Jeep Grand Cherokee Exhaust System Tips

When the Jeep Grand Cherokee was redesigned in 2005, it brought with it HEMI V8 power and an all-new performance oriented approach that was quickly picked up on by aftermarket exhaust companies. Over the past several years, given the extensive engine-sharing implemented at Chrysler, exhaust brands have had the chance to research and development a startling array of different parts and systems for not only the HEMI-powered Grand Cherokee, but also other editions of this sport-utility vehicle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee also introduced its first real sport model with the 2005 release, the Grand Cherokee SRT8. Offering up more power than had ever before been available in a Jeep, along with a specially-designed all-wheel drive system that helped to make it the quickest member of the SRT family, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 became a legitimate competitor to European super SUV’s.

There are four different power plants provided across the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup:

• A 3.7L V6 that gives the base model 210 horsepower.
• An entry-level, 230 – 235 horsepower 4.7L V8 (bumped to 305 horses in 2008 and then dropped for 2009).
• A 330 – 357 horsepower version of Chrysler’s 5.7L HEMI V8.
• A 6.1L V8 grinding out 420 ponies in the Grand Cherokee SRT8.

While few V6 owners are actively looking to modify their trucks, the 4.7L V8 can benefit substantially in the aural pleasure department through the judicious installation of aftermarket mufflers. Both HEMI-powered versions of the Grand Cherokee definitely deserve the full exhaust system treatment for maximum power output. That being said, skipping headers and high-flow cats and just sticking a set of new mufflers out back is certainly enough to awaken the aggressive menace lurking inside either of these V8 engines.

There are a good number of different aftermarket exhaust companies servicing the Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• Borla
• Corsa
• Banks
• Bassani
• Doug Thorley
• Edelbrock
• Flowmaster
• Gibson
• Magnaflow
• MBRP

If that list looks like a who’s who of American exhaust companies, that’s because the HEMI’s ubiquity has attracted a lot of attention from muscle-loving performance enthusiasts – and with it, the expansion of its aftermarket parts availability. A few smaller truck-oriented companies also offer options for Jeep owners, which makes for some more affordable choices for those interested more in sound than racing-inspired performance.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Exhaust Recommendations

1. Consider your application. If you are breaking trail in your Jeep, you might not need to keep things as quite as you do on the street. You may want to go with cutouts instead of an off-road only system to make things more bearable on your drive to and from the wilderness.

2. All-wheel drive does not equal four-wheel drive. The SRT8 version of the Grand Cherokee is a unique beast, and its all-wheel drive system is not designed or implemented the same way as Jeep’s more traditional drivetrains. Make sure that the parts you order for your SUV will fit without any issues.

3. Drone is the enemy. A V8 rumble is great, but on the highway with a load of passengers you’ll most likely want to be able to have a conversation without it turning into a shouting match. Don’t just buy whatever is cheapest – carefully select your exhaust components so as to minimize the chances of highway drone.