Re: Replacing exhaust manifold on 4.3l V6....
I opened a package with HGE exhaust manifolds in it and changed my mind. They are very rough castings. I opted to spend an extra $50 or $70, I think. I normally buy mailorder and wait for best price, but it was July so I bought the parts. This was two or three years ago. I bought OE and I'm very pleased. I've had them off a couple of times for various other reasons. They are really well made.
By the way. You can ease the aching back of installing them by getting a couple of extra length 3/8 bolts and grinding the heads off. Once you are ready to remove the exhaust put the headless bolts in 2 of the exhaust manifold bolt holes, then undo any remaining bolts and slide the heavy manifold off.
They work equally well for installation to line up the gasket and the part for installation. On install just put the manifold bolts on part way, then take out the headless bolts. You might need to wiggle the manifolds a bit to be able to undo the headless bolts. If there's enough room to use it, you could even put a screwdriver cut in them.
