Header for 94 Civic 1.5L

is it worth replacing my old cast iron exhaust manifold (176k miles) when I
do the head gasket with a header or will I introduce excess heat and noise?

 

Is your exhaust leaking at all or at the manifold?

 

I am replacing the head gasket this weekend and was concerned with 176,000
miles on the motor, that the cast iron exhaust manifold might crack - I had
it happen on my 90 Jeep when the garage did a head gasket.

I was weighing the cost of just replacing the exhaust manifold instead of
taking a chance it may crack and have to do double labor plus waiting for
the replacement to be delivered.

 

honda rarely crack. i'd re-use the old one.