Finally got around to finding the exhaust leak in my 71 Satellite. The bad news is the manifold is cracked almost all the way around just behind #3, even through the reinforcing ribs. Sometime in the past the triangle washers were put on with the conical nib against the manifold. Could this have caused the crack?

Looks like I have 3 options.

1. Weld up the crack. Probably not a good idea.

2. Junk yard manifold (1980 & newer). I'm leaning this route.

3. Headers

What's the consensus? Are headers enough of a gain to justify the expense and possible problems? Thanks.

Option #4 "Split" the cast iron exhaust manifold into 2 pieces.
Hey, if it wants to be two pieces... make it 2 pieces!

Have you read this article?
http://www.slantsix.org/articles/Slant_ ... lation.htm
DD

you can also buy a new manifold, I just put one on my convertable a couple of months ago.

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