I just picked up my first 4x4. A 95 XJ Cherokee SE.

And of course, it has the usual crack in the exhaust manifold.

I need to replace it asap so that I can pass smog (in California).

I looked at a couple Jeep parts websites but I don't know what to get and I don't know if they are all ok for CA emissions.

Can someone tell me what I should get for $200-300?

Regards,
Mike

 

Just go to a parts store (PepBoys, Auto Zone Oreilys) and get a stock one with the flex ends in it so it doesn't happen again, that's what I did looks exactly like this

 

Any oem replacement should be fine for you,And also check your motor mounts when they go bad it can cause you to crack your exhaust manifold.

 

Thanks guys. OEM looks fine.

But I like any excuse to upgrade haha. Are there any recommendable aftermarket headers that will increase performance and gas mileage?

 

Not unless you're willing to drop $400-600 for a header, and even then I don't think many of the best choices are Cali-compliant. You're not going to get any worthwhile gains from an expensive header without doing your entire air intake and exhaust systems as well.

 

I'm running this one with no smog issues.

 

Are you sure that its the manifold causing you to fail? You failed the inspection part or the sniffer?