So..i recently pulled my stock downpipe out for ease of replacing a bent front sway bar, replaced it with old gasket (appeared to be in good shape).

a few days later, coming around a corner last night, i lost probably 90% power, and gained a HUGE leak. i know that it would most likely be the manifold/downpipe gasket, but i've also had somebody tell me that it sounds like my exhaust manifold could be cracked based on how it sounds. IF that were to be the case, just a coincidence that i pulled the downpipe out recently? Car isn't even functionally able to drive right now and i can't get under it until sunday I'm going to check the downpipe, but do ya'll have any insight on WHY the manifold would just crack out of nowhere like that, if it were the case?

 

The manifold on these cars do not crack very often. My bet would be that your flex pipe broke. A small exhaust leak is not going to drain all of your power so i doubt its just a gasket.

 

I'm hoping it's something smaller like that, i have a buddy that can weld for me if that's all that needs to be done. it's crazy how loud it is, and how it sounds as if it's hitting on a certain cylinder though, would it be possible to notice that kind of thing if it was the flex pipe i blew out?

 

When i blew my flex pipe it was loud as hell, the car was vibrating, and i had reduced power.

 

Awesome, that makes me feel way better about it being an easy fix. only problem is now i don't have an excuse to buy either header or downpipe lol

 

Your best bet is to just take a look at the car. Any of these possibilities would be pretty obvious once you get under there. Anything we say is going to be a guess at best

 

yeah, i know, i just hate not having daylight/time to get under it until sunday. then wait for the part.

 

I can understand that. Think of it how I do, when something breaks, it's just an excuse to upgrade

 

If it is your flex pipe then its a perfect excuse for a downpipe.

 

lol, i was thinking that, as long as the girly doesn't find out i can buy just the flex pipe and have it welded in haha.

 

My bets on flex or that gasket blew out

 

I wouldnt trust having a new flex pipe welded in. I would just buy a new downpipe of course if thats your problem

 

Worst part about living in an apartment is having no space. Working on somewhere to get under it since I can't drive anywhere helpful.