[oldfielder]

If you asked me a week ago, I'd say wait em out, but my manifold failed internally with no signs of decreased performance/overheating. If I could do it again, I would be pro-active. i think you're on borrowed time. If you post the question over on boater ed forums you will basically get shouted at that you are about 3 years overdue.
You certainly can roll the dice, but it's been a crappy end to my season. Good thing I like fishing the surf.
By the way, my buddy had nice fish the last few days in FI inlet on spot and herring-up to 30 lbs.
I got the exhaust from lighthouse in r-head-they go by partman online. Very cool guys and a big operation. All of my research on aftermarket led me to the oscos, which come with all the mounting hardware and the gaskets. Merc is making a low end product now, as well.
You could def. handle the job, but an extra set of hands would surely help. Manifolds are heavy beasts.
If you have any other questions, let me know. I'm hoping I dodged a bullet here.
Maybe we can hook up and do a N.Shore/S.Shore thing in the spring. The fluke bite gets pretty fiery just outside of my homeport in june.
Doug