I went and checked out this subaru the other day and I liked everything about the car.
The only thing that's keeping me from buying it is it sounds like it might have an exhaust manifold leak/crack. Is this common for subarus?
I'm not sure if I was hearing it correctly but it just sounded louder than normal.
How easy is it to replace the exhaust manifold on this car? It looked pretty burried in the engine compartment.
I know the owner hosed down the engine before bringing it out to see me. I hope he didn't do it while the engine was warm with the battery still hooked up.

Any input is greatly appreciated.
Chris

 

The exhaust manifold is on the bottom of the engine. Here's a set of Borla headers, to give you a better idea:

http://jscspeed.com/part_pictures/borla_header.jpg

They're pretty easy to replace, if the bolts aren't rusted. Borla makes an affordable set with a great warranty and some decent performance gain. It's also lighter than the stock cast-iron.

I have heard of exhaust headers cracking on some early 2.5s. A friend with a 98 2.5RS ended up getting some custom ones built after he got a leak.

 

Thanks for the reply DLC. If in fact it is cracked, I would probalby go with a borla if I were to replace it too. I installed a borla header on a jeep I used to have. Loved it.

Will I have direct access to the exhaust manifold or will I ahve to remove some other things such as fuel related equipment?

Thanks again,
Chris

 

The only thing you'd have to remove, if anything, would be a skidplate under the car. Otherwise it should be 3 nuts each side and two or three on the flange that connects it to the rest of the system. You really must see it to understand, but the whole exhaust manifold is simply on the bottom of the engine and drops right down.

 

Oh, I completely understand. Thanks.
I just found out that it's the "connecting flange from the manifold to the tailpipe". He says his mechanic estimates this to $560. Acess to the exhaust manifold sounded easy so I'm assuming this would be easy to replace too. Any idea of what this part is called? I want to look up a price and possibly swap it myself.

Thanks,
Chris

 

Well, the exhaust is either three or four pieces. It really depends on which part it is. If it has a catalytic convertor, then it's going to be expensive, and that's the section it sounds like. Most people refer to that as the midpipe.