Hi all,

I have a 97 3.2 X300 and when i painted the rocker cover last winter, i noticed three cracks in the exhaust manifold. Put some gumgum in the cracks and thought it would last a year or so when i have some money.

I took the heat sheild off yesterday just to inspect the cracks and they have grown...badly.

What i was thinking of doing was to take the head off to make it easier to deal with the inevitable broken studs and while i am there, replace the valves, seals, possibly injectors (dependant on cost) etc. I was also considering porting the cylinder head. Has anyone done this before on an AJ16 (or on any engine for that matter)?

I also have a spare head for my locost (AJ6). Is it worth porting that for practise, fitting it to the locost to see if it works, and then doing the AJ16?

ANy advice would be more than welcome

I can't answer your question about porting but I don't think there's much need to worry about broken studs. Cracked manifolds are fairly common on these cars but I haven't heard any reports of broken studs....so far, that is :-)

Cheers
DD

Thanks for the reply Doug. I must admit, all the broken stud i have experienced have all been on AJ6 engines not on AJ16.

One thing i didn't ask in my original post is whether anyone knows where i might find a new pair of manifolds for less than £70 each?

Doubtful your get even old, second-hand manifolds for £70. Try an internet auction site or breakers though. This is a subject close to my wallet. New ones were just shy of £400 the pair. I've recently picked up another car with good manifolds for £650. Wish I'd found that car before buying the new manifolds. Be aware that manifolds with air injection will be ok as you can fit bolts to the holes - sorry, you need the air injection ones on your 1997 car.