I thought my little flex pipe on my 06 had gone bad once again, but on closer look I see my exhaust manifold has a huge crack.
Hopefully I can get the bolts out of the head without breaking them off, I had the head off a few years ago so hopefully they aren’t yet seized .

Anyway, I was shopping for a replacement which seems to be around $95 shipped on average with the needed gaskets when I came across a pair of aftermarket headers specifically here

https://flasharkracing.com/products/...rolet%7Emd_hhr

Not sure if they have the mounting holes for the heat shield but I was just curious if any members here have used anything similar to this or if I should just stay stock. I read the stock manifolds are a common problem on these cars.

As I have been looking it seems I run across manifolds for the 2.2 quite regularly but mine is a 2.4 non California model, so I am not sure they would cross?

 

The description states the tubes are for the 2.2 and 2.4. I don’t see a bracket for the heat shield bolt.

 

So probably not a great idea then. I have always been leery using aftermarket anything anyway

 

It’s a matter of choice, both will work, just don’t expect big hp gained from headers.

 

I dont really care much about and hp gains really. I was just attracted to the price shipped and they come with everything I need, plus the fact that they won’t crack like the stock cast irons. But now after I research it I see headers are notorious for coming loose and also burning stuff from the heat so if I cant use the heat shield I am prolly better off just replacing with stock.

I am trying to see what the real difference is between the 2.2 and 2.4. I’m thinking an O2 sensor? I can get one for the 2.2 readily but getting conflicting info on wether they are interchangeable

 

The in manifold upstream O2 sensors show same GM part numbers

the down stream O2 sensors are also same GM part number, just different from the upstream.

is your up stream in the exhaust manifold?

 

If it says it fits Cobalt also it is not the same as HHR. Another member just went through that; he had to "modify" to make it work.
Some years have the #1 O2 sensor mounted on the header, others have it on the downpipe. If you end up with an extra bung you can block one with a bolt.
part numbers for exhaust headers from GM
2.2L 90537679 $288
2.4L 12581284 $150

You might try EBay, without doing anything I see the 2.2L part for $90 shipped. The 2.4L part for $85.

My guess is the difference is the O2 sensor bung. You didn't say which engine you have.

 

Don. 1st post says he has a 2.4. Last paragraph.

 

Yup I have the 2.4 for sure. I had to do the head and timing gears on it when I acquired it.

Without reading the thread you’re talking about, I can easily believe it thats why I always shudder when considering aftermarket parts. Had plenty of days trying to engineer crap trying to make it fit.

I found a few “new” manifolds on ebay that claim they are for a 2.4, less than $100 shipped and comes with the gaskets and bolts which is probably my best choice. I’m getting ready to go out to the garage and try to look mine over really well for sensors and bungs etc so I can make sure I get the right one. Some of those on ebay say 2.2 only then others say 2.4 and 2.2 which contradicts itself so someone is wrong

 

I’m sorry Blue I missed your question to me, I am going to go out there in a bit and lool