Which Exhaust Manifold to buy? Cracked

[Jeremy2994]

First I would like to ask you guys which Exhaust Manifold you purchased and how long has it lasted you?

I've researched and found some exhaust manifolds from different brands, here's what I found:

1AAuto

http://m.1aauto.com/exhaust-manifold-and-gasket-kit/i/1aeem00647

ADPTY

http://www.amazon.com/APDTY-2002-2005-Chevrolet-Trailblazer-Oldsmobile/dp/B004XC6QFO

Dorman

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0049E7XVM/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1438541884&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX200_QL40&keywords=dorman+trailblazer+exhaust&dpPl=1&dpID=416eDeqYTFL&ref=plSrch

AM

http://www.am-autoparts.com/Chevy/Trailblazer/exhaust-manifold/AM-18286754/504983.html

Some of these have mixed reviews with some people claiming that their new manifold cracked after a few months or even weeks!

I don't want to do this job again seeing as how I'm positive I'm going to deal with broken bolts in the head.

Kooks headers are nice but damn at more than 5x the price of a manifold I'm not sure lol

Thank you guys for any help

 

[Mounce]

How many miles you got?

Assuming your manifold is OEM, are you happy with how long it lasted? If so, replace with oem. If not, pick an aftermarket one and hope it lasts longer.

In other words, I'd probably go with an oem part (ACDelco) and expect it to last as long as the first one. Aftermarket parts are often questionable on longevity.

Edit- looking at another one of your threads it appears you have over 200k on her so I'd say that was a pretty good run with the manifold.

 

[Jeremy2994]

How many miles you got?

Assuming your manifold is OEM, are you happy with how long it lasted? If so, replace with oem. If not, pick an aftermarket one and hope it lasts longer.

In other words, I'd probably go with an oem part (ACDelco) and expect it to last as long as the first one. Aftermarket parts are often questionable on longevity.

Edit- looking at another one of your threads it appears you have over 200k on her so I'd say that was a pretty good run with the manifold.

Hmm really OEM? Do you know if they made some attempts at improvement on the OEM's?

I do have 200k on her and honestly I think it's luck that the manifold lasted me this long, must have been a really good cast on that line lol

I'm sure you've replaced yours or am I wrong?

I will look into the OEM and see if I can find one at a good price.
Thank you again sir!

 

[Tiggerr]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GUGSTLA/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1438561993&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=88890560&dpPl=1&dpID=31tHqY5GfBL&ref=plSrch

There's the gm manifold on Amazon. Prime eligible too, if you have prime.

 

[Mounce]

Hmm really OEM? Do you know if they made some attempts at improvement on the OEM's?

I do have 200k on her and honestly I think it's luck that the manifold lasted me this long, must have been a really good cast on that line lol

I'm sure you've replaced yours or am I wrong?

I will look into the OEM and see if I can find one at a good price.
Thank you again sir!

Nah, same design for years then it got changed when they updated the motors a bit but the new manifold isn't plug and play. Needs reworked a little and an o2 sensor bung welded on.

And no, at 114k-ish I have not replaced mine. Original as far as I know but we're not it's first owner so it's unknown.

 

[Jeremy2994]

Damn I was reading up on the later year TB's definitely better manifolds but a bit too many mods to deal with especially when you know you're going to deal with broken bolts.

Alright so oem it is then, thanks for the link!

Any advice on how to make taking the manifold off a bit easier? Any tips you've heard? Any help is appreciated because I'm a little nervous to tackle this seeing as my exhaust and its components have remained untouched for 13 years.

Owned her since 11k.

 

[Tiggerr]

Damn I was reading up on the later year TB's definitely better manifolds but a bit too many mods to deal with especially when you know you're going to deal with broken bolts.

Alright so oem it is then, thanks for the link!

Any advice on how to make taking the manifold off a bit easier? Any tips you've heard? Any help is appreciated because I'm a little nervous to tackle this seeing as my exhaust and its components have remained untouched for 13 years.

Owned her since 11k.

Plenty of PB Blaster, a good torch would come in handy, good easy out set, just in case and some Helicoils for the worst case scenario. Good set of drill bits as well.

 

[Jeremy2994]

Plenty of PB Blaster, a good torch would come in handy, good easy out set, just in case and some Helicoils for the worst case scenario. Good set of drill bits as well.

Thank you sir! I'll keep these in mind!

 

[vipergg]

I'm not sure later years are much better seeing gm has an extended warranty on all 07-09's up to 10 years or 120000 miles on the manifolds.

 

[BlazingTrails]

I put an 08-09 Manifold on my 05 and I am loving it so far. I had the original one crack badly, then i bought the "updated" 06-07 version and it lasted 13 months (had a 1 year warranty) Now I have had the 08-09 manifold since early this year and it is very high flow design and no cracks so far.

[sharedmedia=gallery:images:1272]
[sharedmedia=gallery:images:1275]

 

[Mooseman]

BT, is that manifold a straight swap? I don't see the bung for the O2 sensor. The header wrap is your doing? I guess you got it from GM or is it available aftermarket?

 

[Tiggerr]

BT, is that manifold a straight swap? I don't see the bung for the O2 sensor. The header wrap is your doing? I guess you got it from GM or is it available aftermarket?

Someone had a thread about this somewhere. You have to extend the O2 to the down pipe. And mod the down pipe to a different angle iirc. The newer manifold sits farther away from the engine at a different angle.

Seemed to me you could just use the cat from a newer one with the manifold that way you'd have the right pipe angle and 02 bung. Then all it would be is a matter of the O2 wires reaching. Might have to extend them. Be pricey tho getting new cat, unless you need one anyway.

 

[vipergg]

Hope so seeing mine is an 08. Love the engine , you step on it to pass someone you better hang on to the wheel because it GLH .