Can they fix or replace exhaust manifolds?
Are they competent to do it without screwing my car up?

 

They can be pricey (and that goes for any nationwide chain) for that kind of work (though I did have a favorable opinion of them for other things when I was in Mexico). I'd strongly suggest you look for an independent muffler shop.

 

It probably depends on the individual store and mechanic. There may be some good ones out there.

My experience with my old Mercedes was negative. They used an air wrench on one of the exhaust system bolts and broke the head off. Then, they took a Oxi torch to it and burned the broken bolt out, replacing it with a nut and bolt through the burned out hole. What I would consider a 3rd-world repair. I later replaced the whole exhaust system with a stainless steel system myself.

 

How hard is a replacement...Is DIY or not....

Also I live in California and we have that smog check every other year so no aftermarket stuff...

 

You could certainly try to DIY, but if you find the bolts are tough to get off on the manifold, then you are going to need external help. I know my uncle back in Mexico had the equipment (including machinery) to do it right.

 

Okay think I might get them to give it a check for leaks..

Thanks Lexmex

 

The heat cycles and exposure to moisture makes the nut-bold to kind of weld to each other. If a torch does not free them up, the next thing is a chisel. Care needs to be exercised as any mishap will make the flange un-usable.

Always use stainless steel nut bolts, but they again will degenerate. All things return to their natural state (iron returns to rock).

Salim