I just bought a 2000 lightning had a small header leak when i bought it, but it has got worse since i guess its the gasket, if not please let me know. But my real question is, is it bad for the motor to be driveing it with an exhaust leak at the header?

 

We cant tell you what is leaking... you have to physically look at it and find out for your self. It wont hurt a thing, just sound bad.

 

yeah it does sound terrible lol and i hate it. but u know its coming from the passenger side header i just don't know if its a crack the gasket or a stud broke off because there was aftermarket headers put on it b4 i bought it

 

id bet its just the gasket. most aftermarket headers come with cheap gaskets that blow out easily.

 

Just make absolutely sure that it's not a loose plug that's getting ready to blow out - sounds just like an exhaust leak and very difficult to tell the difference.

Bird

 

Over time a header leak can erode the head and need to be resurfaced in order to seal properly.

 

As bird said, you should check your plugs immediately as the sound of a loose plug and a header leak are the same and the time and trouble to repair a blown plug is considerable.