Exhaust Header Firewall Chop Job - Should I Support?

PO has installed some aftermarket exhaust headers, he did quite a chop job on the firewall (drivers side). Wondering if It would be prudent to put some support back?

 

Hedman headers came with a template for what had to be removed
wasn't that much . all I can say is bottom lip had to go

 

Thanks for the inputs, at least now I know that they are Hedman , I still exhaust and mufflers, I'll see what will fit once I get things set-up.

 

I had about the same thing from a PO install. I was able to make a lip and blend the cut pieces together.Not any stronger but I am happy with outcome. mike

 

Hey Mike, thanks for the picture, does look much nicer. Are you running similar headers?, and if so, any chance you have any photos of your muffler set-up? Did you run dual with outputs just in front of the rear tires? Just looking at all options. I'd like to run the exhaust out the back.

 

Thankyou and yes I do have the HEDMAN headers.Typical dual exhaust with outboard mufflers and tailpipes to rear corner exit.

 

found missing piece . did this 30 something years ago . should have hid cutting torch that day

 

My PO chopped mine too, but really like your header paint/coating. I assume the engine has been used and that coating has held up to the heat? Care to share if you know what was used? Or is that from the factory?

 

I just installed headman.headers. The template given was not that large. I still have the picture where it shows where to cut. The passenger side I had to cut nothing.I didn't see the template until After I cut and turned out to be identicle. After installing the headers I considered building something around where i cut out but I got to thinking how the he'll am I going to protect these headers from hitting them on rocks? I would love to see what others have done to protect headers. Honestly if I could have found another passenger side stock manifold for my 65 231 id of loved to have run them as you can flip passengers side upside down and went that way. So I have installed brand new headmans . I still have a passenger side manifold in hopes to find one meanwhile let's see some photos please of you fenderwell exiting exhausts . Please

 

Mine used to have headers that we (dad and I) installed in 1978. I can't remember if they were Hooker or Hedman, but they all required that mod. I haven't had headers on mine in 20+ years but I never filled that gap back in, there has never been any problems with the tub because of the mod.

 

What Grant said. Every cj5 I have seen with headers had that area of the tub modified to some degree. My '71 was cut there and has been fine for 30 years I've owned it and then some. It would be nice to keep the mod cleaner than most folks do. Mike's looks great.........nice job on the whole firewall.

Curious if the block hugger headers require any such modification. I wouldn't think so but, I know little about that style of header for our jeeps or their current availability.

 

Thanks, but your assumption would be incorrect (as far as I can tell). Bought this jeep basically in state of re-build (guy who sold it had gotten up to wiring). Engine was pulled from something late 70's and rebuilt, but as I'm quite slow at wiring (also have Meniers causing vertigo, which has been bad for the past couple of month), I'm even slower. Engine has oil, and turns smoothly, but no coolant, etc. I think the headers are new out of box, and probably won't look that way once I get the engine running.