Topic: Exhaust recommendations (from header back)

[arveetek]

When I bought my TJ, the PO had installed a glasspack muffler on it.  I'm tired of the sound, and want to go back to a more stock-like muffler.  Also, the existing cat is not stock, it is all welded on and doesn't look anything like the OEM cats.  I'm wondering what kind of shape it is on the inside.  The TJ has 187K on the clock, and I have no idea how long the current cat has been on there.

Any recommendations?  Does anyone make a complete header-back kit?  Seems most of the aftermarket kits are cat-back.

Should I just take it to the muffler shop and have them make a whole new system?  Is there a performance cat I should look for?

Also, any recommendations on mufflers?

Thanks,

Casey

[Jeffy]

No one makes a complete kit.  For headers your only choice is Banks and Pacesetter.  For the Cat, it's Random Technology or Magnaflow (for bolt-on, stainless steel & high-flow).  For the cat-back, there are numerous companies.

I'd probably recommend keeping the exhaust manifold and getting a Magnaflow cat and a cat-back.  I prefer bolt-on exhausts as it's pretty simple to install and if anything goes wrong, you can take it apart with resorting to cutting.  Especially if there's a warranty.  I've replaced the muffler on my Jeep 5-6 times.  The last few were all under warranty.  The last time I had the whole cat-back replaced.  I went with a Borla.  Banks is also good as well as Magnaflow.

[arveetek]

Thanks for the info.  I checked out the Magnaflow parts, and they're kinda pricey!  If I'm looking at the catalogs right, it looks to be close to $450 for a Magnaflow cat and cat-back system.

Casey

[Torch_Ind]

Thanks for the info.  I checked out the Magnaflow parts, and they're kinda pricey!  If I'm looking at the catalogs right, it looks to be close to $450 for a Magnaflow cat and cat-back system.

Casey

I got a header and cherry bomb vortex muffler and it was all put together by my local exhaust shop didn't cost what magnaflow is or even near as much as what they wanted. it's not stainless but it works fine for me.

[Jeffy]

Magnaflow Cat should be $130-ish, for a bolt-on.  You get a nice new crossover pipe as well.  Looks like their matching cat-back is $435.51.  You could save by going with a Banks or maybe Borla.  I'm make sure to go with a stainless steel exhaust with mandrel bends.  2.25-2.5".  A lifetime warranty can be helpful.  Like I said, I've had to rely on the warranty for mine a few times.

[arveetek]

I found a supplier through my work that can get me the Magnaflow system at wholesale cost, so it looks more tempting now!

Now to find some extra cash...  :D

Casey

[arveetek]

After doing some more research, I discovered that my current exhaust system must not be all that old, as it has a welded-in cat and 2.25" piping, which is larger than stock.

I ended up locating a Magnaflow muffler knock-off from Ebay for $41 shipped to my door:





I cut off the old glass pack, which was just a tiny thing:





The new muffler is a straight-through design:






I'm very satisfied with the results!  It sounds much, much better.  Sounds just like the Magnaflow kits I've heard on other TJ's.

Me happy fellow!

Casey

[sharpxmen]

stock is 2.25'', a 2.5'' catback is usually the upgrade.