manifold is cracked..

[E30Rider]

my manifold is cracked going to the cat on my 86 E, witch exhaust manifold should i buy thinking of putting something that sounds good with my remus muffler,,,

[Eurostyle]

The manifolds wont do much for sould. But they 325i is larger...I have some good ones ready to go.

[craz azn]

You mean the downpipe? That would be interesting to see an actual cracked exhaust manifold.

[Eurostyle]

^^^It does happen! Altho not a common E30 problem, but i have seen many cars with broken manifolds...

[InfiniteDice]

Not something I'd think is possible either. It's like 5/16" thick iron.

Most likely the downpipe as suggested by azn.

Stainless headers would give you the best sound, most are extremely hard to find and cost $$$. Your best bet is getting a whole downpipe and cat from an old car.

If you use the 'i' downpipe you'd have to use the whole 'i' exhaust, which is dual pipe after the cat then back.

[Eurostyle]

Originally Posted by InfiniteDice

Not something I'd think is possible either. It's like 5/16" thick iron.

I didnt either, untill i had to swap one on my dads car! And not just a crack, broken 360...

[MarkD]

Originally Posted by craz azn

You mean the downpipe? That would be interesting to see an actual cracked exhaust manifold.

I could have saved the one I took off my 2002, it was cracked

[InfiniteDice]

The only broken iron manifold I've ever seen was a rust through on an F150. Mostly due to my stepfather leaving it sit for a week at a time at the truck yard. (long hauler).

It could probably be mended but these should be easy to find used in great shape.

[E30Rider]

i was thinking of just finding a used one , or try and fix it, i had a guy with headers brand new for 350 its already been 2months and im not gonna bother waiting anymore.. thank god the car is parked till march so i dont have to hear leaking downpipe...and the smell..

[Eurostyle]

Manifold or downpipe...thats still the confusion here! lol

[InfiniteDice]

It could just be that the 3 bolt downpipe to manifold gasket blew out at the backside and is leaking. Unless he can visually confirm that it is a crack. I know downpipes that crack where the two pipes join below the flex point.

[Ceeker]

anything that is "cast" metal can crack. I've seen this in older domestic cars, muscles cars, it does happen. why? who knows....But as mentioned I would first be sure of the leak source. the flange stud may have broke since there is stress on this area -hence the flex pipe.

[craz azn]

Any metal can crack dude, doesn't matter if its cast, forged, whatever. That being said, I've still never seen a manifold cracked, especially from an M20... Those suckers are beefy!