So after installing my headers in 05 they finally have developed a crack between the collector and the flange, going around the pipe (not all the way). I'll try and post a pick in a bit here. My question would be is it worth trying to weld (stainless) and do you think it would last? Or is it better to just replace it. Obviously i'd like to save money if i could but this is a pain in the azz I don't care to do again. What would you do if you were in this boat?
Thanks

 

What brand.

 

Ditto

 

They are pro-1 stainless. Almost thinking welding stainless might not be a got idea. Its the drivers side which was easier to work with (if i can remember that), I hate to go thru the whole bit to put the stock manifolds back on. Pic show the area, this was taken before the install in 05.

 

that cant be good for the paint!

any good welder should have no trouble do it.

 

No paint was harmed, but was a nice contrast. I know a weld should fix it, just hesitant after I had those stupid Kinitex high flow cats, cracked then cracked again after they were welded so they were torn off and now take up attic space. Figure it might be a good time to install the ART pipes hopefully drop some stress weight. Last year I had a Nismo flywheel installed along with a urethane reinforced trans mount, anyone think that the added vibration may have cause the crack? Just thinking out loud...

 

are you using the factory cat support brace? the one thats mounts to the transmission.

 

Currently factory cat (half gut) with the factory brace, yes. Nismo catback behind. And I know those other high flow cats didnt have the brace tab, cheap crap but i was running factory monifolds back then (this car is old now, damn)

 

So I decided just to go ahead and get the header welder after all, but I can't take it off, get it welded and install it all at once. Meanwhile, do you think it would be ok or a bad idea to install and run the factory manifold on one side while still running the other header maybe for a couple weeks?

 

i read somewhere that the nismo catbacks are known to make other **** crack...

 

Does you exhaust have flex pipes anywhere in it?

 

Yes, Its a Nismo cat-back, flex on the Y. The reason for the crack was a mad bottoming indecent in the winter, dents on the cat heat shield confirm. Like I said, the headers were installed in 05, the cat back before then, the y-pipe gaskets get replace now and then, that's about it.

 

no opinions on running a temp manifold/header combo?