Help Leaking manifold

[Stangnoob]

What should I do? Patch or replace? These are JBA shorty headers, I don’t really have the funds to put $1,000 or more for a new exhaust system.

 

[08GT500]

What should I do? Patch or replace? These are JBA shorty headers, I don’t really have the funds to put $1,000 or more for a new exhaust system.

Hi,
May just be me, but can’t see it clearly.
Regardless, I’d repair it if you have the resources, replace if monetarily feasible. Realize it’s difficult, can you pls.post a more clear Pic/Pic’s, Circling the area when editing the Pic. That will help greatly in suggesting a repair method.
JBA shorty headers. These made of Carbon Steel with an Aluminized coating, or Stainless?
Poorly made on JBA’s part by viewing the substandard weld I can see-alone. Looks like a blind Pigeon’s work. Maybe calling & showing them this is worth a chance. Don’t attempt repair until you speak to them first, Ya Never know.
It appears an attempt was made to repair it, see a few puddles with MIG wire attached (at least I think I do). (?). I’d Edited the pic, can you circle the area, or pls.post a more clear Pic? I’ll generalize this so you know if you feel comfortable with it. If not, take it to an exhaust system /Muffler shop, they’ll take care of it.Theyll give you a quote, if it makes sense to buy new, do what you will. Remember to pull the 02 sensor out prior to welding.
Don’t believe you can buy new Shorty’s unless you get both, unless used. Post a want ad on Stangnet, many have Shorty’s, went to long tubes.
How I wouldn’t do it, your option.
If it’s where I think, not worth attempting to make a reasonable repair while installed, if you were replacing/properly repairing them in a week, a wrap of high temp sheet Polymer of exhaust tape pinned in with a thin radiused tin sheet sandwiched together with 2 hose clamps.
How I would do it..
It’ll be easy to repair once removed if you have need a MIG, some thin carbon steel plate (18-22 Gauge).
Close the gap and grind the crack slightly & into old welds if needed, remove all the coating, a few short tacks deep enough to solidly close it solid will do, grind the weds height(s) down a bit-where you will weld a reinforcement plate that covers the cracking far around the area (1”+) where good steel is available.
Once you fit the metal to the area, tack the outside edges on each side. Hammer the plate down flat next to each tack .If you’re not super confident with a MIG, practice on a similar piece of scrap.
Then, make the repair with small stitch welds (or several tacks) alternating sides as you go around the plate. pausing between longer welds to keep your heat down,’ Then make small stringers over the plate, use the grinders edge and cut cautiously where you start and stop welding for strength, sealing.
This needs to be airtight, go slow- don’t grunge too deep..tread lightly.
Once done, inspect and Grind in slightly and weld where any spots that require more weld exist. Run a flexible look down the Headers tune to remove any MIG wire that entered the tube.
Nothing can be inside, it can be pulled into the motor, get everything within- out.
That’s the basic scenario, pic is below.
Best!
John