Okay, before I get "bashed" on the forum for not using the search button...I suspected I had a cracked driver's side header but with my recent install of my cat-back Magnaflow exhaust (awesome by the way), it has become more obvious. I removed the heat shield and noticed a small crack plus the exhaust gasket has seen better days. I purchased it used, at the end of April, with 75K miles on it. I was looking for advice from all my fellow forum members.

Would it be better to buy replacement headers (I am going to do both sides) or buy shorty headers from Rusty's, Quadratec, or Northridge? I have read all the opinions about the shorty headers running hotter but there is a way to combat that? I seen a post from JPop talking about having them powder-coated but I don't have access to that.

Any opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

I've been running the Gibson Ceramic coated headers. It comes with heat shields to protect spark plug wires. I've never had a problem with them and I like the way my Rubicon sounds with the MBRP exhaust. Not too sure how much of a power increase it gave me.

 

I am not looking or "hoping" for increased HP with different headers. There are few things out there that actually increase HP for the 3.8. I have installed a Afe Dry Filter drop-in with my new Magnaflow stainless steel exhaust. Those mods were installed for personal reasons. The exhaust pipe was dented (from previous owner) and there was a hole in the muffler. So the Magnaflow, fixed those items as well as gave me better sound, smaller muffler, and more free flowing. The Afe drop-in gave me the ability to clean the filter easily.

Now, it is time for the current exhaust manifolds. They need replaced and I don't mine paying for shorty headers if they are justified. I read on the forums that the OEM are very prone to cracking so I don't want to drop $200 ($85 a piece plus shipping) for something that is most likely going to happen again. I just don't want to put in shorty headers that are going to cause me heat problems.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

Understand the fundamental difference between an exhaust manifold and headers... Composition and design are very different. If you want to put headers on your jeep then I'd suggest getting them coated, jet hot ceramic coating has done very well by me in high temp applications. You'll spend some coin, but be very happy with the results.

 

Anybody else?