I chose the Gibson Catback years ago for my 1998 Grand Cherokee Limited 5.2L V-8 ZJ. Now three years later, I've traded the 98 ZJ in for a brand new 2001 4.7L V-8 WJ. The Gibson system held up well for the three years I owned it and I decided to get another. The WJ Gibson Catback exhaust system is basically the same as the ZJ one just made to fit the contours of the WJ. It consists of a well constructed high flow performance muffler, a mandrel bent 2.5" exhaust pipe, a polished stainless steel tip, instructions, and some mounting hardware. The principal behind all catbacks is to reduce reduce backpressure by providing a better flowing exhaust. Reducing backpressure generally yields more horsepower.

The Gibson kit was very easy to install. The hardest part is removing the stock exhaust which you must basically cut in half to remove. The system uses the same factory hanger which isolates the system from the frame of the car and keeps it from rattling around. One thing you will want to look for. The tip on my system came dangerously close to the rear bumper, I had to bend it down the rear portion of tailpipe a little bit to prevent it from melting the bumper.

Gibson claims there is 10-15 hp and 26 ft. lbs. unlocked by strapping on their system. I didn't have access to a 4 wheel drive dyno but you can certainly feel a bit of a difference. Don't expect miracles from any catback, but there is certainly some power unlocked.

The biggest difference you will notice with any catback is the sound. It was without a doubt louder, but at the same time much lower in pitch. There was no doubt that a V-8 was sitting under that hood. From what I've heard, the Gibson is the quietest of all catback systems which is just fine with me. I will say that the system is much quieter on the WJ than it was on my 5.2 ZJ. I don't quite understand why, but it is honestly a little bit louder than stock and about half the loudness of the Gibson on my 5.2L ZJ. It must be something to do with the newly design 4.7L V-8.

The Gibson is a well built system made out of top notch components. It is available for under $300. Gibson does offer a stainless steel system for those subjecting their exhaust to rust producing conditions. I had my previous Gibson Catback on for over three years and there was a little rust visible from the outside but everything operated perfectly. There are critics of this catback. One offroader said he didn't like the cylindrical construction because it reduces ground clearance. Others claim the system is just too expensive for what it is. Some complain that the 2.5" pipe is too constricting. As for me, I am happy with the system and am confident that it is the quietest most refined catback solution that exists today for the WJ. It is a well built system with a nice fit and smooth mandrel bent pipe. It has an very mellow sound and offers a mild performance boost as well.

www.gibsonperformance.com