I admit it, I'm shallow: I'd love to replace the stock exhaust of my 2016 JK with one that sounds better, is street legal, and doesn't break the bank! :whistling:
Stick with a 2.5" system for starters. Most of them are. You will loose exhaust velocity and low end if you get a 3" diameter exhaust. Shop based on sound preference, not horsepower (and don't expect any). The stock exhaust is already stainless steel and mandrel bent as well as straight through up until the muffler. If clearance is an issue then shop based on that as well.
After having two different Borla systems, I ditched them and got a Flowmaster American Thunder. I bought it for the clearance and I really liked the sound. The Borlas stuck out too much so that the logo could be prominently displayed and they only sounded mediocre on the pentastar IMHO. You can get just the HP2 muffler and use that to replace the stock muffler. Leaving your stock resonator in place will make it a degree quieter than mine.
+1 for Flowmaster American Thunder. The video does it justice. It's a great sounding exhaust, though it is on the aggressive side. I like the high tuck, as you can barely even see its there.
I bought the Gibson metal mulisha exhaust , sounds great but you may not like the big tips though they are removable. Combined with afe air system it's noticeable diffrence in performance
Some things to consider:
Look to a stainless steel system they last longer.
Save your receipt, most companies have some type of lifetime warranty.
One thing that sets us apart:
Performance & Sound Guarantee
We challenge you to try our DynoMax® performance mufflers* risk-free for 90 days - if our products* don't meet the challenge, call us for your money back.
Check us out too
We offer a TON of systems for the JK platform
check out Pypes performance exhaust, 429.00 and not as loud as people say but better than others, kept resonator on. but we all hear different sounds. No Drone not like my other cars.
+1 for the High Tuck. I replaced the PYPES dual exhaust that was on there with this setup. I love the setup. Getting the mounting plate to put the ARB compressor in the location where the stock muffler was located!
It looks like AFE has multiple exhausts - why would you go with one where the main exhaust body is in front of the axle vs behind it (like stock)? Even the one behind the axle is smaller than stock so it looks like clearance isn't an issue with those types.
The one in front of the axle is tucked up above the frame rails. Identical to Borla's Rock crawler style. In the stock location both the exhaust exit and muffler are much more exposed and prone to damage. I like AFE because the exit doesn't extend underneath the bumper meaning it isn't in danger of being pancaked!
Another question: For these exhausts where the tip is tucked up right behind the bumper - do these work if you have exhaust spacers to clear the front driveshaft? Any trimming of the exhaust pipe required? Or would you be better off with a new Y-pipe?
So with the Flowmaster, you have to cut the system down for a 2 door anyway. If you had clearance issues you could just take off 2 more inches for the spacers.
Wanna save some money and have the same sound as $500 exhausts?
All you need to do is:
1- remove rear muffler
2- remove resonator (looks like muffler about under drivers seat area)
3- have a Magnaflow, Dynomax, MBRP, Flowmaster muffler of your choice welded in were the resonator was.
This will cost you around $150-$175 at the local muffler shop. Your tail pipe after the new muffler will go over the rear axle and dump out there. This is the same place other company rock crawler high tuck exhaust systems dump. You can bolt on a short tip if you want. This will keep the exhaust system out of the way when off road.
I did this after many in my local Jeep club did the same. I used a $99 Magnaflow oval muffler in place of the mid section resonator. Zero highway drone and just a nice sound around town or on the trails.
Good point!
If you go this route look to a 2.5" in/out
A lot of people use PN 17263. This is our 20" overall round we use in our "rock crawler" systems
I ended up getting a Legato axle back exhaust. Fantastic sound and perfect fit on my 2016 2-door Wranger 75th Anniversary Edition (they just changed the hanger design to address previous fit issues). Soft and deep sound at idle, a deep gnarly rumble below 3,000 rpm, and a very aggressive growl above 3,000. Not crazy loud to bother people, but it adds a great tone to the Wrangler. Build quality is top notch and the tips are good looking, with a subtle Legato logo stamped at the top of the tips. At $310.- shipped within the US, this is a great option.
I fail to see the point in putting an aftermarket muffler where the giant stock muffler was.
Street Legal? Well about that.....
Checked all rules and regs for the NC inspection process. Not a shred or hint of any rule indicating where or how the exhaust has to terminate.
They still gave me crap about it. I had the inspection guy and his manager looking through every book they had trying to find the mysterious NC law saying the tailpipe must "exit the body" if the vehicle.
They all "heard" or "were told" or my favorite "they've been doing this for xx years"
They never found a damn reason to fail me but still did. I hate dealing with morons.
I went to the next shop and there were zero questions about the 39522.
It sounds good, inexpensive, gets rid of all the over the axle crap, can't get crushed.
I have this same model on my 2016 JK, but just be careful because it's made for the JKU. If you want to put this on a JK, you need to modify the hangers.
I had my muffler installed at Midas (coz I couldn't get the stock off). They performed a "muffler state inspection" free of charge (a state certified supervisor came out with a clipboard) and gave me a document that it is street legal. They said I can show that to the DMV when my next inspection is due.
Does anybody know which muffler line is used in the American Thunder kit? I like the idea of just welding the muffler in where the resonator currently sits and cutting the back off myself. I don't need the tips visible, and no point in spending money on replacement pipes that appear to be the same.
Well, I found out they use the HP-2 muffler. I'm assuming they use the 18" case as opposed to the 12"?
So, I think part number 12512409 is what I'm after.
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