Jeep TJ Power Pack Bundle (4.0, manual)
"My 1999 TJ had developed an exhaust leak as most Wrangler’s do. My Jeep has just over 240,000 miles on it and I figured I would see what options I had vs stock exhaust. Thru my research I found the “Power Pack Bundle” on the Bank’s website. The bundle had everything I wanted for the exhaust and some additional upgrades I’ve already looked at in the past. I knew I wanted an aftermarket exhaust manifold to replace the cracked OEM one. I’ve always bounced around the idea of a different air intake and possibly a programmer. I felt comfortable with what the bundle offered so I purchased it. Everything arrived in a little over a week. I had extra time off for Easter so I figured it was a good time to jump into this project. I began with tearing everything down and getting the cracked exhaust manifold off. The header from Banks looked sturdy and well made. The hardest part about bolting it up was reaching the two inner bolts on the bottom of the header. After about an hour fighting the bottom bolt, some sentence enhancers and my wife magically getting the last bolt in, I torqued the bolts and got everything back together. I next tackled the “Ram Air Intake”. The instructions were straight forward and it was pretty easy to bolt up and get together. The only issue I’ve seen is that the oil dipstick seems to be a little “crowded” by the placement of the ram air tube over the motor. Not bad though. Next I jumped into the exhaust tubing and the new muffler. My exhaust was completely stock with the catalytic converter and all. I did some small modifications and I was able to get the new muffler installed behind the main skid plate, out of the way. I didn’t use the supplied mechanical connections in the kit. I was able to MIG weld what I needed in my garage. Finally I started the old 4.0 to ensure everything was going good before I opened the box on the programmer. It fired up and HOLY TACOS did it sound good! Between the new Banks header, the more free flowing muffler and the new air intake, it was night and day. Everything checked good so I moved to installing the tune. Now, like I said, this is a 4.0, 6 cylinder with over 240,000 miles on it. I opted for what I believed would be a “mild tune”. I didn’t want to go crazy right off the rip so I put in the Sport 87 tune. SUPER easy and effortless. From plug-in to completion was maybe 10 minutes. (This was my first time programming or tuning any vehicle.). After I checked everything over once more, I went and filled the tank. I got back home, grabbed the wife and kids and we went driving. IMMEDIATE and NOTICEABLE difference in throttle response, torque, power and of course sound. I may have even chirped the tires going in to second at one point. My wife wasn’t impressed but it’s never been able to do that before. It’s like a whole different vehicle. I’m pretty blown away with all the power gains and responsiveness. If you are on the fence, just go for it. You will not be disappointed. The Banks name continues to mean performance and it completely delivers. Without a doubt, I’m happy with this purchase."
