Need new down pipe

[Rocketman]

I stand corrected... Looks like Borla makes one though. Hedmann may also.

 

[raypla]

Yea Borla makes one but you can not purchase it separately. :bs:

 

[MarkH]

Correction:
If the tube is 400-series stainless steel (like Type 409) it IS magnetic.
If it is 300-series stainless steel (like 304 or 316) it is non-magnetic.

I'd recommend the BANKS head tube (I believe it's 409 SS). It's a direct fit and great quality.

 

[anony91xj]

I was thinking of doing the same thing recently and called Midas. They said that the down pipe is stainless steel and that they usually don't need replaced. My jeep is an 89' and I didn't know they used stainless pipes back then so maybe Midas is full of $h!t. I did inspect it though and it looks pretty solid but I kind of had my mind set on a new system all the way back. Maybe someone else can comment on the "stainless theory".

Yes, the factory pipe is stainless. They rarely, if ever, go bad.

 

[andrew2516]

even tho you've ordered I'll toss my thoughts in as I have that set up your talking about.
I have the real Banks, Rusty's cat back (flow 50 tho) and I got my downpipe refabbed at Midas ($200)
I had thought of leaving the stock downpipe on, but after installing the Banks, I felt no gains, which seemed odd as they were supposed to flow better. Then I realized with the stock restricive (see indent for clearance) pipe of course it can't flow as it should. Midas built a new one, but with my 3" of lift it is still hitting on right hand corners with bumps, so tomorrow it goes in to get a new one built to get it done right. If you get one made, make sure its fabbed while the rig is on a lift that is under the tires, so that the axles and drive shaft are not drooping showing more clearance that there actually is.
I think you'll like your new set up tho, I have the 50series muffler and I like the sound, if you want more the 40 should give it too you from what I have read on here. Just make sure the wife doesn't start complaing when you need to get a new stereo so you can hear it over the exhuast.
Enjoy

Glad to hear you have a similar exhaust and like it...

when you switched out the stock down pipe for the straight one did you notice a difference?

 

[Biernuts]

Chances are it would be pricey for me to have a down pipe made...they would need to put in the 02 bung...the flange and weld the hanger on. I would rather just buy the stock one...

anyone know where I can order a stock one?

I've asked at advance and auto zone but they both tried sending me to the dealer...which isn't going to happen.

Don't know if you found one or not. I have a brand new stock replacement in my garage for my 1989.

I never used it...I paid 49.99 for it.

 

[Biernuts]

Don't know if you found one or not. I have a brand new stock replacement in my garage for my 1989.

I never used it...I paid 49.99 for it.

Also, I'm pretty sure the 4.0l "likes" a little backpressure. Too much flow you may loose torque will gaining a few HP.

 

[andrew2516]

Also, I'm pretty sure the 4.0l "likes" a little backpressure. Too much flow you may loose torque will gaining a few HP.

I found them on Rusty's site under that Crown auto parts thing...but for the pre 90's...basically I've looked everywhere other than the dealer and have not seen anything.

 

[beakie]

Glad to hear you have a similar exhaust and like it...

when you switched out the stock down pipe for the straight one did you notice a difference?

I noticed a gain as soon as I drove away from Midas, first off in sound, nothing too crazy, but a little more raspy than with the stock pipe on. Also pickup seemed a little smoother, and a touch better. Didn't get it out on the highway for a few days, so I didn't really have a reference, but all in all I really like the setup now with the new pipe.
Side note.
I just got my truck back today, after bringing it back to Midas so they could make a new pipe as the one they made first, had a bad clearance issue. Even tho they replaced it no cost, I will go somewhere else for any other exhuast work. Both pipes looked ok, but the welding looked like bubble gum, and where the new pipe is welded right before the cat it is not straight, its has a bit of an angle as it seemed it was 'easier' to do that than take the extra time to make it straight and look good.
One more note.
I just added a 2000 intake manifold to the 97's setup today, first thoughts after a short drive in town and on the highway are, I like it. Again, little more pickup right off the mark, nothing big after that in the 1500-2750rpm range, but round 2800+rpm it seemed to kick in again and overtaking cars seemed a little easier. As I have read on GoJeep's page, mine also lowered the exhuast note. With the Flow 50 I had a nice throaty growl around 2700rpm, its still there now, but less growl, little more purrrrrrrrr. Either way I am very happy with the setup as a whole.

 

[beakie]

Correction:
If the tube is 400-series stainless steel (like Type 409) it IS magnetic.
If it is 300-series stainless steel (like 304 or 316) it is non-magnetic.

I'd recommend the BANKS head tube (I believe it's 409 SS). It's a direct fit and great quality.

I am not sure the Banks head tube is a direct fit to the XJ. I saw in ads the head tube included in the package, but when I received mine and noticed there was no head tube I called them up to find out why. Turns out the head tube is another part in the Wrangler package as stated by raypla earlier. Now a friend had said this pipe will fit onto a lifted XJ, which would negate the clearance issue, but when I asked Banks about that they told me "this is not true, it wasn't made for that, it won't fit it, don't try"
So as much as I would like to have one to try for myself I am not so well off as to buy one for that purpose alone. If someone ever finds out, or finds one that will bolt upto the banks header it would be great info to pass onto the others out there with that piece.

 

[Dr. Dyno]

Two days ago, I had a custom downpipe made for my 4.6 strokered XJ. Take a look:

http://www.angelfire.com/my/fan/Exhaust.html

Grrrrrrrrrrrowl.