same number fitting 1993 ~ 2001

Dynomax Performance 17340 - Dynomax Super Turbo Exhaust Systems

I don't know about the sound as I'm holding it for later, but it is very well built. Shipping weight was 42 pounds.
The part that convinced me was the $75- REBATE making my net cost all of $44- with shipping included.

Mike

 

[JrTxJ]

fwiw, I used a 98- setup on my 99, and a buddy did as well. fit no problem.

 

[Kevin108]

Quadratec has a DynoMax Super Turbo cat back setup for $145 ($220 with a $75 rebate).
Fits 93-01s. http://www.quadratec.com/products/77608_801.htm

 

[hubs97xj]

Hmmm, let's see. Dynomax 17340
$139.99, shipped, from Amazon.
$152.98, shipped, from Jegs.
$160.90, shipped, from Summit Racing.
$256.98, shipped, from Quadratec.

Don't buy stuff like this from Qtec. :twak: