Topic: It finally happened

[mrcabinet]

The dreaded cracked exhaust manifold. I can't believe it only lasted 12 1/2 years and 134k miles! So now the big question is, do I go stock or go with a header? I like the idea of a header, but I've read about so many problems with them (cracking and rusting), and the price is four times a stock one. I know the Pacesetters are junk, and I don't see Borlas anymore, so that pretty much leaves Banks, which I've heard mixed reviews about.

What's the consensus here? Any and all opinions and experiences are welcome.

[sharpxmen]

either stock or stainless imo, nothing else will last nearly as long as yours did.

[Castr8r]

I used a Clifford header when I rebuilt my engine 7-8 years ago, and it is still doing the job.

[sharpxmen]

you can still buy a Borla stainless header for the TBI engine, but be aware of the following:
 - you'll have to plug the EGR tube
 - the downpipe is 2'' as compared to 2.25'' on the MPFI

[Jeffy]

The nice thing about the Clifford is that it's a long tube design which means more torque.  Problem is it's not meant for onroad use.  Though that would only matter in states with some kind of visual inspection.  Other then Pacesetter it's Banks.

[Tr00b]

I threw on a Dorman stock manifold replacement from Rock Auto and so far, I'm pretty happy with it. It was about $60.

While you are at it, if you are in salted road states, go through your exhaust and look for weak spots. After i did the manifold, the cat wet bad and rusted off, then the hangers went, and now its leaking by the cat again.

[mrcabinet]

Well, it all boiled down to price. The best I could find for a Banks was $355, vs. a stock manifold at $75 to my door. I just couldn't justify the price difference. If I'm going to spend that much it will be for roller rockers. I may try doing a little porting while I have everything off - can't hurt, right?

[sharpxmen]

Well, it all boiled down to price. The best I could find for a Banks was $355, vs. a stock manifold at $75 to my door. I just couldn't justify the price difference. If I'm going to spend that much it will be for roller rockers. I may try doing a little porting while I have everything off - can't hurt, right?

you can try but i doubt you'll see a difference from porting exhaust header alone.

[jfrabat]

So where's the best place to get the Clifford one?  We don't have to pass inspection here, so I may get a set for mine!

[Jeffy]

So where's the best place to get the Clifford one?  We don't have to pass inspection here, so I may get a set for mine!

Clifford isn't really a model.  It's a shop.  They worked with Mopar Performance to make the purple cams and some other thing for the Craftsman Truck Series and SCORE Don A Vee team, IIRC.  Clifford Performance is the shop.

[jfrabat]

So I take it the exhaust manifold I need are the 57-0430 F&L Head Headers4 Cyl., right?

http://www.cliffordperformance.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CP&Category_Code=J258

Felipe

[Jeffy]

So I take it the exhaust manifold I need are the 57-0430 F&L Head Headers4 Cyl., right?

http://www.cliffordperformance.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CP&Category_Code=J258

Felipe

I would assume that's for the F and L head 134's.  I'm not sure if they make the 2.5LAMC one anymore.

[sharpxmen]

what's F&L mean?

[Jeffy]

what's F&L mean?

As in the F134 Willys 'Hurricane' engine and the L134 Willys 'Go Devil' engine.