I'm in the process of replacing a head gasket on a 1998 civic lx and when I took the heat shield off the exhaust manifold I noticed it was cracked right through the crotch. Yeah, I know that's where the crack is supposed to be, but seriously, can I take it in and have it welded, or do I need to get another manifold?

 

pic of crack....depends

 

If you have it off just replace it, find somebody that swapped theirs out for a header and see if they will sell it for cheap

 

welding a cast iron manifold is not worth doing. Replace the manifold.