Exhaust Manifold Blues

Well. Crap. Pulled the EGR and heat shield in prep for the Weber install and noticed a big ole crack in the manifold. I’ve read that an ‘87 and up is the manifold to run, but they seem to be hen’s teeth at the moment. Am a too ambitious to take on building a shorty header??? I’ve got an 1&1/2” pre bent kit from Speedway. I’ve got a pipe cutter, a grinder and a welder. How hard could it be???
(Unless someone has a line on an OEM manifold… I’m also a creature of convenience )
Tried to upload a photo from my phone but I wasn’t successful. Any tips and tricks for that???

Might only be a surface crack & not leaking gases... Are there telltale black exhaust gas marks..? Castings can be prone to surface cracks; my exh manifold has one but not leaking anything... Soapy water sprayed on a cold engine at startup can help detect leaks as well... No black smoke marks = no leak...

Hope you get a good test result...

I have no idea the last time this thing has run, but I did not see any exhaust residue around the crack. I'll know for sure once its fired up. I was also putting it out there because I'd ultimately like to ditch the current emissions configuration that's on there. I certainly appreciate the reply!

I've seen too many mitsu exhaust manifolds crack. Like they really screwed up their 'formula'
My 1st 2.4, manifold had a horrible crack. My nissan, mazda, toyotas - no oe mani cracks
Hacking up a cheap or used ford 2.3sohc header > shave oe mitsu mani, for the flange & mate the tubes
Since the ford also had the exhaust manifold the same side as the mitsu.... could be a quick and dirty way to a 'budget' header
https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...ish,31661.html

Oh that's a rad idea! Thanks for the heads up. I love hot rod ingenuity stuff like this. I'm really looking forward to seeing this little buggy on the road, but it's most likely gonna be a slow burn project. You know, duty calls elsewhere.

So, has anyone use this Pinto header that "DASH" posted?