I bought a 96 Tacoma 1 month ago with a 2.7 and I realized the exhaust manifold was badly cracked. So I decide to order one of those aftermarket Dorman replacement manifolds online. One week later, it arrives at my door and I install it. Now, another week later the freakin manifold has a big crack! I can't believe this crap!

Not to mention, the exhaust ports on the manifold looked like crap. I had to clean them up with a burr. The only reason I bought another stock manifold was because I didn't want to spend the cash on headers. Maybe I should have.

Anyways, just needed to vent. Now I have to drive another week with a cracked manifold. What sucks is I just installed new O2 sensor, cat, plugs, wires, etc. I didn't want to be driving around with an engine out of tune with all these brand new parts.

 

Is there a warranty on your item is in within the return policy? Honestly when i had my older 4runner with the 3rz. I compared the pricing of the stock manifolds and aftermarket headers, they're about the same. Why benefit for more with headers = ).

good luck

 

ditch it and go with a Lce header and be done with it for good

 

The aftermarket replacement manifold was only $80 and was beefier than stock but mine probably had a casting defect. I'm gonna give LCE a call today...

 

Keep us posted.

 

Sure thing. I should have another manifold tomorrow and I'll post up some pics. I called LCE and they said they were out of headers and it was going to be a 3 week wait. So hopefully this cast manifold is defect free.

 

Update.....whatever you do, do not buy aftermarket manifolds off eBay!

I was sent another manifold from AM auto parts. I thoroughly checked it over and cleaned up the crooked ports (once again) with a burr.

1.5 hrs later its installed and it lasted a whopping 15 minutes. It blew a hole straight out the bottom. I may be unlucky but I'm sure not giving it another try.

I believe this is the same manifold sold in parts stores.




This time, the hole is huge and I don't even want to drive it. LCE still doesn't have any headers ready. I got in touch with Thorley headers and they said they have one in stock.

Anybody ever use a Thorley header? I would like an LCE header but this is something I need right away.

Anyways, buyer beware when it comes to these manifolds!

 

How about "dont buy critical aftermarket parts ever"

Cheap usually means exactly that...."CHEAP"

Just by an LCE header and be done with it, or if you really dont want to deal with headers, buy a factory new one. You'll be glad you did.

btw Dont buy Thorley headers. see *cheap*

 

Yeah, I tossed around the idea of buying one of those "lesser expensive" manifolds. Ended up buying a new one from toyota. Money well spent. Wasn't really interested in an aftermarket header. Didn't really feel like going through the hassle of replacing the cat too. (the cat is part of the downpipe on the 4runner, but it is seperate on the Tacoma.

 

I hear ya cougar. $400 is tough to swallow right now for a college student on a budget. The yota dealer wanted $290 and LCE was backordered for 3 weeks. They said they should be in by Friday so I'll see.