VolvoHordz;c-148848 wroteEven if there is evidence of a bit of exhaust gas escaping, its still going to be a tiny portion of the total exhaust flow and hence no real impact. The fact that your idle issue went away was probably coincidence/other changes at the same time.
People run manifolds with cracks (it's hard to find a 90+ that isn't) all the time without issue but if you want to be cautious get it welded up. Being ported it shouldn't crack again.
Makes sense. It was a coincidence that the idle came good after removal. I didn’t think it was so bad but put 2 and 2 together anyway. Maybe it is worth spending $200 on getting it welded up for good measure. Cheers for the feedback Hordz ??