aFe Twisted Steel Short Tube Header 304 SS Raw Jeep Wrangler 392 JL | 48-38031

Overview

The aFe Power Twisted Steel 304 Stainless Steel Short Tube Header (PN: 48-38031) is a precision-engineered performance exhaust header purpose-built for the 2021–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon 392 equipped with the 6.4L HEMI V8. Designed for Jeep enthusiasts who demand more power, improved throttle response, and aggressive exhaust tone both on the street and the trail, this header unlocks measurable gains over the restrictive factory exhaust manifold. With a raw 304 stainless steel finish and race-proven MIG-welded construction, the aFe Twisted Steel header is one of the best short tube header upgrades available for the Jeep Wrangler 392.

Key Features & Benefits

• +11 HP / +13 lb-ft Torque Gains – Dyno-proven performance gains of up to +11 horsepower and +13 lb-ft of torque, as measured on aFe's in-house dynamometer, over the restrictive stock exhaust manifolds.
• 1-7/8" to 3" Mandrel-Bent 304 Stainless Steel Tubing – Premium-grade 304 stainless steel construction with mandrel-bent tubing ensures zero flow restriction, maximum corrosion resistance, and long-lasting durability through extreme off-road conditions.
• 4-to-1 Mitered Merge Collector – The integrated mitered merge collector design reduces turbulence and increases exhaust velocity versus traditional formed collector designs, delivering improved throttle response and consistent power gains across the RPM range.
• Heavy-Duty Laser-Cut Mild Steel Flanges – Factory-style precision laser-cut machined mild steel flanges deliver a secure, leak-free seal at the cylinder head — no warping, no leaks.
• 100% MIG-Welded Construction – Every weld is completed using MIG welding for race-proven strength and long-term durability under high-heat, high-stress conditions.
• Retains Factory O2 Sensor Locations – Engineered to keep all factory oxygen sensor bungs in their stock locations, maintaining full compatibility with your Jeep's OEM ECU and emissions monitoring systems.
• No-Cut, No-Modification Installation – Designed using state-of-the-art computer-aided engineering (CAE) technology for a custom, high-tolerance factory fitment — bolts into stock locations with zero cutting or fabrication required.
• Works with Factory Exhaust System – Compatible with the stock downstream exhaust system; no additional modifications or custom exhaust fabrication necessary.
• Made in the USA – Engineered and manufactured at aFe POWER's facility in Corona, California.
• Raw Finish – The natural 304 stainless steel raw finish can be left as-is or upgraded with aftermarket ceramic coating for additional heat management. (The Titanium Cerakote version is also available as PN: 48-38031-T.)

What's Included

• aFe Twisted Steel Short Tube Header Set (Pair – Driver & Passenger Side)
• Hardware / Mounting Bolts
• Gaskets

Specifications

Manufacturer Part #	48-38031
UPC	802959483824
Header Style	Short Tube (Shorty)
Header Material	304 Stainless Steel
Finish	Raw (Natural Stainless)
Primary Tube Diameter	1-7/8 IN (inlet) to 3 IN
Collector Diameter	2-3/4 IN to 3 IN
Primary Tube Gauge	16-Gauge
Cylinder Head Port Shape	D-Port
Collector Type	4-to-1 Mitered Merge Collector
Weld Type	100% MIG-Welded
Flange Type	Factory-Style Laser-Cut Mild Steel
O2 Sensor Locations	Factory Position Retained
Quantity	Sold as a Pair
Hardware Included	Yes (Bolts & Gaskets)
Catalytic Converters Included	No
Performance Gain	Up to +11 HP / +13 lb-ft TQ (dyno-measured)
Weight	27.0 lbs.
Package Dimensions	29.5" L x 17.5" W x 8.1" H
Warranty	2 Years
Country of Origin	Made in USA (Corona, CA)
CARB Compliant	No – Not legal for sale or use in California

Fitment & Compatibility

The aFe 48-38031 is a direct-fit header for the following vehicles:

• 2021 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon 392 – V8-6.4L HEMI (OHV, Naturally Aspirated)
• 2022 Jeep Wrangler JL Unlimited Rubicon 392 – V8-6.4L HEMI (OHV, Naturally Aspirated)
• 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon 392 – V8-6.4L HEMI (OHV, Naturally Aspirated)
• 2024 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon 392 / Rubicon 392 Final Edition – V8-6.4L HEMI (OHV, Naturally Aspirated)
• 2025 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon 392 Final Edition – V8-6.4L HEMI (OHV, Naturally Aspirated)
• 2026 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon 392 – V8-6.4L HEMI (OHV, Naturally Aspirated)

⚠️ Emissions Notice: This product is NOT CARB compliant and is not legal for sale or use in California or any other state that has adopted CARB emission standards. Intended for off-road or race use only where applicable. Check local regulations before purchase.

Installation

The aFe Twisted Steel header is engineered using computer-aided design (CAD) technology for a high-tolerance, factory-style fit. The header bolts directly into the stock cylinder head locations using the included hardware — no cutting, welding, or custom fabrication required. Factory oxygen sensor ports are retained in their OEM positions. The header is compatible with the stock downstream exhaust system and does not require any exhaust system modifications. Professional installation is recommended due to the complexity of accessing the exhaust manifold on the Wrangler 392 platform; plan for approximately 8–13 hours of shop time depending on experience level. All required mounting hardware and gaskets are included.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the aFe 48-38031 CARB compliant? No. This product is not CARB legal and cannot be sold or used in California or states that follow CARB standards.

Does this header work with the factory exhaust? Yes. The aFe Twisted Steel header is designed to work directly with the factory downstream exhaust system with no modifications necessary.

Is a tune required after installation? A tune is not strictly required, as the header retains factory O2 sensor locations. However, pairing this header with an ECU tune can help maximize the available power gains.

Is there a coated version available? Yes. The Titanium Cerakote coated version is available under part number 48-38031-T, which reduces engine compartment temperatures significantly vs. the raw finish version.

What is the warranty on this header? aFe backs this header with a 2-year manufacturer's warranty.