Differences between APN header and more expensive ones?

[XJ98Jeep]

I've got the stock headers on my 98 XJ and they're cracked, so time for some new ones.
I've seen the APN and Banks/Gibson/whatever else recommended, and the APN seems to have good reviews, but the Gibson/Banks/Whatever always seem to be followed by "Yeah and I got a noticeable performance increase" whereas the APN users have made no mention.

So first question. Is there going to be a noticeable power gap between an APN and a Thorley header? I'm thinking about the Tri-y.
If I install the APN will I notice a power gain? or is it about the same as stock.

Second, is the Thorley the best? I follow the "cry once" mentality when i get parts, and I want the best. BUT, if there's no real difference between it and the APN then there's no point in spending the extra money.

 

[old_man]

On a stock 4.0L, there will be little if any difference in HP between a stock exhaust and ANY header.

The only reason I run a header is that I am running a 4.L with 10.4:1 compression. Sill, I wonder how much it helps.

 

[clean4drxj]

I have one but didn't notice any real difference but I bought it and did it with a late 99+ intake swap.

 

[the_weirdo]

I felt no performance improvement when I put the APN exhaust on my '98.

 

[Mesh]

The APN looks like a copy of the Banks header performance will be the same. The reason to pay more would be a warranty and higher build quality.

 

[seanyb505]

Maybe warranty, but mine hasn't cracked since I got it around 4-5 years ago, so I wouldn't say quality is much of an issue.

 

[viperjmb]

On a stock 4.0L, there will be little if any difference in HP between a stock exhaust and ANY header.

That. I have the APN header and am very happy with it. No problems with install, fitment, etc.