Working toward my first mod to actually affect anything mechanically. Want to increase performance a little and add a little grumble to my jk. Between a cat-back system or cold air intake, what is going to give me the most bang for my buck? (I'm leaning toward intake.)

 

I have both. I would do the cat back. I love how it sounds. Both are going to net you minimal hp gains.

 

id go with a cat back too. intakes, depending on brand/design can increase your risk of hydro-lock (sucking water into the engine), thats fine for a car, not for a jeep. and like the previous post said, any hp gains will be negligible, keep that in mind.

 

Don't waste your money on either unless you just want the sound.

A programmer like Superchips and/or a Sprintbooster will "actually" get you some performance gains.

 

I just installed a set of JPA headers, air raid intake and magna flow rock crawler exhaust with super chips trail dash. With 1000lbs in the back. Current weight is 6100 lbs on a 09 JKU Ruby with 51k. I am driving from San Diego to newport, RI. Avg speed 75 in 2200 miles so far with a avg of 18.5 mpg. I can say the 3.8 is not a slug anymore. Very notable power gain. Long grades holds 65-70 without shifting out of overdrive. No dyno numbers only real world performance. I was planning on doing an 6.2 ls3 swap. May go with super charger on this motor.

 

CAI and performance exhausts do actually get you power gains. Both will individually get you bout the same as a tuner will. Put them all together and throw headers in and you get even more. They don't make the stuff for shits and giggles and race cars don't use them for no reason.

 

I agree they don't make the stuff for shits and giggles. They make it for profit. I agree if you add headers along with catback and intake along with a real tune and you will net some gains. Like the Ripp header kit. However, for those that think a Cold Air Intake and A Catback are going to get them anymore than 3.576865 hp is just smoke and mirrors.

 

Right totally agree with that. But a gain is a gain no matter how small it is. Only reason I have a CAI is because someone swapped out right with me for my stock intake to run a snorkel. So hey why not. And a superchips does to really give you that much gain. I have one and noticed about as much difference as I do with the CAI. Maybe one day I'll have them all put in. But I've been thinking of a volant snorkel with the CAI intake box they have.