I picked up my new baby this past weekend and
for 450 miles she drove like a dream. I love
that exhaust note but after I got it back to
Atlanta from Virginia/NC border the note got
louder and then to top it off there was this
knocking or ticking sound coming from the engine. Everywhere I look other owners have
similar problems and they trace it to he exhaust manifolds. The car now has 109+ k miles and I`m on a real limited budget so
I was thinking if this is the problem should
I start looking in junk yards for some more
stock headers for the v6( can`t spend $500 for the aftermarket headers) Other than the
car is real cool and I`m going thru withdrawal since I haven`t driven it since
this weekend! Can anybody offer any advice?
Thanks!!!

untill you actually locate the leak, which does sound like an exhaust leak in this case, It's hard to tell you what to do. Could be a cracked header, crossover, EGR mount, or anything else. Exactly what broke determines the fix.

You'll hear this again from someone else, but make sure the recall work was done (which included replacing the front manifold). Check the undeside of the front hood for a sticker that reads something like "86-1-12" or the like. If not, call the local Pontiac dealer, give them the VIN #, and they can look in the computer to see if the work was done. If not, take it in- it's all free and required by GM.

If it turns out to be cracked exhaust manifolds don't be worried, once they're off(thats the hard part snapped bolts and stuff) you can have them welded up for about $30 and if you clean up the extra metal in the runners you pick up a few extra horses in the process.

Cracked exhaust manifolds are common on Fieros. Welding them up or finding a salvage yard replacement will work, but you run the risk of it not lasting very long. The metal on old used manifolds are often brittle and the chances of it cracking again relatively soon are high. I'd save a little dough and spring for a new one. If the recall has not been done, maybe the dealership will replace it for free. It's worth checking on.

Black GT,

I have a black SE, just bought rear manifold today $175.00 Iam having the port and weld job done as we speak. Don`t let it get you down, this is a needed fix GET IT OVER WITH buy a new one if needed. I have let this go way to long, and it`s my son that made me go a head and get it fixed. He told me just what I would have told him if it was his car (TCB)
So the money is gone but my black beauty will be back in full form.

Good luck.

Hey BlackGT! Same thing happened to me. I bought mine in Michigan, and as soon as I arrived in Wisconsin, The damn car let me know it was not happy. I would **** if your car was an 88. If so, we have similar cars. Humm, could be on to something...Black 88GT's driven for more then 400 miles from previous owners location will start to have the following symptom's...Exhaust leaks, excessive fuel consumption, knocking or ticking sound coming from the engine. Wonder if GM is aware of this? I sometimes feel like I am beta testing a car. Oh well!

Hey I once heard, when you get your manifolds rewelded that you request the welder use Stainless steel rods or something like that. That maybe the reason some welds don't hold up. My engine is torn apart and I suggest when you remove the manifolds use plenty of oil penatrant. When I removed my manifolds I broke a bolt on each head and unless you plan on removing the heads it will be pretty hard to remove the bolt without spending alot that could have been prevented with an ounce of patience and a $3 can of penatrant. Good luck!
Speady

You guys are the Bomb! I spoke to some one in
Myrtle beach who sells nothing but fiero parts and he told me the same thing you guys
are saying...exhaust manifold leaks 1or cracks are common but don`t buy a thing until
you take it to a competent,trustworthy mechanic(which I have). Hey WisconsinGT I
think your right...GM must know that when the
car is a few hundred miles away from it`s previous owner it will develope these issues!
But it`s an 86 GT without the wing and I`m
going to take it to my mechanic as soon as
I get out of work!! You guys are great...thanks!