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Headers, worth the $ and install hassle?

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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 12:25 PM
  #1  
Ogre in KS's Avatar
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From: Lawrence,KS
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: H.O. 4.0 I6
Default Headers, worth the $ and install hassle?

I was wondering what you guys think of running aftermarket headers? I've done pretty much all my exhaust up to the factory header. After looking at the Haynes manual at how much work it sounds like it'd be and how much a good set of headers cost, I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble? Would it be high on your priorities list if you had to start all over? With all the trucks I've had headers on (mainly Chevy small blocks), they definitely sound WAY better than the stock manifolds, but it seems that I lost some of my low end power when I installed them too, so are these the same kinda deal, give up torque for high rpm HP? Thanks for the info and opinions guys/gals, I'm REALLY glad it's raining today, gonna go tear up some mud here in a while
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 02:17 PM
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jeeptogofast's Avatar
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From: Amarillo, TX
Year: 1988
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Engine: 4.0 with bolt-ons
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Headers help pick up torque, more exhaust flow is always better. Headers arnt like a cam that have rpm ranges. The only reason I put a header on mine was because a head gasket leak. I put the header and intake on the head and installed it as one. If I had not taken the head off, I would have not done the header swap.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 02:37 PM
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They are prone to cracking. Even the name brand ones, Banks and Borla, have issues with cracking.

APN makes a nice header that is a lot cheaper then the ones mentioned and performs the same. I will have to find the link for it.

If you do install a new header just add a flex joint to the mix to help prevent any cracking. Almost forgot, the install can be a pita if your not ready for it.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 02:53 PM
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Ogre in KS's Avatar
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Originally Posted by trs80
They are prone to cracking. Even the name brand ones, Banks and Borla, have issues with cracking.

APN makes a nice header that is a lot cheaper then the ones mentioned and performs the same. I will have to find the link for it.

If you do install a new header just add a flex joint to the mix to help prevent any cracking. Almost forgot, the install can be a pita if your not ready for it.

Yeah, it sure sounds like a major PITA from what the manual says on how to change it out, not sure if it's something that I wanna mess with, there's a lot more things I want to do before I get around to installing headers,lol.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 02:55 PM
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I have a banks header and i love it. It hasn't cracked the two years Ive had it. I'm keeping my finger crossed.
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 02:56 PM
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myHEEPis.rad's Avatar
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From: mendocino County, CA707
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i love my new header! its an apn and it didnt run me much $$ at all.

http://www.ineedparts.com/auto-parts...-manifold.html

the welds look beefy as hell to
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Old Apr 22, 2010 | 03:04 PM
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^^ Thats the one. Thanks.

Best part is that its not $500!
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