I have the famous rear exhaust manifold bolt broken off in the head. It is the rear passenger side all the way in the back. I have decided to go with headers and have listed the 3 i can afford for under $500 for a shorty. I assume any header will work with out the rear bolt hole but let me know if it is not. I also want to know the pros and cons and if you have any of these what might be the issues with install and plug changing and so on. Thanks

 

if you dont fix that broken bolt expect to replace the gasket a few more times

 

I found these Mac's and would like to know if these would be right. I have to install these without the back bolt on the passenger side. Will these do that?http://www.lmperformance.com/7637/2.html

 

With headers, the last thread hole is not used so headers would solve that problem. With what you listed, I would either choose the Pacesetters or Macs. If you have emissions requirements, then I would go with the Macs. If not, then do the Pacesetter long tubes and off-road y-pipe.

 

Is there any performance loss from this leak or is it just the loud ticking driving me nuts till it warms up. I assume it must close up once the engine warms up since the noise is almost 100% gone at operating temp.

 

If there is a exhaust leak before the 02 sensor and unmetered air is allowed in, then yes, it can cause a loss in performance.