[JASonic]

I might have a cracked manifold. Well, at least thats what the dealership is saying now.

I tried to search through some stickys to find some info but there was just too much info. I'd like to get some feedback on the real advantage of a stock manifold vs like a long tube in a V-6. Also, I was told once that I cant even get long tubes because I have a convertible (apparently the bracing underneath wont allow them to fit in correctly). If that is the case, is there really any benefit to them being ceramic coated or is that a waste of money? And one last thing, is this a job the average guy can do? It seems like it may be a tough job because the space is so small but IDK.

[JMack]

If you have emissions that you have to abide by, the long tubes are out of the question unless you are willing to purchase a stock version as well.

Long tubes delete the first bank of Cats and require either an off road h / x pipe, or a custom exhaust (IE straight, or true duals, or custom h / x)

Shorty's will fit in the same location as the stock mani's and will actually flow a little better.

The ceramic coating is to retain heat better inside the exhaust system, and is fairly beneficial, however serves absolutely (or little) protection against corrosion and longevity.

With any of these options, performance gains will be minimal, and the only difference you will notice will be in sound.

IMO, I would just go to a junkyard, pick and pull, or a salvage yard (prestige mustang and MPS come to mind. I have dealt with both, and have been happy, they are very helpful) and get a stock mani to replace only the broken one.

It is a fairly easy job, however prepare to have busted knuckles and be very angry at some point, as exhaust systems can be uncooperative due to the drastic temperature changes.

[v6_armyguy]

the stock manifolds are onlyl $80 new, thats what they cost me. the v6 stock crack really easy and they start to tick. get some new ones. you will be good.

[94v6blkndred]

Long Tubes with some highflows and a shorty mid pipe FTW

if not then id just stick with stock...shorties meh...id spend that mod money else where IMO

[JASonic]

Originally Posted by 94v6blkndred Long Tubes with some highflows and a shorty mid pipe FTW if not then id just stick with stock...shorties meh...id spend that mod money else where IMO

With the supports on the underside due to the fact that I have a Vert destroys my idea of getting long tubes. Some say its easy and others say its a nightmare. I'm not sure I could handle having to "fab" anything to get the long tubes in there. Unless someone has experience and can say it is definately easy?

[94v6blkndred]

man i didnt see anything on MAC or BBK excluding vert setups...even though it was a gt my friend got LT's on his 01 vert...no prob....then i found some v6 verts with LT's...i think you would be good...unless you find somewhere FOR SURE that says hell no ha

[Avaric3]

ya ive def seen verts wit LTs on them, dont know how hard it is to make it work tho

you can probly just have the cracked mani welded up

[ESG-642T]

Take a hammer to whatever is stopping the Long tubes from fitting...

Get Long tubes and never look back.

[94v6blkndred]

Originally Posted by SSStang Take a hammer to whatever is stopping the Long tubes from fitting... Get Long tubes and never look back.

and if that hammer doesnt work.....get a bigger one

[ESG-642T]

Originally Posted by 94v6blkndred and if that hammer doesnt work.....get a bigger one

^
See this guy is from Texas. He understands how it works

[supermachone]

if you cant duck it, fuck it

[94v6blkndred]

^ hes from kansas as i once was....he knows his shit too hahah

[supermachone]

[JASonic]

It looks like I good to go. I'm originally from the Midwest so there are always 3 things in my house...

Beer
Multiple rolls of duct tape
Hammers and sledge's

Here's one of the issues. I cant SEE the leak or crack. Its definately there but I cant see it. Must be on a hidden side of one of the tubes. As far as what I was told about long tubes and verts, I like you guy's attitude. It will be just a matter of movin g something to get them in there. Its going to be a bitch either way so as long as Im doing it, maybe I should go for the upgrade. Have you ever seen the "X" supports on the bottom of a vert? Its like a 2 inch square tubing set up in an X to keep the body from torquing under stress. It has to be there because the roof in a normal car does that job. It may be hard for me to "bend" .... which means I may have to use the bigger hammer to start! LOL!

[plove71387]

Originally Posted by JASonic With the supports on the underside due to the fact that I have a Vert destroys my idea of getting long tubes. Some say its easy and others say its a nightmare. I'm not sure I could handle having to "fab" anything to get the long tubes in there. Unless someone has experience and can say it is definately easy?

I have a 04 Convert. and had MAC long tubes on it and they werent that hard to get on just the passangers side.

[JASonic]

Originally Posted by plove71387 I have a 04 Convert. and had MAC long tubes on it and they werent that hard to get on just the passangers side.

Was it hard because of the supports or was it hard because of the intake and air filter on that side?


Also, did it reall make a better sound?

[ByPopularDemand]

My Long tubes fit just fine and I have a 2000 vert...and if you replace the broken manifold remember oem ones like to break so id go long tubes, unless your planning a turbo then id say grab a set of shorty headers

[94v6blkndred]

have you tried seafoam to see where the leak is? or maybe they make some kind of leak detection dye for the exhaust so you could pinpoint it.

[TurboLX]

if it was cracked you should be able to see some kind of smoke or fire coming out of it

[plove71387]

Originally Posted by JASonic Was it hard because of the supports or was it hard because of the intake and air filter on that side? Also, did it reall make a better sound?

No because of the starter being there