I originally posted this in the wrong forum before I noticed this section for diesels =

I have a 1996 F250 7.3L Turbo Powerstroke in need of new exhaust manifolds. OEM from Ford they’re $350-$400 each. Dorman sells them through distributors for about $160. I’m assuming these are some Chinese imports – but has anyone had a bad experience using Dorman (or other aftermarket manifolds) on the 7.3L? I was ready to go OEM but for the price difference I have to give aftermarket a look.
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Never heard of dorman. I recently pondered replacing mine, but decided to machine them and throw them back on.

Whats wrong with yours?

 

Forgot to say if your looking for aftermarket price out NAPA's manifolds as well. I thought they were a little cheaper.

 

NAPA - good thought. Dorman is sold by Checker, Auto Zone & several on-line parts stores- https://www.dormanproducts.com/cgi-b...id=0x0033ba29##

The local dealer said they’re warped & I can hear the exhaust leak on both sides of the engine compartment. They said they usually only see it on trucks from snow country – which is where this one spent most of it’s life. I also know the original owner & have known the truck since it was new. The guy loved to keep the engine compartment clean – by taking it to the car wash, opening the hood & blasting away while hot. Probably not a good thing to do.

I’m going to take it to another shop for a second opinion since this is not something I’m looking forward to doing myself.
I’m also leery of bone-yard parts on an application like this. I’d rather go new if the aftermarket manifolds are OK, especially since I’m going to install a new 4” exhaust system as well.

 

machine them? Another good thought. That should be fine as long as no cracks are found after removal.

 

Welcome to

I have to ask this question. Where is "Meltingballs, AZ" located? (And I don't mean "Arizona"). Is this a nickname for someplace?

I admit, I'm not familiar with Arizona cities; haven't spent much time in Arizona.

 

Hey MooseMan - I don’t live in a city or town. We have 20 acres in the desert about 40 miles south of Phoenix in unincorporated Pinal County. Meltingballs is more of a state of mind. If you occasionally have to work outside on a day like today (117’) you might just feel like you have meltingballs. It’s hotter out here than Phx but also gets cooler at night – 74’ last night. You really have to keep up the maintenance on the ‘ol PowerStroke out here. I’ll be doing some upgrades this winter so it runs cooler next summer – not that I’ve had any heat related issues, but I don’t want to have any in the future.