For now Should I go with an exhaust or an AEV snorkel ?

 

Snorkel all the way.... It will give some power as the air that will get in your engine will be taken from a cooler place and moreover your engine will be much safer if you play in deep mud or you cross rivers.... Exhaust is only about noise and in some cases decreases your departure angle...

 

Is it worth cutting through the hood if I don't want to purchase the AEV hood?

 

theres no benefit to the snorkel if you don't extend your axle hoses. and theres no benefit to the snorkel unless you're fording water...

if you like sound go with the exhaust.

just remember if you're fording water, you'll need to extend both front and rear differential hoses for safety measures

 

It's your JEEP, your call. Snorkel is much higher in my mods to do list than exhaust....

 

and don't forget the transfer case and Tranny breather tubes

 

you killed a cat and or kitten for calling his jeep a "car"

 

yikes. those are a pain..

 

My mistake.... your JEEP

 

They are a pain, but it protects you that much more if you like deep water and mud!