XJ exhaust header

GotWood

GotWood

Sayer of Fact
Joined
Jan 12, 2007
Location
Maiden, NC
Looking to buy a new header for the XJ. I've purchased several over the years but don't remember which ones. Some have clearance issues with the intake and some have a 3/8 flange instead of 1/2. Anyone have a line on a good one?
 
I've installed rockauto's cheapest on both my jeeps recently and they both were great. I did upgrade the gasket from the included one and sprayed a bunch of copper sealant on it for peace of mind.
 
New comer racing has a video on you tube where he test a header verses a stock exhaust manifold on the dyno. There were no HP gains. Numbers were exactly the same.
 
I need to replace my cracked manifold as well.
 
Jeff B said:
New comer racing has a video on you tube where he test a header verses a stock exhaust manifold on the dyno. There were no HP gains. Numbers were exactly the same.
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Ok then, are any of the stock style manifolds worth a shit? My biggest complaint is flange size with the aftermarket systems.
 
grapehead said:
I've installed rockauto's cheapest on both my jeeps recently and they both were great. I did upgrade the gasket from the included one and sprayed a bunch of copper sealant on it for peace of mind.
Click to expand...

Cheapest "header" on rockauto or cheapest factory type....eh-hem....header?

I am pretty sure my XJ has this on the short list of the next part to fail.
 
GotWood said:
Were the flanges the proper size?
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Yes, in the description it states 1/2" flange. And the manifold came to me as described.
It fit perfectly. Seems to be built well. I've been running it about a month with no issues.
 
I have a good one hanging on the wall if interested. $25
 
grapehead said:
Yeah, I don't think it would be possible to install without correct flanges.
Click to expand...

Yea, the cheap ones have 3/8" this flange. It will install and the washers get cocked sideways and does not distribute the pressure on the gasket well. The intake has 1/2" bosses for the other side of the washer on the same bolt.
 
Desertfox1023 said:
1/2" bolt holes
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Thickness? That's where the problem is.

Like he said
Jeff B said:
Yea, the cheap ones have 3/8" this flange. It will install and the washers get cocked sideways and does not distribute the pressure on the gasket well. The intake has 1/2" bosses for the other side of the washer on the same bolt.
Click to expand...
 
Desertfox1023 said:
3/8 thick

So cheap version.

How are you guys doing a washer spacer?
I'd assume you're doing this on the back side. Is this because bolts are to long?
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When it bolts onto the head some of the bolts hold the intake and exhaust. With the header being too thin the washers don't seat properly. You can weld a washer onto the outside edge and grind as needed. Also be prepared to cuss when trying to install the bottom bolt on the header. I believe it's the one between 5-6.
 
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