[klong]

After much soul searching (along with some good advice) I have decided against a catback system for now, but I'm considering headers. My question is this: Does anyone make a better Y pipe, or is it up to the local Meinike shop?
I'm thinking JBA headers (once it warms up enough to put them on!); any data on the differences?

TIA,
Kevin Long

 

[Kevin_Rants]

I have the JBA headers and Y-pipe, both are very high quality. The Y-pipe fit well, I didn't lose any torque (282 on the dyno with the mods listed below) either. Some may expound the virtues of the GSMotorsports or PPH headers which I'm sure are very good, but I have been impressed with the JBA system.

 

[Neil]

GS Motorsports has dyno data.

 

[Volphin]

Headers

Anything is better than stock. JBA has a fine rep among Ford owners and some D owners swear by em as well. I found them to be pricey though for a ceramic headers and a Y that wasn't all that bigger than stock? if they still make the Y.

Bill

 

[Thrush]

I had shorty-style Edelbrock headers on my 98, and I really didn't notice any improvement down low or mid range. They did however pull a little more top end.

I now have midlength MESA headers, which from what I can find out, are very similiar to the GS Motorsports headers. These headers give me a lot more low-end and midrange power. Highly recommended.

 

[klong]

I have the JBA headers and Y-pipe, both are very high quality. The Y-pipe fit well, I didn't lose any torque (282 on the dyno with the mods listed below) either. Some may expound the virtues of the GSMotorsports or PPH headers which I'm sure are very good, but I have been impressed with the JBA system.

Just an e-mail back from JBA, and they no longer make a Y pipe - damn!

 

[Volphin]

Options

Well crud. At least there's still Mike Leach PPH and GSMs. I have seen PPH on eBay sometimes.

Bill

 

[Neil]

Yes I'd go with the GS or Moapars. They make better power. In addition the JBAs make changing the rear spark plugs a PITA. The rear primaries curves up and forward getting in the way.

 

[Kevin_Rants]

GS Motorsports has dyno data.

I do too! You're right about the rear plug change on the JBAs, not nice. As I mentioned though, I'm sure the GSMs etc are good (I don't know because I have only had the JBAs) but the combination I have has been great. To do it again, I'd probably go with the PPH and a custom Y-pipe but my dyno numbers a pretty good with the current set up.

 

[klong]

Y pipe issues

Just an e-mail back from JBA, and they no longer make a Y pipe - damn!

I just spoke with Joe at JBA; there's an issue with "some" of the D's in 4x4. Some fit, some don't, and they have no idea why.
Joe recommended p/n 2945Y for the 5.2 & 5.9, but nothing for the 4.7!

KevinL

 

[klong]

Re: Options

Well crud. At least there's still Mike Leach PPH and GSMs. I have seen PPH on eBay sometimes.

Bill

I'm having difficulties locating Mike Leach & PPH; got any contact info?

TIA,
KevinL

 

[RT Mark]

Positive Performance Exhaust
1202 N. Glassell
City of Orange
CA.
(714) 639-5220

If Mike Leech is unavailble, ask for Tom Fox.
Tom also does PCM flashes too.

Good luck

 

[Neil]

http://www.socalDakota.com/performance_mopar_DakotaDurangoram_engine_headers.html

 

[Kevin_Rants]

Re: Y pipe issues

Just an e-mail back from JBA, and they no longer make a Y pipe - damn!

I just spoke with Joe at JBA; there's an issue with "some" of the D's in 4x4. Some fit, some don't, and they have no idea why.
Joe recommended p/n 2945Y for the 5.2 & 5.9, but nothing for the 4.7!

KevinL

the 2945Y has a lot of adjustability so you can set it up right (with clearance for the front driveshaft) but I had to remove the front driveshaft to install it completely.

 

[klong]

Re: Y pipe issues

Joe at JBA was very adamant about these not fitting; says the 4.7L MB motor is totally different from the others.
After talking to Scott at GSM, he convinced me that new headers were a waste for this motor; So, off to the shop I went!
I had a 2.25" Y pipe made up, and put a flowmaster DF40 on at the same time: noticeably louder (wife thinks it's too loud), but the seat of the pants driving impressions are great! Nice rumble at idle, not much interior noise at cruising speed, despite what she thinks - at 70 -72 mph, the road noise is as prevalent as the exhaust, if not more so.
Acceleration seems much improved, and I have noticed that I tend to use less pedal than before; I ran it up to Baltimore to the bike show yesterday, so I'll have a mileage check in the next couple of days, and as I'll be back up there the next 2 days, it'll get a nice test.
Probably the only thing I'd do differently is to install the series 50DF muffler; it's supposed to ba a little quieter. I may look in to adding some sound insulation to the rear deck area, just to keep her happy.

KevinL

the 2945Y has a lot of adjustability so you can set it up right (with clearance for the front driveshaft) but I had to remove the front driveshaft to install it completely.