I am about ready to stuff my new 4.7 stoker in my xj and my header is cracked. My question is have any of you used an aftermarket header and if so how much improvement have you seen? And what brand did you try?
Thanks

Ooo i did the stroker too..4.7L...at the same time i did the Borla header, cuz i had the same problem. I love it, i ended up with a cat back system from borla shortly after. Both the header and the cat back improved the power/sound/look etc. Not a lot of people on here go with Borla, people tend to go with Flowmaster, but i'm convinced Borla is the better brand

Stay away from Edelbrock! I've only had mine for 2yrs 4 months. POS is cracked! Not what I expected from a $400 manifold. My stock one lasted 140k miles.

i have a rugged ridge header and its works great and it was $220 shipped

APN header for $150 with lifetime warranty on cracking, no questions asked

Regardless of which header is used, I suggest adding a flex joint to the downpipe to prevent cracking the header at the collector.

Even though the APN header is covered by a great warranty, you still have to go through the headache of removing and reinstalling it.

Frankz were can I find out more about the flex joint to the down pipe??????? Or can u relay some info like what the flex joint is how much$$$ easy to install or difficul

they have headers on EBAY for around $130-$150

Flex Joints:

has anybody used one of them ebay headers?

i have a gibson header, little pricey but definently noticeable difference..

thanks for all the info, i will let you know what i go with.

i installed this aftermarket header:


Made here in Venezuela.

it is directly connected (2.5" tube) to a super 44 flowmaster 1 in 2 out.
Sound is better, power is great, it raise RPM much faster...

It's a very good upgrade...

I have a Banks header on mine, been on there a few years from previous owner. It leaks and its getting worse, hoping just a gasket, havent taken it off yet. I sure hope its not cracked already! we shall see

The Ebay headers suck! The #5 and 6 tubes hit the intake on my '98 and could not be bolted up. The one I got didn't have the right bends coming out of the flange. A hammer would have fixed #6 and a cut off wheel to the support web of the intake would have cleared #5. I'll be looking for something else.