I just went through the process of replacing my leaking exhaust manifolds with the Doug Thorley Headers and I'm very happy with the end result. These new headers are a big improvement over the stock manifold so I'm hopeful that I won't have to worry about hearing or smelling exhaust flues in the cabin ever again.
Checkout my thread to get an idea on the prices I was getting from different shops in my area.
My head is spinning...What to do about exhaust manifold leak?
I called and visited a lot of shops in my town and end-up going with Guys Muffler (
Link). I cannot say enough good things about them. They did great work and gave me a very fair rate. The book hours on this job was 19, but they got it done in 10 and charged me accordingly.
I had them remove the old exhaust manifolds on both sides, install the new headers, weld on the new cats, and remove the pair of secondary cats.
After the headers and new cats were installed I saw at least a 2mpg improvement, but no noticeable change in performance or sound except that it was much quieter after the exhuast leak was fixed. The thicker header tubing I think also helps suppress sound in the engine.
A month later and had them install the largest straight-through muffler that Magnaflow makes and then I noticed an improvement in performance, although the sound was hardly any louder that stock muffler. I guess that's my fault for being to conservative with selecting a muffler. I might go back later and have them remove the stock resonator to see if that increases the sound.
The stainless muffler I had them install looks really nice so I don't want to have to swap that out.
Good Guy Muffler Cost/Parts Breakout
$685.00 - Doug Thorley Headers
$283.32 - 2 Magnaflow Cats (Part # 99235)
$75.00 - 1 Magnaflow Stainless Steel Muffle (Part # 12589)
$85.00 - Labor Muffler Install
$850.00 - Labor Header/Cat Install Both Sides
$1978.32 - Total Cost