Hi Guys,

First post on the forum . I ordered a custom exhaust set-up from Performance-Curve. I did a ton of research before ordering and wanted an aggressive and deep sound (as everyone else I guess ) with the lowest price possible. Anyway, my parts came into today and I can't wait to install them this weekend. I was trying to duplicate a budget Banks Monster set-up. Anyway check out www.performance-curve.com. More details with measurements, pics and a write up to come. Stay posted!

Here is the part list with part numbers from Performance-Curve:

• Thunderbolt Spin Cat p# 425250
• AP Xlerator Muffler p# xs1226
• Muffer Clamps p# 107212P-50B
• 2.5" Cherokee Tail-Pipe p# x4006

Total Price 191.44 USD w/shipping.

-Chris
1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ
5-Speed (AX-15)

 

Don't forget to post a clip in the exhaust thread. Interested in how it sounds.

 

Hey Chris, PC is a sweet way to go, I'm running their kit with a 50 series and I love it. Wanted to reach out to a fellow AX-15 driver
-Austin

 

Thanks! The 5-speeds are tough to come by. Glad the PC set-up worked for you.

 

Will do!

 

Here are some pics of the new exhaust components. There is also a crude drawing of the current (stock) exhaust set-up and my new exhaust set-up. I created the drawings because I needed to figure out what to make the "pipe" length between the new muffler and cat, plus I was bored. I had to buy an extra pipe so add that to the list and 21.19 USD . Enjoy...

 

Considering picking up that exhaust pipe so I can throw it on my thrush welded 2.5 muffler instead of my dump right before the axle

 

Do it, it's pretty cheap compared to other sites/brands. I think it came out to $70 with the Cherokee forum discount code and shipping was quick. You will prob need an exhaust hanger and two clamps; if you didn't know that already.

Good luck,

-Chris

 

If you have increased the HP in the engine then a larger exhaust will help some. But the down side to a larger size pipe is you lose ground clearance and the kits you order usually don't fit high and tight as a custom made ones in the stock size.


I had a new exhaust built for my XJ at a shop that fit and gave me a bit more clearance than stock for under a $100 for cat back.

 

Cherokee forum discount code... Where can I find such code?

 

Told you guys I did my research...
5% off Performance-Curve...use coupon code: CHEROKEEFORUM

-Chris

 

Hi guys,

Exhaust is in! It was actually super easy with the proper tools. I'll start with the tool-list and write-up.

Tool-list:

• Vehicle ramps
• Jack stands
• Sawzall 9amp w/ dewalt 2x longer life bi-metal blade
• Angle grinder 40 grit
• Ratchet and sockets for clamp bolts (I used an impact gun)
• 7/8" wrench for O2 sensor (if doing cat)

REMOVAL

Okay,

1. So first thing to do is jack up the rear end or in my case park the rear of the jeep on ramps.
2. Sawzall the muffler pipe off right after the hanger. Use a jack stand to stop the muffler from falling.
3. Sawzall the muffler pipe right before the cat. Throw rusty muffler in trash.
4. Unplug the O2 sensor and remove the O2 sensor with the 7/8" wrench.
5. Be more careful removing the cat from the front pipe. Use the angle grinder to cut off the clamp attaching the cat to the front pipe.
6. Use the angle grinder agian to cut a slice in the cat pipe, but try not to cut into the front pipe.
7. Peel away cat and recycle properly.
8. Now that the cat and muffler are gone, sawzall the tail-pipe exhaust hanger nub off and slide the hanger out of the hanger mount rubber thing...technical term
9. Use the angle grinder to cut the clamp off the rear of the tail-pipe.
10. Simply remove the tail-pipe.
11. Use wire brush and sandpaper to clean up front-pipe.

INSERTING NEW PARTS

1. Slide exhaust clamp over front-pipe and slide cat over front-pipe using an inch of overlap. Make sure the O2 sensor port is facing the rear of the jeep and is angled up so the O2 sensor doesn't hit anything. Tighten up the clamp.
2. Reinsert and plug in O2 sensor.
3. Insert the 14" pipe with an inch of overlap into the cat and clamp down. There should be 13" of pipe sticking out of the cat.
4. Use jack stands to position new muffler. Once in position, slide a clamp on and tighten with an inch of overlap.
5. Place new tail-pipe and hold it in position by sliding a clamp over the end and on to the clamp holder near the gas tank. Don't tighten yet.
6. Slide clamp over muffler pipe and maneuver the tail pipe into the muffler. Once in a good position tighten clamp. This is easier with help as someone can help hold the tail-pipe in place. Tighten the clamp down.
7. Tighten the clamp near the gas tank.

That's pretty much it, sorry for the lack of pictures, but it was super easy and only took me an hour or two. I had a muffler shop weld on an exhaust hanger but it was pretty tight with out it. They only charged me 10 bucks plus tax. I did notice after finishing up that my header was cracked .... so I want to hold off on the sound clip until I get that fixed. I'll post some pictures tomorrow, it was a pretty gloomy day here in Pennsylvania.

 

Good job on the install but why did you go to 2.5 instead of the stock 2.25?

 

Thanks, I just wanted something a bit more aggressive I suppose, I installed the 2.25 dynomax on my finance's jeep and it sounds good but it's more quiet than I anticipated. Plus, I'm replacing the header on mine and was thinking about installing the new style intake manifold so I wanted a nice open exhaust. I'm by no means an expert but I'm happy with it. Feels a bit quicker but I don't have any numbers to back it up.

-Chris

 

Well nice job and great write up.