Sounds like my exhaust manifold may be leaking(MY98 UK). Anyone have any experience replacing one and an idea of the cost and is it all one piece or in sections.

 

The manifold itself is cast, more likely to be the up pipe. Get an aftermarket one to replace it; cheaper and flows better. Schedule to port the manifold while it's off.

Richard

 

My MY98 went in two places; the cross pipe between the manifilds and the up-pipe. Each time it was the flexible bit. Removing heatshields is a pig and usually involves a welding torch. Replacing the up-pipe I would rate as difficult - manifold has to come off and turbo and you may have to jack the engine up slightly. From memory it took me about 5 hours.

Graham

 

Thanks chaps. If you have to cut the heatshields off how important is it to refit them all and does fitting a non standard up-pipe make much difference to the noise(running standard exhaust and SS backbox).

 

I would guess not much effect on noise. The manifold heatshield you can probably do without(?)but I would be inclined to either refit the others or heatwrap the pipe.