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General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: countryboy15 on January 24, 2010, 09:30:41 AM

Title: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: countryboy15 on January 24, 2010, 09:30:41 AM
I am a 16 year old and I have a 1991 jeep wrangler S 2.5 L. I thinking about doing an exhaust upgrade
(from the headers to the muffler) but I don't know what type of exhaustxsetup to get. Need advice.


I was thinking about going with the Dynomax Blackjack Header(from Jegs) followed by a Magnaflow Performance direct fit Catalytic converter(from O'reilly) and a Dynomax Thrush Turbo muffler(from autozone). I was thinking this setup because it is a cheap performance exhaust setup, and I don't want a noisy Jeep that sounds like crap and makes you go deaf.

Does Anyone Know If The Dynomax Blackjack Header is worth $243 + shipping? If it isn't, could you recommend me a good header?
The Link is: http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/88741/10002/-1 (http://www.jegs.com/i/Dynomax/289/88741/10002/-1)

Does anyone know if the Magnaflow Performance direct fit Catalytic converter is worth $98? If it isn't, could you recommend me a good Catalytic converter?
The link is: http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MFL0/23229.oap?year=1991&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler&vi=1185049&forcedVehicle=true&pt=02404&ppt=C0022 (http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/MFL0/23229.oap?year=1991&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler&vi=1185049&forcedVehicle=true&pt=02404&ppt=C0022)

Does anyone know if the Dynomax Thrush Turbo muffler is worth $38? If it isn't, could you recommend me a good Muffler?
The Link is:  http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accessoriesShelf.jsp?categoryDisplayName=Performance&fromType=accessories&fromString=search&parentId=8-10&filterByKeyWord=dynomax&currentPage=1&navValue=100537&categoryNValue=100008&fromWhere=&itemId=537-10&displayName=Performance+Exhaust+Muffler (http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accessoriesShelf.jsp?categoryDisplayName=Performance&fromType=accessories&fromString=search&parentId=8-10&filterByKeyWord=dynomax&currentPage=1&navValue=100537&categoryNValue=100008&fromWhere=&itemId=537-10&displayName=Performance+Exhaust+Muffler)


If none of the above is worth anything, Could you recommend a good exhaust setup?
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: smashcoast on January 24, 2010, 10:03:17 AM
The Magnaflow Cat is a good deal for $98 i have it and it works great.

I had a Banks header that cracked 2 times. So i went back to a stock replacement and it works like a charm for half the price. My advice is get a stock replacement if yours needs to be changed.

The cheap Thrush should be ok. I swapped out my banks Cat back muffler with a $28 cherry bomb from pep boys because the Banks was to loud and a lot of gurrgling. The Cherry Bomb is way quiter than the Banks.

Again one mans opinion!
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: stan98tj on January 24, 2010, 12:15:04 PM
I used to have the dynomax cat back in mine. the in-cabin noise was way too loud. the slightest bit of throttle produced a ricer howl and an unbearable drone on the inside. The pipes also rusted through. i switched to banks (both header and cat-back) and ive been satisfied. Its much quieter on the inside, but the tone is pretty nice. Just my opinion though....i do have a thread in the poseur section providing pics and videos of the header and exhaust upgrade. if you want, search "domeslacker" on youtube for the rest of my videos-both with the dynomax and now with the banks.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on January 24, 2010, 12:28:56 PM
You're spending a lot on the header but cheaping out in the muffler.  I'd leave the stock exhaust manifold on and then go with the Magnaflow cat and a cat-back like a Borla.  That's currently what I run.  It will also be a lot easier to install since you won't have to take the intake off the engine.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on January 24, 2010, 03:13:00 PM
?? I have had my header in and out several times and I did not
have to remove the intake, I just leave it hang in place and the
header threads out the bottom.

Dave
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: countryboy15 on January 24, 2010, 03:30:28 PM
Alright thanks for the advice on the headers and the catlytic converter.
SO this is what I have left to choose from that is actually worth the money:
1)Magnaflow Performance direct fit Catalytic converter
2)A decent muffler like a Borla or a Banks.  

SO what type of muffler should I go with.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on January 24, 2010, 04:40:50 PM
?? I have had my header in and out several times and I did not
have to remove the intake, I just leave it hang in place and the
header threads out the bottom.

Dave
Ok, not complete out but you have to loosen it and then get it lined back up so it doesn't leak.  Not to mention, there is the possibility of the stud breaking off.

Alright thanks for the advice on the headers and the catlytic converter.
SO this is what I have left to choose from that is actually worth the money:
1)Magnaflow Performance direct fit Catalytic converter
2)A decent muffler like a Borla or a Banks. 

SO what type of muffler should I go with.
I have been happy with Borla since I have dealt with their customer service many times.  I've gone thought 3/4 mufflers and this last time I had them replace everything.  No problems.  It's paid for itself several times over.

I have never delt with Banks.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: countryboy15 on January 24, 2010, 05:42:35 PM
What type of borla muffler should I get If I dont want the cat back system but instead just a cheap turndown tail pipe.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on January 24, 2010, 06:27:17 PM
What type of borla muffler should I get If I dont want the cat back system but instead just a cheap turndown tail pipe.
If you're willing to spend $243+ on a header why not spend it on a cat-back?  I hate turn-down's as the exhaust gets sucked back into the cabin.  Oh and it also changes the tune of the exhaust since you have very little back pressure which will cause a loss of some low end torque.

If you're looking at just a muffler then it would be either a 40981 or 40652 depending if you want center/center or center/offset.  Both will work.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: countryboy15 on January 24, 2010, 06:58:59 PM
I have a one of the two dual exhaust pipes off of my last jeep that isn't damaged, If I decide to go with the full tail pipe system. But for me a piece of crap muffler with no exhaust pipe  coming off of it doesn't bother me so I figure a turn down would be good.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: countryboy15 on January 24, 2010, 07:23:50 PM
Thanks for the advice. I decided to go with the Borla 40652 because of the center/offset deal. I don't know why but I like that type setup.
I ending up with the: borla 40652 and maganaflow direct fit catalytic converter.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: sharpxmen on January 24, 2010, 09:30:07 PM
?? I have had my header in and out several times and I did not
have to remove the intake, I just leave it hang in place and the
header threads out the bottom.

Dave

for the 5 min extra you have to work to take out the intake would make it lot easier not to mention cleaning the cyl head gasket seating area - you could probably do it but i think it's easier to remove the intake first
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on January 24, 2010, 10:10:59 PM
Well to each his own, I found no reason to remove it,
I use a dry gasket from the early 2.5 TBI YJ and no cleaning is required.
I also avoid opening the fuel system. Never had a exhaust or intake leak so far... KNock on wood. :)

Dave
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on January 25, 2010, 01:21:06 PM
Well to each his own, I found no reason to remove it,
I use a dry gasket from the early 2.5 TBI YJ and no cleaning is required.
I also avoid opening the fuel system. Never had a exhaust or intake leak so far... KNock on wood. :)

Dave
We're talking about a 16yr old with little to no experience.  :whistle:  :lol:
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: sharpxmen on January 25, 2010, 03:57:18 PM
Well to each his own, I found no reason to remove it,
I use a dry gasket from the early 2.5 TBI YJ and no cleaning is required.
I also avoid opening the fuel system. Never had a exhaust or intake leak so far... KNock on wood. :)

Dave

actually i forgot about the power steering bracket - that has some bolt or bolts that go into the intake so it's not just 5 extra min - when i said that i only thought of the extra nut/bolt on in the cyl head, the fuel lines (which come off pretty easy) and the bolt holding them under the intake, 3 connectors (tps, iac and iat) and the vac lines. I remember the p/s bolts to be a pain  so i take back what i said about 5 more min.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on January 25, 2010, 09:30:24 PM
We're talking about a 16yr old with little to no experience.  :whistle:  :lol:

Heh well there is that!    :pot:

Dave
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: countryboy15 on January 26, 2010, 08:58:42 PM
Thanks for the help. YOu are right about the experience part. I only have the interior, electrical, and exterior body repair type of experience. I also can do just about any minor mechanic work as long as I have some type of instructions with some sort of pictures.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on January 26, 2010, 10:00:28 PM
My exhaust is :

Doug Thorley Header
Random Tech Metal matrix cat
2.5 inch pipe front to rear.
Spintek muffler (Too loud. and its the one they call quiet.)
Cost about 600 installed.

Dave
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on January 26, 2010, 10:47:59 PM
My exhaust is :

Doug Thorley Header
Random Tech Metal matrix cat
2.5 inch pipe front to rear.
Spintek muffler (Too loud. and its the one they call quiet.)
Cost about 600 installed.

Dave
Random Tech's cats are way over priced.  Magnaflow (was Carsound) is just as good and $80-ish for a 49 state and $200-ish for CA ( :brick:).
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on January 27, 2010, 08:15:27 PM
The random tech at the time had a LOOOONG warranty and since this was cat #5 on my jeep,,,I went long... :)
3 years so far, a new record for me....

The criteria was 100% metal, no ceramic anywhere. There are a lot more options now than when I did  mine...

Dave

Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on January 27, 2010, 08:32:52 PM
The random tech at the time had a LOOOONG warranty and since this was cat #5 on my jeep,,,I went long... :)
3 years so far, a new record for me....

The criteria was 100% metal, no ceramic anywhere. There are a lot more options now than when I did  mine...

Dave


Best you'll find is a 5 year 50K miles usually.  I think that's mandated by the Feds.  I think it's dumb that CA has to make it such a PITA with all this liability crap they put into law in '09.  Now you can't put just any cat anywhere and it has to be by model number or you could get fined.  Seller can get fined, installer can get fined and owner can get fined.  Everyone has to keep stupid paperwork for 2 years.

Funny thing is my Jeep passes find with the 49-state cat which for a while was their only cat.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on January 27, 2010, 08:41:30 PM
Mine was 60K miles no time limit back then ,, now its less.

Dave
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: OH-YJ on March 30, 2010, 03:42:45 PM
Minus the header, what would be the best route for someone who isn't looking to spend much money?
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on March 30, 2010, 03:58:12 PM
How much is too much?  If you spend a bit more for a quality exhaust you'll never have to buy one again. (ie. warranty)

I'd go with a Magnaflow Direct-Fit Cat and a Borla or maybe Banks exhaust.  That will be around $100 for the cat and $250-300 or so for the exhaust, IIRC.  All stainless steel and you'll be able to install it so there is no labor and it can be removed/repaired on the trail without having to cut anything.  Borla has a no nonsense warranty.  Contact them, use a CC and send back your old parts after the one ones arrive.  Then the CC is credited.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: OH-YJ on March 31, 2010, 08:46:29 AM
How much is too much?  If you spend a bit more for a quality exhaust you'll never have to buy one again. (ie. warranty)

I'd go with a Magnaflow Direct-Fit Cat and a Borla or maybe Banks exhaust.  That will be around $100 for the cat and $250-300 or so for the exhaust, IIRC.  All stainless steel and you'll be able to install it so there is no labor and it can be removed/repaired on the trail without having to cut anything.  Borla has a no nonsense warranty.  Contact them, use a CC and send back your old parts after the one ones arrive.  Then the CC is credited.

I would be willing to pay the money for a lifetime warranty, but I looked and couldn't find a Borla exhaust for the 2.5, only the 4.0 and 4.2.
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: sharpxmen on March 31, 2010, 09:29:44 AM
I would be willing to pay the money for a lifetime warranty, but I looked and couldn't find a Borla exhaust for the 2.5, only the 4.0 and 4.2.

i'm almost certain that except for the downpipe, so starting with the cat they're the same - maybe someone else can confirm this or otherwise
Title: Re: Need advice on choosing exhaust upgrades.
Post by: Jeffy on March 31, 2010, 10:47:43 AM
i'm almost certain that except for the downpipe, so starting with the cat they're the same - maybe someone else can confirm this or otherwise
Yes, they are all the same.  Mine has the part number for the 4.2L.  There is one difference I think but it's not really that important.  Mine has an offset rear output.  There is one that has a straight output, which I had before.  It fit a little better but really it doesn't matter.  My original Borla also had the offset rear output, too.