- Location
- Colorado
Yes.. Another thread about headers, manifolds, down pipes, and exhuast... Maybe a single thread can harbor all the most recent pros and cons- dos and donts and make it a little easier for new comers to the XJ world *in a wonderful sticky! Until then- here is my findings and questions:
First off... ALL factory exhuast manifolds/ china headers leak or will leak, and most aftermarkets. Its a special note that when replacing the mani/ header CHANGE THE MOTOR MOUNTS! Prime time to do it as the driver side is exposed- and worn out mounts will crack your new header. On this note all hangers should be TIGHT! As in little to no up/ down movement. Again to keep the pressure off the new header to prevent it from cracking too. One way to help this is a piece of flex pipe installed near the bottom of the downpipe or there abouts. Where the exhuast makes the turn that straight section seems like a good bet- anywhere before the cat is what is recommended.
Now, here is the question... The stock mani is very similar to a header, not a bulky cast mani with poor flow. Its probably debatable how much is gained going to a true header that extends each outlet to the Y section. Experience here? Actual gains? 4wheel parts (usually $$$) has a nice manifold replacement for a decent price with 2 flex joints to prevent cracking- I kinda dig it!
Thoughts on this piece?
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/omix-ada-exhaust-manifold-kits/7996
Is there any super gainz going with say a cheaper chinatown fleaBay special for under $100? I know these are all the same design- some even claim the one Banks uses- but usually need the connecting rod cut and/or trimming/ grinding to make fit.. Like one of these?
https://m.ebay.com/itm/RACING-MANIF...3a67ffe7c797&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true
Summit carries one that seems a littttle better:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/atp-101212/
Coming from the ZJ world I have a high regard for Doug Thorley headers from Kolak- since no one else made em and they were saweeet! However im not looking to fork over that kind of coin on this...
SO is Protuning lab an acceptable median? I like that the Y pipe comes with it, since I will need a whole new exhuast system here- Anyone run this?
https://www.protuninglab.com/hds-jc9140-yp.html
There are others.. Like these, but $$$$ Gibson likely the best... Borla and Rugged Ridge close behind.
Next is cat, muffler, and piping. While a flowmaster or magnaflow cat isnt really going to do much- any input here? Flow master universal from VatoZone is like 60 bucks.. Im with it. Then maybe a flow master 40 series? Do cat backs make much difference on these rigs??
If a decent muffler and cat can be had for less then 200$ I think thats how Id probably roll... And have a local shop run the rest of the pipe for less then 100 so like 300 cap plus header/ mani.
Theeeen... There is this option, full bolt on but brands unknown for cat and muffler:
https://www.upsw.com/1997-jeep-cher...7FUDN7iRCvgGJmxe0sQVjgfaild9k_XYaAmfqEALw_wcB
I've been putting off posting this thread... Knowing itd be a heck of a long first thread here! (And a pita from my cell [excuse grammer errors]) BUT I need to pull the trigger soon, the new rig needs to pass emmisions soon.
Sooooooo-
Thanks for any and all input!
First off... ALL factory exhuast manifolds/ china headers leak or will leak, and most aftermarkets. Its a special note that when replacing the mani/ header CHANGE THE MOTOR MOUNTS! Prime time to do it as the driver side is exposed- and worn out mounts will crack your new header. On this note all hangers should be TIGHT! As in little to no up/ down movement. Again to keep the pressure off the new header to prevent it from cracking too. One way to help this is a piece of flex pipe installed near the bottom of the downpipe or there abouts. Where the exhuast makes the turn that straight section seems like a good bet- anywhere before the cat is what is recommended.
Now, here is the question... The stock mani is very similar to a header, not a bulky cast mani with poor flow. Its probably debatable how much is gained going to a true header that extends each outlet to the Y section. Experience here? Actual gains? 4wheel parts (usually $$$) has a nice manifold replacement for a decent price with 2 flex joints to prevent cracking- I kinda dig it!
Thoughts on this piece?
https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/omix-ada-exhaust-manifold-kits/7996
Is there any super gainz going with say a cheaper chinatown fleaBay special for under $100? I know these are all the same design- some even claim the one Banks uses- but usually need the connecting rod cut and/or trimming/ grinding to make fit.. Like one of these?
https://m.ebay.com/itm/RACING-MANIF...3a67ffe7c797&_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1&ul_noapp=true
Summit carries one that seems a littttle better:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/atp-101212/
Coming from the ZJ world I have a high regard for Doug Thorley headers from Kolak- since no one else made em and they were saweeet! However im not looking to fork over that kind of coin on this...
SO is Protuning lab an acceptable median? I like that the Y pipe comes with it, since I will need a whole new exhuast system here- Anyone run this?
https://www.protuninglab.com/hds-jc9140-yp.html
There are others.. Like these, but $$$$ Gibson likely the best... Borla and Rugged Ridge close behind.
Next is cat, muffler, and piping. While a flowmaster or magnaflow cat isnt really going to do much- any input here? Flow master universal from VatoZone is like 60 bucks.. Im with it. Then maybe a flow master 40 series? Do cat backs make much difference on these rigs??
If a decent muffler and cat can be had for less then 200$ I think thats how Id probably roll... And have a local shop run the rest of the pipe for less then 100 so like 300 cap plus header/ mani.
Theeeen... There is this option, full bolt on but brands unknown for cat and muffler:
https://www.upsw.com/1997-jeep-cher...7FUDN7iRCvgGJmxe0sQVjgfaild9k_XYaAmfqEALw_wcB
I've been putting off posting this thread... Knowing itd be a heck of a long first thread here! (And a pita from my cell [excuse grammer errors]) BUT I need to pull the trigger soon, the new rig needs to pass emmisions soon.
Sooooooo-
Thanks for any and all input!