rg991708

Sorry guys, I know there are 1000 threads on this topic already and I tried to comb through all of them but it just made me change the brand I want 5 times.

Like everyone else, mine has a crack. It wasn't that bad and never really made the O2 sensor throw a code. Last week an exhaust hanger rusted off and part of the exhaust was only being supported by the OEM manifold. The cracks got worse and now it is time to replace.

Is there any thread that is a summary of all the brands, $s, and general comments (ie I'm on my 8th Banks manifold, my Gibson is amazing, APN is worth it, ........).

Assume that the motor and trans mounts are brand new (will replace before manifold).

So Far this is what I have gathered:

Best but around $500
Gibson
Banks
Borla

Ok but Cheap:
APN (but may need to be persuaded with a hammer)

Can anyone add or correct my comments above?

My truck has a great motor but is rusting out (Chicago winters) so I need it to last 2 more years so I am leaning toward APN to get a cheap fix, but I am willing to spend the $$ for a better product that installs way easier.

bluejeep2001

The Apn is a decent exhaust...do you have the 0630 head...if so its a bolt up exhaust

Fred/N0AZZ

Banks has a lifetime warranty and do make the best header, what was your problem of them not covering it? I guess other parts of the exhaust sys. bad causing it to crack, or did I misread your post about 8 others??

extrashaky

I think he was listing that as an example of what someone might give him as a comment. However, Banks won't cover a header that didn't come from an authorized reseller, and they have given people problems about honoring a warranty on some of them purchased from Ebay and Amazon. I bought mine on Ebay knowing this, so if it ever fails, I accept that it's my own problem.

I have a Banks header and love it, although mine is for a 2000-2001 and is different from the '99 and down header. I have a Gibson exhaust. If the quality of my exhaust is any indication of the quality of the Gibson header, I wouldn't have any qualms about buying that one either.

However, if I were just trying to get through the next two years, I think I would just buy the cheapest OEM-style replacement.

mschi772

Unless you have a specific need/desire for something like Borla, Banks, Gibson, Thorley (my choice), or possibly AFE....go with Dorman. Even with all my mods, my Thorley header didn't actually do anything for me, not really.

teamarctic

Installed the apn header on mine. Had to persuade it with a hammer and the flange was to thick as well. Had to grind down each place where the washers came into contact it. Was a pain in the ***, and if i had to do it all over again, i would have just went with the dorman one.

dzywicki

I had to replace my original exhaust manifold last year too. Ended up going with the Dorman. Had a 20% off from AZ so it as really good price. HAs a lifetime warranty and the bellows so it shouldn't crack again. Bolted right up.

rg991708

Thanks everyone! You guys helped make the final decision. I am going to go with the Dorman.

Turbo X_J

Save your money for a better ride, "rust bucket" and "best" don't mesh.

rg991708

I 100% agree. I just fall into the trap of when something needs to be replaced to buy the absolute best replacement (which is usually/sometimes the most expensive) like some Jeep owners. I have been trying to tone that back. I don't need the Jeep to last another lifetime just 2 more years.

mschi772

In your case, Dorman is the best replacement, rusty or not.

rg991708

Thanks guys, order the Dorman with 20% off coupon. Will update when all put together.