I own a 98 GSR and pretty happy with it so far. However, I have a cracked exhaust manifold (diagnosed by Acura dealer). They said the cost for repair will be around $600. Here are my questions...

1. Are they charging too much?
2. What are the negative impacts if I don't get it fixed?
3. Any possibility that I can replace the manifold myself?

Any imputs will be greatly appreciated. Please feel free to email me directly at: jncheung@hotmail.com

Thanks in advanced.

- James

 

you can buy a exhaust manifold for less than $400 and put on yourself

 

Yeah, there are plenty of aftermarket headers you can buy for less than $400.
Do some search and buy one from a reputable company such as DC Sports. That way,
you won't be dissapointed in terms of quality and performance.

 

You can get a stock manifold and replace it yourself for next to nothing. They are easily found and dirt cheap. $600 is outrageous.

 

Folks,

Thanks for the suggestion. From what you're saying, getting the part and get it done myself is the way to go. Does anyone have the instruction of how to do it by any chance? I've tried to look on the web search engine but got tons of irrelavent links.

Oh yes, there's one more question on my original post, is that what kind of negative impact should I expect if I don't get it fixed? Thanks.

- James

 

The crack will most likely spread, and the exhaust note will be louder. You will also start smelling it in the cabin eventually.

I would pick up a Helms manual (www.helminc.com)...its real useful if you want to work on the car in the future as well. If not, the install is pretty straight forward. Remove the bolts that hold the heat shield to the manifold. Remove the nuts securing the manifold to the head. Remove the bolts/nuts/springs securing the collector to the cat, as well as the manifold support bolts. Pull the manifold out from under the car and replace.

 

I had the same problem with mine too. I was told it would be around $600 to replace the manifold, so I went and purchased a DC sports header. If you don't get it fixed, it will eventually crack to the point of leaking. That won't be a good thing. If you insist on a stock manifold, I would buy a JDM 4-1 header with the heatshields and install that. It will look almost stock and you will pick up some very substantial gains with it.

 

The sad thing is, the manifold has already cracked, from what the dealer has told me. I hear it's getting loud, and can definitely smell the exhaust inside the cabin.

Newgsrdriver: I checked the helminc.com's site, and there's no service manual is availalbe for Integra (no items found). What other resource would you suggest?

Shmoo: After you bought the replacement part, did you repair it yourself. Does the part come with the installation instruction?

Thanks guys, you're great advisors and I'm thankful for that.

- James

 

Exactly, if you dont fix it now, the crack will most likely spread, creating an even louder and smellier situation.

You can find exhaust manifold walkthroughs on the internet, also by searching the forums. It really is as easy as I described. If Helms doesnt have any available, you can check your local Pep Boys for the $15 Haynes manual. It isnt as thorough, but for your purposes it should be fine.

 

dont forget to remove the O2 sensor from the manifold before you take it off. they can be a little bit of a pain to take off and require the use of a special O2 sensor socket. if the sensor doesnt come off with just normal strength and twisting, try heating up the manifold where the sensor is and it should come out a little easier.