OEM or Barr mainfold

[RVF]

I have a 3.0 mercruiser 181cid that I am replacing the manifold on because of an internal crack between the middle exhaust ports, my question is which manifold is better and least likely to fail? I looked at the OEM, and Barr, only difference I saw was the price and OEM has bolt on ends and the Barr is solid cast on both sides. I would think the Barr since its solid and wouldn't have worry about a gasket failure but what is the reason that those plates come off the OEM and the Barr is solid? Thank You learning as I go...

 

[MarkSee]

Re: OEM or Barr mainfold

If it were me, I would spend the extra money and buy OEM and not worry about a premature failure.

We would need others who might have used Barr to chime in with what they found.

Manifolds in most case should last at least 5 years. If you take the cost difference between the 2 brands and divide that over 5 years does that seem worth the extra money to you?

Mark