i have a 97 xj, 4.0 and have the infamous crack around the collector on the manifold. i'm not sure what route i want to go, either header or this:

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...haust+manifold

the above looks like a header to me, apart from the flex joints on it. its also more cost effective for me right now. however i'd like the header to be able to let it breath a little more, but have heard that they like to burn through gaskets. if i go with a header i will more than likely go with the rugged ridge header.

thanks.

 

That's exactly what the product name says it is....a manifold.

This is a header:

Click Here.


http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.co...-409-STAINLESS

 

I got my header for my '98 off e-bay last winter for $140 shipped. No regrets.

 

I'm joining, i needa get a header

 

Not sure if it's the same seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RACING-MANIFOLD-HEADER-EXHAUST-91-99-JEEP-WRANGLER-CHEROKEE-4-0-6CYL-YK-TJ-XJ-ZJ-/180902510604?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2a1ea1400c

 

I'm afraid of that cheapy Chinese junk, it will probably rust through or fall apart in less than a year.

 

I got APN, pretty much what Frank (SeriousOffroad) listed. Very pleased. I'd recommend. Def better than whatever the engineers at AMC/Chrysler were thinking with that crap stock manifold.

 

I got a header on eBay for 90 bucks shipped. It is 100% identical to the APN/ineedparts one that is more $$

 

What does this mean exactly?

 

Head pipe is what is commonly called a down pipe....no matter what you call it, it's actually the exhaust pipe.
HTH

 

I tried two cheap headers, and neither one fit right so I sent them back. I got an APN header from Summit and it fit perfectly, I also used a Felpro gasket.