KoopaKid Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 In yet another turn of events (shocking! ), as I was cleaning the rust off the exhaust manifold, I found a nasty crack at a weld seam. I'm definitely not putting that back in and don't want to bother with repairing it. My goal on this build is to have it last another 30 years with fewer band aid repairs to keep it going; I'm hoping to upgrade anything that can be upgrade. I don't mean I want it to do quarter mile runs, I want whatever new that's going in it to last longer and better build than OEM. What are my options for an upgraded 1988 exhaust manifold? I should also looking into replacing the whole exhaust system, as it's had a series of what looks like amateur MIG welder fixes in different places and it's rusted in way more places than I'm comfortable with. I'm looking for any and all opinions, so feel free to let me know of any options I haven't even considered yet...though I'm not crazy wild about the idea with upgrading to a 91+ manifold, EGR deletes, O2 relocation and all that, I'd consider it if there was a performance difference and it didn't involve welding stainless. Thanks for looking! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derf Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 It's hard to predict what will actually last another 30 years. For what it's worth, RockAuto has a Dorman brand replacement manifold for just over $140. It's a bolt in replacement. Will it last? Maybe. Maybe not. But even the expensive aftermarket stuff sometimes has a lot shorter lifespan than you would think. Or it may last until the truck is nothing but rust... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoopaKid Posted February 2, 2021 Author Share Posted February 2, 2021 8 minutes ago, derf said: It's hard to predict what will actually last another 30 years. For what it's worth, RockAuto has a Dorman brand replacement manifold for just over $140. It's a bolt in replacement. Will it last? Maybe. Maybe not. But even the expensive aftermarket stuff sometimes has a lot shorter lifespan than you would think. Or it may last until the truck is nothing but rust... I had considered going with a Dorman, and the prime it/paint it with very high heat paint to help prevent rust. This isn't a bad thing to consider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WahooSteeler Posted February 2, 2021 Share Posted February 2, 2021 My manifold needs to be replaced soon, the mounting stud closest to the firewall has sheared off at the nut. Like you, I'm not looking for wild mods or even performance gains. I just want it to be reliable and last a long time, and as a Renix there's not a lot you can do for substantial performance gains and I've already done all the little things i.e. bored throttle body, 746 injectors, later ECM. I picked up an HO manifold like the one in the thread link attached and plan on following this upgrade. I've got a friend I grew up with that runs his family's auto repair shop now and I'll rely on him to tell me if I need to add an EGR bung to the HO downpipe depending on Virginia emission laws. https://comancheclub.com/topic/58493-ho-exhaust-manifold-on-a-renix/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Have it professionally welded and don't look back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoopaKid Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 48 minutes ago, cruiser54 said: Have it professionally welded and don't look back. You’re saying I should just repair the current manifold? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMO413 Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 I would definitely go this route again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 12 minutes ago, KoopaKid said: You’re saying I should just repair the current manifold? Yes. If you add a short section of flex pipe between the exhaust manifold and the front exhaust downpipe, it will relieve most of the stress on the manifold and should eliminate future cracking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoopaKid Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 24 minutes ago, JMO413 said: I would definitely go this route again. Any welding necessary or was that something you could do with hand tools? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser54 Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Fix the one you have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMO413 Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 8 hours ago, KoopaKid said: Any welding necessary or was that something you could do with hand tools? I used a welder to finish the exhaust because my catalytic converter was removed prior to me owning the truck. Everything else was hand tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coolwind57 Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 If you fix your existing, then I might recommend welding some gussets in between those primaries--but installing a flex pipe like Eagle mentions seems to be the path to eliminating future cracking. I'd done both on mine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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