97 vortec 5.7. I cracked the intake manifold where the fitting for the coolant hose from 5the heater core goes into the intake manifold. My question is: Is the intake manifold really aluminum? Or is it actually magnesium? Could this be welded? I really don't want to drop 300+ on a new OEM manifold if I don't have to.
Thank You for your help!
Dave
P.S. it is a very small crack aboout 2 inches long. I dont think JB weld or Liquid steel will wrok. My neighbor tried it on his a few years ago and it never held (expansion/contraction due to heat?).

 

Don't attempt to weld it. Its cast. JB weld will be pretty strong and likely hold it for a good while.

 

Thanks for the reply EuroGold. I found a different manifold at the junkyard for 75.00. The guy I talked to wanted 50.00 to try to weld it /no guarantee. This is all going on a new motor. I went with the new one because I'm hoping to have a few years without wrenching after this.
Have a good evening!
Dave

 

Thank you and good luck with it!