Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

Ok so i apparently have an exhaust manifold leak on the drivers side. Not sure if its one the gasket or a crack. I can hear a like tick coming from that side when accelerating. I also hear this tick at cold start up but it quiets down after maybe a minute. I had it for sometime now and it is the cause of my CEL/VSC problem so its time to get it done away with. Now the first shop i took it to(Kelly's Muffler) quoted me $500 of labor if i brought my own part in. Part on Ebay(link below) is $90. After that i took it to a Lexus specialist and was quoted $1200 parts and labor. He stated the engine must come out to complete this job. Next up was the Lexus dealer who gave me $1710 parts and labor but offer a 10% discount. They also said i need motor mounts but thats secondary at the moment. Lastly, i swung pass Midas. They gave the same quote as the Lex specialist($1200). My questions to you guys is

1. Do the engine really have to come out to perform this work?
2. Are the prices resonable for this tyoe of job?
3. ...and what route would you take if in my shoes?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/2004-05-06-LEXUS-LS430-LEFT-DRIVER-SIDE-EXHAUST-MANIFOLD-/181514933998?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ALS430&hash=item2a432216ee&vxp=mtr#vi-ilComp

RTIS250

iTrader: (9)

1. No, the engine does not need to come out. But it's definitely not an easy job.. a lot of parts need to be removed to get access to the manifold. Engine mounts can be replaced at the same time, since the drivers side will probably be removed to get better access anyway.

2. Labor is expensive.. im guessing 4-5 hours of labor at 150-175 an hour (dealer rates).

3. If it were my car, its tough to say. Buying a used part is a gamble. You may end up with another bad part in a 5k miles, who knows. If you have everything done at the dealer, you get a warranty, on the parts and the labor. So thats a definite plus. You can go the cheap route, buy a used manifold, and pay $500 to have it installed at an aftermarket shop.. So, $600 vs. $1200 vs. $1710.... Gotta ask yourself how long are you going to keep this car, and how much youre willing to put into it.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

Well i do plan on keeping the car for the foreseeable future so i will have to keep her tip top shape. Other than the exhaust issue, that has been a weak link, the car has been stellar. I will get it really looked at by my own personal mech that ive known for some time and have him remove the shields and other parts out of the way first to make sure it is a cracked manifold and not just a donut gasket for CAT or a loose bolt. Ya never know. I already ordered the manifold off ebay along with new gaskets and bolts from Sewell just to have them on deck if need be. I can always return them if necessary. I do need new mounts according to the dealer so im will get those new as well as some new mufflers that are on the way. I plan to take of this mess all in one breath i hope.

Slvr surfr

iTrader: (1)

Well i just picked up my ride today and i must say they did do a pretty good job replacing the manifold. He did say it was cracked so good thing i did have it on deck as supposed to waiting. She's back to purring like a kitten again. No more ticking and sounding like a small hot rod. Only quarrel i have is the alignment was knocked off a lil due to parts being moved a loosened i guess. No worries because i plan to get an alignment done soon after i replace my CA bushings and tires so im not too bothered. Also by getting this job done the CEL/VSC lights are off now so im off to take it thru emissions now. Next up is replacing both mufflers. Both have holes on the top of them. I ended up getting some OEM take offs from a member on here for a very good price so that worked out pretty well. Just wanted to update you guys on how this turned out. Keep you posted on any further developments.
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