I know this has been covered in some form or fashion over the years but looking for more recent experience as I know manufactures change, quality changes, etc.

1989 Jeep XJ RENIX 4.0. Crack in the exhaust manifold at the collector just before the down pipe connection. Two sensors.

Not overly concerned with a performance boost but that would be great if it can be had without massive increase in cost or modification. Just looking for a good quality exhaust manifold. I see options from Dorman, Crown, Omix, and Banks.

Skipping the Banks, seem unnecessary to spend that much for what I want out of this vehicle, but the appeal is not lost on me.

Any recent experience with what is out there that people would suggest is a good bet for a quality part? Any options I have missed that seem to be worth a look? Anything ebay worth the time?

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm pretty aggravated with the "standard" replacement "made in china" junk.

I put a new exhaust, manifold back on my 95 about 3 years ago and I believe my manifold is already cracked, and I've had both the hanger welds rust off and had to be patched. I also found out that the O2 bung in the front pipe (my 95 has a single O2 sensor) is in an awkward place, scraping right up against the oil pan.

Were I to do it over again, I'd get a high end manifold, stainless steel type of deal with good quality reviews and consider a custom front pipe replacement (meaning, paying an exhaust shop to fabricate it) since I cannot find ANY quality exhaust pipes... just the generic "made in china" junk for the front pipe. Then I'd do something stainless/high-quality again for the "cat back" if I could find it. The el cheapo catalytic converter and muffler seem fine however. We don't have emissions testing for vehicles that old in my state, so I could have been a bad boy and done something tricky with the cat... I didn't, I just bought the standard replacement part and put it in.

However, this is because I intend on driving this 95 until I literally cannot hold it together any longer. I knew this 3 years ago, but didn't expect the standard parts to be SOOOOOO crappy... they are. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm going to do going forward on the exhaust for my 95.

 

After looking at tons of reviews for crappy exhaust manifolds I decided to buy a slightly higher quality Dorman with great reviews. After installing it the Jeep sounded terrible - almost like it had a bad exhaust leak - and against my better judgement I decided that it couldn’t possibly be the manifold. I re-installed it with no change and eventually caved and went to a mechanic. Mechanic spent days trying to figure it out - all along swearing it couldn’t be that Dorman exhaust manifold. Turns out it was.

 

I also have the Dorman... for me it was fine from the start, once I installed it with the new pipes it was nice and quiet. As soon as the first hanger started rusting off and broke, I'm convinced it's leaking. I double checked the doughnut gasket between the manifold and front pipe, but it was nice and tight. I haven't double checked the manifold to head bolts yet, but will be doing that as soon as I have some time and decent weather

 

Regardless of your manifold selection, check your motor mounts.