Got the crack in my stock header. Is there a reasonably priced header on the market or should I just go with OE? Thanks in advanced for everybody's input.

 

To me the best is jba http://www.quadratec.com/products/17601_151X_PG.htm They have been making headers for everything for years.They use a nice thick collector flange so it won't crack or warp over time.

 

Your post "Best header on the market" is easy to answer Borla or Banks headers both are good, but I lean toward the Banks. I'm not saw the the header Andrew pointed out but doesn't look that bad.

Then your follow up text about price points to an "APN" header not the best quality and several fitment issues with them, before they are ever mounted.

 

I just picked up these Gibson headers, stainless steel ceramic coated...fitment was awesome, and they are excellent quality. Very well made, much better than the stock manifold. It will be a bit before I am able to fire it up, but will post results when that happens. Oh, and they're 50 state legal.




I got them for around the same price as the ones andrew posted, and those are straight stainless steel. Curious about the JBA titanium ceramic coated, though, but that's alot of coin, LOL

 

From personal experience, I would advise against banks. I've gone through two sets. They took back both because they have a life time warranty but that doesn't cover my time spent replacing them obviously. Each set I got was a new design. The most current one has last about 7k miles and looks to be holding strong. I had one set last under 3k miles. All of them cracked at the collection point.

 

I just bought everything I need for exhaust through rock auto. sure it's not a pretty looking set up, I just need to pass smog!

header, downpipe, new hardware, hanger, etc. was $220 shipped. the header itself was $135. it's not that shiny but it fits perfect. now I can go on with my day

DORMAN Part # 674196

 

I did a bunch of looking around for your same exact question. From what I read basically atp(apn) and banks are the same header, one is just significantly more because it has the banks name on it. People have had just as many fitment issues with banks headers as APN. You also have to consider that an aftermarket part may always require some modification to make it work. The cheapest and easiest is oem replacement. Next on the list would either be APN or Dorman.

 

I've only heard of fitment issues with APN/ATP. I bought an APN and ended up trading it for a skid plate because the fitment with the 99+ intake was just flat out wrong.

That Gibson looks nice! There's one one CL for pretty cheap near me. Might pick it up. roninofako, is that a 99+ intake manifold? Looks like it, just can't tell for sure.

 

To be fair though, that isn't a true header, just a manifold. That said, it is what is currently on my jeep. Works great for a stock engine, and I have no complaints about it. However the stroker motor I want it to breathe a little better so I went with the Gibson.
I believe it's a 97. It was on the motor when I bought it.

 

Those gibson one's look good and they're priced right they're also offering a 75 dollar rebate till the 31st of January. So it comes out to around 292. I know what I'm ordering.

 

the difference being that a header goes from 3-2-1 or 6-1 and a manifold does not? or? whats the distinction

never knew there was a difference in terminology lol. I'll get a real header when I stroke mine out too. but until then, cheap for me

 

This explains it fairly well...
http://m.1aauto.com/content/articles...lds-vs-headers

 

sweet! I chose wisely for my purposes. good little read thanks for sharing

 

I just ordered a APN header but got an ATP in the mail. Are they the same?

 

i have an apn and it sucks, leaks like a **** and had to do some grinding to get it to fit even with the stock 96 intake. replaceing it with a borla long tube header soon