Short and sweet here,

The existing mild steel manifold failed PA state inspection due to cracking
where the right side joined to the left side collector ( also some cracking
at the left feeder pipe to the collector). No matter, the system was 5 years
old and an early design. I ordered and received a new stainless steel
exhaust manifold from Smallcar  and installed it tonight. What a difference
between removing this single manifold compared to either a stock 1.9 or 2.1
VW exhaust manifold (which I have considerable experience doing,
unfortunately). 3 nuts on each head and its straight off. I am expecting the
stainless system to last a bit longer in the salt spray of western PA, but
pleased none the less.

Cheers,

Dave Milo