But jeebus are the replacements expensive! I haven't found a front exhaust section (new) for less than about $200.... Anyone have one off an EA82 spfi, 4wd?

I have one... but its new.

 

Trades?

hi, i bought a new one from a subaru dealer about 2 years ago, it was like 238. on line price, which was almost cheap as an aftermarket one and it has all the shields etc. and fits right.

Yeah, that's the problem; I won't have that kind of cash for a little while.

 

Anyhow, here's the extent of the damage, we're (have a friend who can weld exhausts) trying to assess if it can be repaired with a weld or by welding in a small section of pipe from the local parts store (cat side right):

 

 

It looks like the PO bottomed out on the left side, hitting the left manifold on something, which initially would've caused a crack. The only thing holding it together and keeping it semi quiet was the heat shield....as I discovered when I removed it to plug the "small leak" I felt :-\

Weld it up, it'll be just fine.