Exhaust manifold replacement Q's

[nuclear3579]

A search on this brought up nothing useful for me...

My stock exhaust manifold (3RZ) has a large crack because of the age and heat. I"m trying to replace it with another stock manifold, but am torn between Toyota and aftermarket replacements.

Would you choose a Toyota manifold? Would they last longer than aftermarket? Same question regarding the gasket, valued at $40 from the stealership.

Toyota wants $250 for new manifold, aftermarket ones run $100 less.

Also, any tips for me? I heard that the exhaust bolts are good for one use only and should be replaced during the manifold replacement....

Thanks for any replies...

[mudwiser316]

if it was me i would go with a aftermarket header. as for the bolts if you want to replace them go for it but as for me if it's not broke than don't fix it. just my $0.02!

[fourwd1]

First off, are you sure you're looking at the correct manifold ?
Your sig line (strange, BTW) says a 94 x-cab 2.4, while the post says 3RZ. The 3RZ is the 96+ 2.7L.

Either way, I'd go with anaftermarket header, especially considering the price difference. Use the $ saved for a better exhaust to go with the header.

[nuclear3579]

Yes, I have the right engine. My picture is of my 4Runner (unless you can't see it), I just haven't updated my sig yet.

I've been looking at headers also. Some seem pretty good, like LCE, but I wanted to know if there was a difference between aftermarket v. Toyota as far as stock replacements go.

[fourwd1]

My guess would be the aftermarket manifold is of lesser quality (fit and finish) but would do the job as good as OEM, and the price difference would be the deciding factor for me. If you want to spend $250, a header would be a better investment.
Check out Doug Thorley Headers.