Hi all,

I'm getting ready to tackle my most likely cracked manifold and I'm getting the part I need now. I noticed RockAuto offers two options for my jeep that are "improved," which is to say they resist the stress cracks native to my machine, a 1998 4.0 I6, Auto with RWD.

They're both by ATP, here are the items:

ATP 101330, the "improved" design with flex joints:


This one seems kind of the cheaper option, and I dunno how I feel with those dryer hose looking bits in extreme high-temp situations, but this is the lower price point at $140


and ATP 101212, the "best" design with upgraded collector structure and better gauge metal.

Honestly, for $20 more than the "improved" design, I see no reason to not get 212. I don't mind if it's overkill, I'd be more than happy to get a well oversturdy part and never have to replace it again - I'm in this car for the long run, I'm keeping it "stock" and plan to keep her alive as long as I can afford to. I'm sure the "improves engine efficiency" is just marketing **** on a car that takes a couple PSI backpressure to operate properly, anyway, but I don't care too much about that. If I wanted to squeeze fuel economy I wouldn't have bought a rectangle on wheels.

So what's your thoughts? Do you have other parts you'd recommend over these, if you had to pick one, which would you pick, has anyone used either and had good/bad/ugly experiences, etc. Thanks for the advice.

 

I run some rando unit off ebay with the flex pipe sections. Its been on there for almost a year now with no issues (knock on header) even came with a gasket though i picked up an oem gasket at the dealer for 15 dollars.

My only gripe with it so far has been the flange is too thin so the conical washers arent level. I meant to weld on some washers as spacers but eh.

 

I have had the bottom 101212 one on mine for a year, no issues yet.