Opinions... $55 Walker Dynomax muff vs $310 Gibson cat-back

[Retlaw01XJ]

I need a new muffler. Original is rusted.
I can get a new Walker Dynomax muffler for $55, or go for a cat-back system from Gibson for $310. Borla is a little more at $390.
Is the tailpipe worth the extra $$$? Seems tough to justify.
Stock 2001 Cherokee system is stainless except for muffler, correct??
For now I'm using the original cast manifolds, mini-cats and cat.....Basically a 3-2-1 system. Crower 44243 cam....more than stock, but not as wild as a Comp 232 cam...
Air intake is stock,but I will upgrade....
I'll have < 30 days to decide before state inspection is due...
Appreciate recommendations!!....

[SilverXJ]

I have a Gibson. I purchased it like new, but used. However i am not impressed. The stainless pipe is the variety of stainless that rusts. The muffler is a different stainless and doesn't rust. I guess it sounds ok. I think it could sound better. I would recommend Magnaflow.

Most of the Walker stuff I have seen has been kinked up cheap stock replacement crap.

[Retlaw01XJ]

Thanks! Magnaflow lists a #16464 for 2000-2001 Cherokee but doesn't appear to be available anywhere.
I've used various systems on my other vehicles....
The Dynomax system on my '91 F-150 rusted out quickly. Replaced it with a Gibson and it's perfect.
Magnaflow system on my '66 Buick GS and it's a well-made system but too loud at cruise. Drives me nuts.
Walker Dynomax Super Turbo mufflers on my other GS and I love them. Good performers too.

Maybe I can make my noisy Magnaflow Buick muffler fit my XJ! The cats should quiet it down.

[SilverXJ]

I also have a Dynomax system on the ZJ. Its ok. Nothing impressive, but it wasn't expensive and serves as a good stock replacement exhaust system.

[Muad'Dib]

Dynomax on mine right now too.. Sounds ok with the Stroker. Good for a stock replacement (Cheap)

[Retlaw01XJ]

Too cold out today to crawl under my Jeep, but I read they use stainless tubing?
If that's the case, I don't see much advantage in the extra $$ for a cat-back system over just a muffler.... unless the tailpipe is MUCH less restrictive than the original.

BTW, finished up my engine today, so it's ready for install..... just need to fit it into the weather and work schedule.

[SilverXJ]

Dynomax? Not stainless unless they have an upgraded system available.

Or are you talking about the stock system? I have heard they used stainless in later models, but I couldn't verify. If its stainless its the type that rusts.

[Retlaw01XJ]

Yeah, I hear it's stainless on the stock setup. I'll have to confirm.
The 4xx stainles will surface rust, but will last years. I'll have to confirm that too....

[GoMopar440]

I can't say about either of those systems since I've never had either, but retlaw is correct about the rust. The 400 series stainless has enough carbon in it to allow it to rust. Nowhere near as fast as regular steels though. The 300 series stainless alloys are what you want if don't want any rust. Easy way to tell the difference if you're not sure what you have is to try to stick a magnet to it. There won't be much of a pull on the 400 series, but there will be some. On the 300 series there will be almost no magnetic attraction at all. It's the carbon that makes the 400 series rust is also what give's it a slight magnetic response.

FWIW: Some 400 series can be heat treated, and AFAIK 300 series can't. Once again because of the carbon content, or lack thereof.

[Retlaw01XJ]

Installed the Dynomax Super Turbo muffler on the XJ yesterday.
Original exhaust tubing is still solid with some mild surface pitting, but the exhaust hangers were rusting out..... added a bead of weld to make them like new again.
Has a nice mild rumble, sounds like a truck should.
$55 from Amazon. Also scored the cat adapter for $13 on ebay to make it an easy install.
Gonna keep my eyes open for a full stainless system at a good price.