Ive been doing some research on headers for my '00 TJ. 4.0L, 5 spd, with A/C. I plan to have the header installed along with a cat-back exhaust system at the same time. I already know that painted steel is pretty much crap especially with our soggy winters here in PDX. So its prolly gonna be 304 stainless steel for me.

JC whitney has what looks like a good deal on one from Rugged Ridge, who Ive never heard of. They dont give a lot of info on them at all, so Im a bit leery there. Pacesetter has one for about $40 more but gives a bit more info and seems to be a halfway decent product.

Ive looked into Gale Banks stuff, and its up near $500, but I know its good quality and Ill spend that if I absolutely have to. Borlas stuff is known to be good, but at over $600 I just cant see it.

Has anyone had any experience with any of these products, any thoughts would be appreciated. Also, any ideas on where to go to talk to someone with experience with the different brands who could let me in on the pros and cons would be real helpful. Thanks!

 

the banks exhaust is nice however i have noticed a few tjs that have come through my shop that have interference issues with the banks exhaust and aftermarket skid plates. but other than that i would recommend that.

 

Youre saying the exhaust kit from banks is what has clearance issues as opposed to the header itself, right? Prolly wont go with Banks exhaust anyway since 4wheel parts has their own cat back setup for like $130 or so. Long as its similar to a flowmaster, supertrap, etc then it should be all good. Any experience with those other headers?

 

to tell you the truth i really haven't seen any jeeps come in with headers(people are cheap and get the catback and are happy with that), so i really couldn't help on header recommendations

 

Gotcha. Well Ill prolly be looking hardest at the banks piece then. But you say that the cat back setup really helps, huh?