My wife has been driving the Bonnie for the past week or so, and I got in it to go somewhere last night and noticed what sounds like an exhaust leak coming from underneath the car between the drivers seat and the engine. It'* hard to describe the sound, but it definitely sounds like a small leak, and there does seem to be a little loss of power. Any ideas where I should start looking, or does anyone have any history with this?

Thanks for any help

John

Please don't post mechanical problems in General Chat.

I'll move this to 2000-2005 for you so it can get the visibility it needs.

Has there been any work done on the car lately? Bottom of the car hit against anything? Start by check around where the rear exhaust manifold and down pipe meet. Then put the car up on ramps or jack stands, and inspect the exhaust system for damage.

Had plugs and wires put in,but that shouldn't have anything to do with it. Asked the wife if she bottomed it out on anything and she said no; she would tell me if she did. Guess I'll just run it up to CarX on Monday.

Sorry for the post being in the wrong category

Took it to my local mechanic (didn't feel like taking it to CarX), small crack in manifold. Total cost for manifold and 2 gaskets-$190, labor, $60. Said he is seeing more 3800 engines coming in with small manifold cracks, but it is generally on the non aspirated engines. Just an FYI for anyone else this happens to.

I saw a few higher-mile 9C1 Impalas (2001-2002 vintage) at an auction, and there were a couple with cracked manifolds. They were both cracked on the front manifold, I believe. Hmmmmmm...