Nissan Repair: Fronier Manifold, ca emissions, o2 sensors

Question
Hello,
My brother has a 1998 Frontier 4X, Ex Cab. The Manifold is cracked.
We are not in California so he is wondering if he can save $1,000 by putting in the manifold that is not CA emissions standard.
We've read a lot of articles about it but none are as helpful as we need.
Mechanics around here (not Nissan mechanics) say to just take it out and have it welded or buy one at a junk yard.
Before he does either of those, my brother really wants to know about the replacing it with the Non CA manifold.
His concern is the O2 sensors. His truck wont bass inspection if the check engine light is on.
It seems like a lot of the articles talked about the placement of the sensors but really didn't give any specific locations, diagrams, directions...
Do you have any advice on this?
Thanks so much for your time.

Answer
Hi Joe -

If the vehicle manifold is CA Emissions, then the computer (ECU) is as well, so if you were to change the manifold, the connections will not be compatible to the car's ECU and you will get a "forever" check engine light unless you replace the computer and related components. Not worth it.

I think the best option is to have it welded as mentioned. That would be your most reasonable and practical fix.

The O2 sensors are out of calibration because of the vacuum leak, so once the manifold is repaired, the light can be reset.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin