I am up for smog soon (CA), and I have a crack in my exhaust manifold. Does anyone know if this will effect the outcome of the smog test? no check engine lights, and it isn't noticeable from outside the car. Is getting the crack welded an option? Also, soon I will be doing my front suspension. Anything I should be weary of in terms of getting parts, pulling things apart/ putting them back together? What is the best option when it comes to the lower control arms- replace just the ball joints or the whole control arm?

 

Ive passed smog in ca with a cracked manifold. Just got lucky and the heat shield covered it. Had a buddy get failed because his crack was visible, then went to another shop and passed. All depends on the tech i guess.

 

If you don't change the manifold, while it might pass now, it won't forever, and eventually it will burn an exhaust valve, like it did to my dads Sol. You can get a used one for the same price and labor as getting it welded, and I'm not sure you can even get a decent weld on cast iron.

Suspension. Top Ball joints must be done with new UCLs. the lower ball joints can be pressed out and in. Theres a DIY here for that, and the tool can be rented. Its not attached to the LCL, its in the knuckle.

Do some searching, it was around in the last month or two.

Good luck!

 

Cool. It just so happens that you can't see the crack in mine. Behind the heat shield.

 

I plan on getting a whole exhaust kit, header and all. I'm just worried about the smog because I don't have the cash right now. I'm thinking that I'll just have a sop do the lower ball joints and tie rods at the same time so I can get the alignment at the same time.