Sputtering noise when accelerating?

[TDB55]

When I accelerate it makes a sputtering noise. Could it be the exhaust manifold? How do I check it? It looks like it has a newer gasket. It sounds like a exhaust leak to me. I had a mechanic look at it but he couldn’t tell what the sound was coming from

 

[TDB55]

Ttt

 

[TDB55]

I took it to a muffler shop and they said was a cracked manifold. It is a aftermarket one, maybe a Dorman. They want $660 to replace it!! Any thoughts??

 

[Steel City 06]

That sounds reasonable with labor and parts. If you're willing to DIY you could probably save $400 or so

 

[TDB55]

Well the next day after getting the manifold diagnosis the water pump went out! I can’t win. I took to a friend who is a mechanic, he replaced the manifold, water pump and lower hose for $425! The manifold was cracked bad at a weld and continued across the adjoining pipe. I wonder which came first, the pipe cracking which opened up the weld? I was so happy driving that thing home, it was so quiet and seemed to run better. But when I got home I got out and saw a little puddle of red fluid and looked underneath and the power steering pressure hose had a hole in it!