Why Upgrading Your Car's Stock Exhaust Manifold Pays Off

If your vehicle is still using its original, stock exhaust manifold, you may want to replace it with a new aftermarket exhaust manifold. It's an important part of your vehicle's exhaust system. Typically found on top of the engine, the exhaust manifold is responsible for funneling exhaust gases to the exhaust pipe.

Exhaust manifolds feature multiple passages -- one for each engine cylinder. As your vehicle's engine produces combustion gases, those combustion gases will enter the exhaust manifold, after which they will be routed to the exhaust pipe before exiting your vehicle's tailpipe. Rather than using a stock exhaust manifold, though, you should consider investing in an aftermarket exhaust manifold for the following reasons.

Better Performance

You may notice an improvement in your vehicle's performance after installing an aftermarket exhaust manifold. Most stock exhaust manifolds are made of cast iron. Cast iron is relatively strong, but it's susceptible to cracking. The constant thermal expansion and contraction associated with heating and cooling can take a toll on your vehicle's stock exhaust manifold. As cracks form in the cast iron structure, your vehicle's performance will suffer. Replacing the cracked exhaust manifold with an aftermarket manifold will restore and improve your vehicle's performance.

No Exhaust Gases in Cabin

With a cracked exhaust manifold, exhaust gases may leak into your vehicle's cabin. Exhaust manifolds are located in the engine bay. But there's an intake in the engine bay that draws air into your vehicle's cabin. If your vehicle has a cracked exhaust manifold, exhaust gases may enter this intake where they are drawn into the cabin. Exhaust gases, of course, are toxic. You can always try to repair your cracked exhaust manifold to prevent it from leaking exhaust gases, but an easier solution is to replace it with a new aftermarket exhaust manifold.

Eliminates Rattling Noises

If you hear a rattling noise coming from your vehicle's engine, a cracked stock exhaust manifold could be to blame. Rattling noises are the result of exhaust gases escaping. The hot, pressurized exhaust gases will leak out of the crack, thus creating rattling noises. You can eliminate rattling noises such as this by replacing the cracked exhaust manifold with an aftermarket manifold.

Aesthetics

Some drivers prefer aftermarket exhaust manifolds over stock exhaust manifolds for aesthetics. Stock exhaust manifolds are somewhat basic. They aren't particularly stylish or attractive. Rather, they are large blocks of cast iron with branching passages. Fortunately, aftermarket exhaust manifolds are available in different styles. You can find them in different materials, such as steel, and different designs. You can even choose a set of exhaust headers with which to replace your vehicle's stock exhaust manifold rather than an aftermarket exhaust manifold.