Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Broken Exhaust Manifold?

[baby.driver]

No it has not happened yet.

But here is the question:

My truck has 110,000 miles. The fit at the #1 ex. flange is right on.

At the #6 it is 1/8" to 3/16s" short (by feel).

Question: With this many miles, what is the likelyhood of further shrinkage/breaking?

Is the expense/hassle of the three piece ATS justified in my case?

 

[Ben Rumson]

Some trucks shrink enough to break the bolts. Some never have problems. You may be one of the many who never has it shrink enough to be a problem.



If it were me, I'd wait for the bolts to break and then make the switch to the ATS 3 piece. But that's me. If mine ever do break, I'm certainly going to get a 3-piece as opposed to an OEM.



My guess is (and that's all it is - a "guess") that you've seen the most it's going to shrink already. You have enough mile on it for me to think that it's done all it's going to do. The ex. manifold can't keep shrinking continuously over time or everyone would develop a problem.

 

[Bob4x4]

Jay,not only can the bolts break but the tabs on the head can also break off. The ATS manifold is worth it to me to avoid the risk.

I also match ported and ceramic coated mine before installing. I do not tow often enough to brag about towing temps declining but I can tell you my EGTs do not climb as fast as they did pre-manifold install.



Bob