Cracked exhaust manifold

So my “ new” ‘95 Tacoma has an exhaust leak... I figured a gasket, but after reading here, I found that the exhaust manifold is prone to cracking...

so I took a closer look, and when looking through the convenient “crack viewing hole” in the heat shield, there it was, clear as day...

so, on to a replacement.

I thought about the later OEM header, but the least expensive I found was $230, plus shipping... Well I did find one for $209 on eBay, but with $47 shipping!!! Local Toyota dealer has it for $247.
I laugh at Amazon, $291, Yeah sure more than most Toyota dealers.

so then I found replacement cast exhaust manifolds. Dorman brand for $124 from a few suppliers I know and trust. I have had good experiences with Dorman products. Looking around, I found them for $90 including shipping.

so I figure I’ll give them a try. I did find some off- brand for $65, but I won’t take that risk.

anyone ever use these?

 

Replaced two oem ones on the 99 4runner and both cracked. Went to Dorman this time because ofthe heatshield change and the change in casting when they were made. I'm thinking its a better setup.
Time will tell. Only been there a month so far.

 

Nor cal? I am too if ya need a hand I may be around for the next week.

 

I put in a Dorman 8 years ago, still holding up.

 

I mentioned looking at the exhaust manifold in one of your other threads. The tubular steel design is much better, check out Timmy's video on this upgrade.
If you're in Folsom why not scope out the various dismantlers in Rancho Cordova? I found a used 2000 mini header right away, they look to be around $100.
Using www.car-part.com, at Toy Auto Mart in Rancho Cordova. Note the heat shield is different, so try to get that too.

Personally I'd spring for a new one, no way I'd put another cast iron one on. Luckily my current 3RZ 4Runner came with the mini header stock.

 

I've got about 10,000 miles with a Dorman on a 2.7L. Seems okay so far.

 

To each their own, considering the labor vs. part cost I'd go for the upgrade. I'm sure a replacement iron manifold is fine too.
With a cracked cast iron manifold you often get CEL codes (like OP), and in extreme cases burned valves, etc.
The steel mini header eliminates that issue, and probably performs slightly better.

 

I am going to check those local wrecking yards and see how much for the header and heat shield. Depending, I might decide to go that route and return the manifold... looks nice, but boy it’s heavy...

I did some one more reading, and watched Timmy tool man ...

gathering parts now. I plan to change the plugs, run a compression test, cheavk/adjust the valves, replace the valve cover gasket.

Along with the manifold .

I also am swapping out the entire clutch hydraulics (master, slave and hose). I even picked up the Toyota hardlines, just in case.

 

Well, I checked car-part.com and came up with 7 local manifolds, 3 at other yards and 4 st that Toy Auto Mart... I called Toy Auto, and they wanted $150, Two other places said they didn’t have the part and the fourth didn’t answer the phone.

on Sunday a guy posted on Facebook Marketplace, parting out a 2002 PreRunner. I sent a message to which he replied to “call the main office, and don’t forget to use the code OEM for 10% discount “

so I called the number, and the guy said they didn’t have any 2000 ( duh, my mistake), but he had a 2002 that was a better design and a direct swap... bingo.

How much? $80!

I drove right over because they were closing soon. Looked good, no signs of damage, but no heat shield...

then I mention the “Mario OEM” and the guys says sure, final price $64!

I honestly didn’t think or realize that it was a 20% discount...

I have a 2005 Prius, a 2009 Camry and a 2015 Sienna( and most likely picking up a 2004 Corolla from my father-in-law), so finding a nice yard for used parts is a bonus...


Oh yeah, I had actually called this yard first, but when I asked for a “2000 Tacoma” manifold, the he other counter man told me they didn’t have one...

 

Just bit the bullet and bought a Dorman manifold. I'll keep y'all posted, just couldn't justify the extra money for an OEM or higher quality manifold.

 

Time to add lce header!!! Love it!

 

Mini header is the hands down best way to go. I bought the Doug Thorley header and couldn't ever get it to seal up on my head. Tried three different style gasket before re-welding my old header.

1 year after the reweld and its still good as new.

 

the LCE header has been on my truck from probably 3-4 months. It’s been great.

 

That’s good to know. It is the long tube header correct?

 

Yup. Bolts right up to the cat.

 

no modifications at all. Old one out LCE right in. Took me about 2 hours.

 

Does the aftermarket long tube make any noticeable improvement in performance? My Taco is more of a daily driver, and at $64, the used Toyota header was great. I had looked at some of the others (LCE, etc) and couldn’t justify the extra cost on what was otherwise a basically stock truck. Not sure, but I heard the factory header makes some improvement, but understanding headers and exhaust flow from my other performance cars, headers primarily offer performance benefits at higher RPMs, while stock manifolds usually provide better low end torque, which is what the little 2.7 needs...

I thought about cleaning and painting mine ( like was done to the stock header in Timmys video), but I was short on time and the stock intake tube hides it anyway...

I am also in California so not sure on a Cali legal header...

mine works great so far... plenty of power to pull hills and cruise the freeway at 75-80mph

 

If you are in a part of CA that requires smog checks, then you'll need to make sure you get a CARB approved header for your year Tacoma if going aftermarket or you'll fail the visual part of the inspection.

 

Old thread, but thank you for the picture!! Not many pics of this header when bolted up in the key areas. How's the low end torque gains, good as everyone says?

BTW, i'm in Carson a couple times a year visiting family, might see ya around!

 

Honestly I didn’t notice much of anything except sound paired with a flowmaster. I’m rebuilding my engine so I’m deleting the cat so it’ll sound a little better.