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- 2003.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
Well, in the process of preparing for installing the Corksport downpipes, I've discovered my exhaust manifold is cracked. Took off the heat shield tonight and found each crotch of the manifold cracked, with the largest in the middle. To boot, I found that the far left lower manifold bolt is missing.
I suspected it might be since last week, by the recent 'pifffing' sound when starting the engine. I checked the manifold last October and it was okay then, but now some 10K miles later-NOT!
I figure my options are:
a.) try welding the cracks
b.) replace with OEM manifold
c.) install an aftermarket manifold
My questions are:
i.) has anyone successfully welded a crack manifold without it cracking again?
ii.) why replace with expensive OEM that will crack again in the future?
iii.) does anyone have good leads to aftermarket manifold that will fit MSP?
Thanks in advance for any responses and leads.
I suspected it might be since last week, by the recent 'pifffing' sound when starting the engine. I checked the manifold last October and it was okay then, but now some 10K miles later-NOT!
I figure my options are:
a.) try welding the cracks
b.) replace with OEM manifold
c.) install an aftermarket manifold
My questions are:
i.) has anyone successfully welded a crack manifold without it cracking again?
ii.) why replace with expensive OEM that will crack again in the future?
iii.) does anyone have good leads to aftermarket manifold that will fit MSP?
Thanks in advance for any responses and leads.