Cracked OEM headers in a GT350

[ron9630]

Cracked OEM headers in a GT350, can this be fixed?

 

[captdistraction]

Is that all the way through and leaking? Its definitely cracked - which means the manifold has to come out (if anything I would just replace it - I’m sure its not too difficult to track down a stock header for these cars.

 

[mwjscn]

Parts are available new, but they sure are expensive. Might be able to find one from a part-out or junkyard locally that's way cheaper. You can try to remove it and weld it, but given the vibration this motor is known for I don't know how long that kind of fix would last.

 

[Dave_W]

I'm trying to make heads or tails of that, not having a reference to consult. It looks like the primary tube is fully welded to the piece that is broken, but that piece is not fully welded to the manifold flange (see around nut and to the right). Maybe the piece that broke is just used for positioning the primary tube during weld-up of the header, and the primary tube is fully welded to the flange on the inside?

In any case, I'd imagine a good (TIG) welding shop would make quick work of repairing that, if needed. Well, if it's off the car. If you want it fixed on the car, it depends on if there's access to get the "torch" in there. Not sure if I'd want to try welding in-place though, given all the sensitive electronics on cars these days. You might be able to patch it in place by brazing with an oxy-acetylene torch. Either welding or brazing would require cleaning to remove all rust first.