Jeep Exhaust Manifold vs Headers

Natex338

Member
Location
Murray UT
Greeting!
So my 88 Yj now has a cracked manifold and after inspecting the rest of my exhaust it looks like I will be replacing the whole thing. The question i have is do I switch the manifold to headers with a whole new set up or do I buy a replacement stock Manifold? Is there really any significant gains with the 258 I6 with headers? I did do a 4.2 to 4.0 head swap and conversion to fuel injection and love how it livened it up. I just want some feedback and opinions so i can get the best bang for my buck. I understand it isnt going to be cheap either way I go but i would hate to throw money into an upgrade that really won't have that much of a reward.

Sorry in advance if this is a stupid topic, I'm relatively new to offroading/wrenching but am now addicted and want to expand my knowledge and skill.

Thanks,
Nate
 

MikeGyver

UtahWeld.com
Location
Arem
I doubt you'd notice any power at all over a cheap replacement of this style. Stainless, flex bellows, separated all the way down to the flange...


2357d1238770666-cracked-exhaust-header-repair-68.jpg
 

UNSTUCK

But stuck more often.
You may not notice any power gains by going aftermarket, but you will notice never having another cracked manifold. All the stock ones crack.
 

MikeGyver

UtahWeld.com
Location
Arem
So we have no headers crack, and all headers crack...
I think aftermarket headers would crack just as easily. I think the 2 piece header systems are the only ones w/o these issues.
 

gertsch

Well-Known Member
Location
West Bountiful
I doubt you'd notice any power at all over a cheap replacement of this style. Stainless, flex bellows, separated all the way down to the flange...


2357d1238770666-cracked-exhaust-header-repair-68.jpg
I ran this style for years without issue on my wrangler. When I bought my grand I replaced it's stock manifold that was cracked, with this one as well. Been running it for a few years now without issue. My buddy was running the banks stainless steel header when through two in a year. Changed over to this one and hasn't had an issue since. It seems to be a better working design so far. That's my .02 cents on the subject.
 
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