Folks,

I smell a whiff of raw fuel in the cabin at cold start up for about a
minute. My good (but expensive) shop tells me that my exhaust manifold is
cracked, but the price tag is $650, and I don't think I can foot the bill,
but I'm thinking about replacing it myself. Access to the manifold looks
pretty straightforward.

a) Is the manifold cast, or is it something weld-friendly (mild steel)? I'd
investigate having a friend weld the manifold, but not if it's cast iron. A
new one is $200. If I can find one, a used one should be even less.

b) About how much time would I be in for to remove/replace the manifold,
assuming I've got the right tools, have read over the Helm description a
couple times, a good work area etc but that it's my first time?The down
pipe was done only a few years ago, so I think fasteners/O2 sensor might
not be too much of a bear to get off.

c) Anything else to do while I'm in there, or stuff to watch for?

Thanks,
Arthur