I lol'd

 

I went a different route. I have (2) 97 jeeps w/4.0s; a Wrangler and a Cherokee. About 5 years ago I pulled the factory header, welded up the cracks and re installed. Still holding just fine. Over the last 3 monts I did the same to my Cherokee. so far so good. only cost me a manifold-to-head gasket.

 

I dont have to be there to tell you didnt install it right.unless it was made wrong, it WAS user error,regardless of what your saying.and no need to get your panties in a bunch.It just seems funny to me that i bought the same header, have the same jeep, and the same motor.but yours didnt fit.I see yours was made in 98 not 99. so you SHOULD have the same engine and intake as mine.again like I said before,I could be wrong, but I'd doubt it. unless chryco made a different bolt pattern not specified in the haynes manual,you sir did not install the header properly.

 

Reading comprehension is serious business.

 

Off the subject but since you have it torn down that much I suggest changing the motor mount.

 

I'm looking to getting one of these for my 99. In the OP's picture, it seems the problem may be that the manifold he is trying to put on is from a 2000-2001 unless APN uses a universal style for both applications. That might be the problem. Maybe it was boxed wrong? I've done alot of research on the forums asking which manifold was best and the APN seems to be it. I noticed that some people has no issues installing them at all which leads me to believe that something may have been overlooked.

Question to the OP: Did you torque the exhaust down before installing the intake? Because they won't seat together like that. The exhaust has to have the bolts finger tight so you can place the intake in place and kind of guide them in together. I tried it the wrong way once too. Thought something was wrong and it was installer error. Mine. After I figured it out it went in real easy.

 

I followed the MFG's instructions when installing it. Everything was finger tight until the torque down sequence. When it got down to the final torque sequence, the intake manifold impacted the exhaust manifold on the #1 and #6 tubes severely. When I called APN about it, they said no problem and sent me a return shipping label. Once they got it back, they issued a full refund even though it had 2 dents in it from where it hit the intake.

It is possible that I got one in the wrong box or something, but I needed my Jeep running ASAP so I just bought an exhaust manifold locally. I did not do motor mounts as mine were still snug as a bug in a rug.

 

That is really strange. I got an APN for mine and it fit gr888888.

 

Just got mine, will trying an install on my early 99 (01/07/99).....wish me luck.

 

The 99 does use a different intake manifold. I have a 98 and a 99. They changed the manifold due to emission regulations. It is my limited understanding that the 99 actually flows better than the previous years. Starting in 2000, the exhaust manifold changed to a cast iron 3 and 3 design to help with the problems with the cracking that the tubular manifolds.

 

It fit just fine on my early 99...

 

I run a borla header with a mid 99 and up intake. I had to modify BOTH the intake and exhaust on the #6 hole.

with the APN, you really only have to modify the intake side, and only very slightly. I've done this for a customer, it took me 5 minutes of minimal effort to make it fit.

that is with the new rounded intake manifold. it's noticeable power difference and mild increase in mpg says enough to make the effort worth it.

 

I don't think people are understanding my original post... the header bolted up just fine by itself, just not WITH the intake manifold.

 

Putting an awful lot of faith in the ol' Haynes manual....

 

Got it!
Appreciate you taking the time to post your review in the first place.

btw, mine took a while to line up the intake manifold, cause i tighten bolt #2 and 3 too much and the intake manifold wont sit but went in just fine after i loosen them.