[icbrkr]

I picked up a '66 Coupe a few weeks ago for a good price and was told it was 'roadworthy' which was true until it died a few miles later. I had it towed to a repair shop (I was 200 miles from home) which said my carb float was stuck and instead of attempting to repair, they're replacing since the cost would be roughly the same as rebuilding the carb.

Anyways, while they were there, they also said the exhaust manifold was toast which was to be expected. They attempted to find a new one, but didn't have any luck. I called them up last week and they said they found one, but it was used. When I called today, they said it was at the machine shop being rebrased (sp?) which I understand to mean 'welding it back together'. Since a new manifold costs all of $115 online for the i6, I'm hoping they're not going to charge me an arm and leg.

After all that, I'm curious - would rebrasing a manifold be a good solution long term for a manifold? Is there any downfalls?

[jb36jb]

depending on the expertise and knowledge of the machine shop, the manifold can be at the same level of strength as a new one. Ive heard of silver solder, that holds up to 100,000 psi. Cast iron manifolds are really hard to weld, and then when the manifold heats up, the metal expands, leading to a leak if the manifold isnt welded correctly. So like i said depends on the amount of damage and expertise of the shop.

[nigel]

If you are not trying to keep it original I would pay the $115 for a new one. Because you have to figure in the mechanics sold, the machine shops cost, and your cost. Either for you going to get it or shipping and handling. Being cast iron you are already looking at $40.00+ just for shipping.