Jeep Exhaust Manifold vs Headers

[Natex338]

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]

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...

 

[UNSTUCK]

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

 

[Gravy]

APN is a good choice for the flex style.
Everyone I know (who wheels) and has had a Gibson or other "header" has had a crack eventually.

 

[MikeGyver]

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]

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...

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.

 

[Natex338]

Thanks for the replies and advice guys, Ill give this style a try.

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...

 

[tacoman]

I just replaced a cracked manifold like the one in the pic on my tj