If you are squeamish about drilling and tapping your manifold, go to the junk yard and get one there, if you some how destroy it you are out $20 or whatever they charge these days for a manifold.

pulling it at the yard will give you valuable experience, making it easier to install it once you have drilled and tapped it. If you can find a 78 SD you will find an exhaust manifold without the EGR. so you will never have to worry about that leaking.

Drilling and Tapping the manifold is safe, its cast iron. Cast iron is used in making engines because it is easy to machine, softer then steel.

It sounds like a lot of work to remove then manifold but trust me its an after noons work, and even faster if you practice on a car at the junk yard. and your pyrometer is in the correct location.

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