Better to get new off the shelf exhaust system or custom?

[ZDA3]

According to the diagnosis at the car dealership, there's leaks and damage/loose parts in the exhaust system (exhaust manifold leaking exhaust fumes).

Is it best to go to a specialized muffler shop rather than just any car shop? I've seen these shops around but I've never gone into one before.

Or should we just go ahead and purchase an exhaust system kit (comes with everything) and have a mechanic install it? The kit comes with the pipe/resonator, muffler, clamp, pipe flange gasket/seal.

Or should we just replace the exhaust manifold gasket only? This part is cheap but I'm not sure if the labor is extensive (only needs 5 bolts)?

2015 Mazda3

 

[Lazy2.5]

Go to an exhaust shop.

 

[sm1ke]

I would take it to a mechanic. If the exhaust manifold is what's leaking, then you or the mechanic will need to figure out where it's leaking (engine side or exhaust side, or both) and get the required parts. That should fix the issue at the exhaust manifold, but may not fix other issues you might have with the rest of the exhaust system. The mechanic should be able to tell you if it would be best to replace the rest of the system, or if it's ok to keep it. Be sure to take it to a reputable mechanic you trust.

 

[N7turbo]

When you say exhaust manifold, you are referring to the part that connects to the cylinder head, in the engine bay, with a gasket. Is that correct? If so, it's probably the gasket that is not sealing. That can be changed by most mechanics. Then you would not need a whole new exhaust system.

 

[ZDA3]

So the gasket is what needs to be replaced when there's leaks on the exhaust manifold?

I've attached a picture of what an exhaust manifold gasket looks like. I had to watch a YouTube to see where it goes, and it states that it goes on the engine (not sure if front or back?).

Does a car actually need a pair of these (engine and exhaust side)?

Isn't the engine side called an Intake Manifold gasket and the exhaust side the Exhaust Manifold gasket? Rockauto lists the Intake Manifold gasket as parts for the "engine" and the Exhaust Manifold gasket as parts for the "Exhaust and Emission". Does one need these 2 when the exhaust manifold is leaking exhaust fumes?

 

[N7turbo]

It goes between the cylinder head and the exhaust manifold to mate them together. An intake manifold gasket would be a different thing and not related to this.