Cracked stock exhaust manifolds (maybe)... replace w/ shorty headers?

[mountie]

Roger... I went to another Exhaust shop, I heard about yesterday... It took 15 seconds for them to confirm the leak is only the doughnut. So, a cheap fix ( I will have both replaced)...
Since they are honest, I will then work on a dual exhaust , w/both exhaust tips coming out the right rear... with a cat & an 'H' pipe. I won't do headers, since the manifold is OK.

 

[mountie]

I had the exhaust flange doughnuts replaced, and there is STILL a leak. It must be near the area.

Is there a better version of an OEM exhaust manifold? My stock 5.7 won't appreciate headers that much, but wondering if I replace, if someone has a better one that flows better but has the SAME room for spark plugs, smog, etc?? ( I read the issues of installing headers)
( 1988 C2500 5.7 2wd)
If not, OEM should be fine.

 

[Supercharged111]

Long tubes will be at least 2x more expensive than shorties
"Typically" shorties are better at lower RPM and longs are better at higher RPM; so for a daily driver probably shorties.

I don't know where you heard this, but it's dead wrong. How does a short runner intake act compared to long runner?

 

[mountie]

I fixed the exhaust leak.... 1st thought it was the flange doughnut.... Replaced, but still a noise....

Worried it was the passenger side manifold..... But, with a real bright flashlight, I found the leak!!

Loose hose clamp on a rubber connector, - slipped off the end of the AIR INJECTION PIPE. ... Located rear passenger side, before it runs behind engine ( to driver side.)

I will now just get a new cat back system, when I'm in the mood...... But no leaks. Goody.

 

[DerekTheGreat]

Like another said, get rid of that junky Y pipe. When my exhaust fails, that's whats going to happen. Also, I'm not sure if people approve of this method but when I had my engine swapped out they could not get the driver's side exhaust manifold to stop leaking. Took two gaskets to fix it. Seems like a band-aid to me but the leak is gone and hasn't returned.