1997 Jeep TJ - Project Teal-J II, Part 4

Our headers from PaceSetter came with this nice Y-pipe. It features smooth mandrel bends and the Armor Coat option for protection and durability. It was the next item to go into place.

PaceSetter also has replacement catalytic converters, one of which we planned to use. However, the company does not make a direct replacement for the TJ, but rather a universal piece that would have involved some fabrication to install.

Since we didn't have a welder or exhaust shop close to us, we decided not to use it.

Our next step was to install a TFX Kat-Back exhaust system, also from PaceSetter Performance Products. The muffler features an aluminized coating to prevent rust and is also designed to increase flow. It simply slides over the catalytic converter and is then clamped into place.

The system also comes with 2 ½-inch aluminized, mandrel-bent tubing. The smooth, kink-free bends maximize exhaust flow and add horsepower. It goes up and over the axle and exits out the rear with a chrome-plated tip.

A nice feature of the TFK system is that it uses the factory mounts and uses this nice system of easy-to-slide-in mounts that utilizes a washer and cotter pin to be held in place. This is a lot easier than having to monkey-motion a mount with a bend in it through the factory rubber mounts.

Installing our new throttle body from Rubicon Express was very simple. We simply detached all the sensors and linkage from the factory throttle body, removed it, and then installed the new one.

The Rubicon Express throttle body uses a bigger 62mm bore to increase flow for more power. It fits all Jeep six-cylinder fuel-injected engines from '91-'02. We bolted it back into place on the spacer that came with our AEM Brute Force Intake System. Then it was just a matter of reattaching all the sensors and throttle linkage.