Exhaust report and question

["Steve Brehm" <sbrehm@sover.net>]

I asked the group last week about exhaust options on my 87 5kCST and
received lots of advice. Thanks.  I had my mechanic install a Bosal
cat-back system ($400). I think a decent price from my research. I also
have an exhaust manifold gasket leak (tick, tick, tick...). The mechanic
advised not to fix it as it would be a bear to get to (he said $350 or so)
and I don't really have the money right now so I listened to him. Did I
make a mistake? What are the ramifications of having such a leak? Am I
losing power, or hurting anything? it does almost go away when everything
gets warmed-up.


--Steve