My stock exhaust manifold has a crack and I figure why not just get an aftermarket header and pick up a little more power as a bonus; most seem to be a fraction of the cost of stock replacement. I'd like to spend around $150 to $200 max. Please advise a few, thanks!

 

Browser search will yield results. Best I can give you since you posted zero information.

I will say this, you're not going to get much worth a **** at that price point. A cheap Amazon one that will crack sooner than later at best. Unless you're building a stroker or building your motor, OEM replacement is probably the best option

I have the Gibson SS ceramic coated header. Love it, excellent quality, CARB approved, but over $600 when I bought it. Only available up to 99.

 

Ronino, are those manifolds with the "accordion" style sections any good? Way back when I had my '88 I tried to weld the crack. Being my first time welding since high school I put too much heat to it and when I went to install it, one of the flanges had moved, doh!

So, I bought an OEM and it lasted as long as I owned the vehicle. Just wondering if things have changed in the past 20 years.

 

those are flex points and designed to help with cracking issue. The manifold crack is almost inevitable with just about any replacement. There are a number of guys that also add a flex pipe section in the cross over part of the down pipe - ride under the trans bell housing. The torque flex from the engine is what binds and cracks the manifold over time so a free-er from rigid exhaust is best

 

I ran one of those before I put my stroker in, only ran it for 2 years or so, but it was great when I had it.

 

This.

The other thing to bring up here is to check/replace the motor and trans mounts when you replace your manifold/header. It's the number one reason they crack.

 

I've used the "accordion" ones with no issue.

But, check the other stuff that could be worn.

 

Good thread here. Check out post #44 and other posts from that user:

https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1153564

 

Interesting and informative. Not sure I would spend the coin on a AFE but I like the idea of a flex section addition. And getting rid of that pinch point in the pipe.

 

If you do enough research yould find all header crack. Id much rather spend 150 and have it crack then 500.

I run the cheap accordion one and 2.5" full downpipe and noticed no gains in power. actually ive noticed no gains from 2.5-3" pipe with oe with out a full tail pipe.

The only thing I do knoe is 6 cylinder gas mptors Sound like **** no matter what you do.

 

Yeah, I take advertised performance gains with a grain of salt, not even considering that it might take measuring equipment vs seat of pants to detect any improvements. Plus, if I wanted a hot rod, I wouldn't be looking for a Cherokee.

And I agree, can't do anything to make a 6 sound good. Except maybe make it quiet.

 

I have a 95xj with a 4.0. I replaced my busted manifold with a Banks “Revolver” header and it’d do it again. The exhaust sounds is nice, not loud at all. I also replace the rest of the exhaust with the monster exhaust system. I have about 15k on them it now. I have no complaints. I had to have the crossover pipe modified a bit to get the flange to line up properly, but it runs great.