Like many here I have been toying with the pros and cons of air and exhaust upgrades. I'm sure the sound improvements and placebo power enhancements might be worth it alone but, if I was hoping for performance gains would I really get any? I mean don't the exhaust manifold and catalytic converters choke off any increased air volume? Basically only making these upgrades pointless unless cool factor and sound factor were the goals? I mean I'm no mechanic so I was hoping someone could shed some real light on this subject.

 

been asking he same questions about air intakes here https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/show...10-Air-intakes

I'll help you if you help me... lol

 

I have read the comments that they do nothing, but I have found that a cold air intake added to a free flowing cat-back exhaust gives more power, better throttle response and can be proved on the dyno. Although the MPG usually increases, using the added power can cancel that out - I have done a CAI and cat-back exhaust on both motorcycles and autos and have felt and documented the gains - and get more power if you add a programer to the mix.

 

Yes the cat and manifold do put a restriction on the exhaust so anything gained after that point is minimal. I think a cai does give a few hp but is it worth the risk of water and particle ingestion? If you want a few extra hp and a better feel than go for it. It definitely improves the sound