Exhaust Manifold Upgrade

Your Options When Factory Exhaust Manifolds Fail

Once your factory exhaust manifold starts giving you problems, you may be tempted to buy an OE replacement, only for them to fail again. Beyond that, you have two aftermarket options: headers or manifolds. Both are upgrades compared to factory, but they vary in their result. The right choice depends on what you want.

aFe Exhaust Headers

Aftermarket Exhaust Headers vs Aftermarket Exhaust Manifolds

The choice comes down to what you want out of your truck. If you’re after pure performance – more sound and proven power gains– upgrade to aFe exhaust headers. If you want a reliable, easy-to-install solution that outperforms stock and never gives you problems, upgrade to aFe exhaust manifolds.

aFe exhaust manifolds are more than a factory replacement. They improve airflow over stock while delivering the long-term reliability that factory manifolds simply can’t match. Headers, on the other hand, offer bigger performance and sound gains but may require more maintenance over time.

Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI Case Study

In this example, we will compare Factory Exhaust Manifolds to aFe Exhaust Manifolds to aFe Short Tube Headers for the Ram 1500 5.7 DT, a truck notorious for the HEMI tick caused by failing factory exhaust manifolds.

Exhaust headers are the high-performance option. They can come in two versions: short tube or long tube. Short tube headers are designed to replace the OEM exhaust manifolds and retain the factory exhaust connection while increasing flow. Long tube headers move the merge collector farther downstream to increase scavenging and improve low-to-mid range torque, but often require more modifications to the exhaust system.

aFe Exhaust Headers, made of stainless steel with an optional Cerakote coating on select applications, increase horsepower and torque by dramatically improving exhaust flow and often give your vehicle a louder, more aggressive sound. If you’re after sound and performance, and willing to devote the time to possible regular maintenance, headers are worth considering.

→ Shop aFe Headers

aFe  Exhaust Manifolds are an OE-plus upgrade that does what the factory does, but better and more reliably. If you never want to worry about your exhaust manifold leaking, cracking, warping, or ticking again, upgrade to aFe exhaust manifolds. Built with thicker walls, longer bolts, and improved engineering to maximize airflow, they are designed for maximum reliability and durability over the long haul. They improve airflow over stock, but the real selling point is that they are a direct-fit replacement built to last. If you rely on your truck for work, towing, or just want a truck that runs without issues, aFe exhaust manifolds are the straightforward upgrade that pays off every time you turn the key.

→ Shop aFe Exhaust Manifolds

We engineered our replacement manifolds to address every single weak point left behind by the factory.

• Ductile Iron Construction: We use ductile cast iron, which possesses the unique ability to flex under extreme thermal expansion without cracking or distorting.

• Thicker Walls: With 25% thicker walls, it’s stronger, so it will not crack or warp.

• Bigger Cross-Sections: a larger internal cross-section opens up the flow path for unrestricted airflow

• Longer, Heavy-Duty Hardware: The increased bolt length provides the necessary thermal strength and calculated flexibility, allowing the manifold to expand and contract naturally under load without snapping.

• Streamlined Inlets: The internal geometry at the inlet is optimized to smooth out exhaust gas delivery compared to the restrictive, turbulent stock design.

• Precision Fit: Designed to match perfectly flush using factory gaskets for an absolute, permanent, leak-free seal.

Increased Bolt Length

Allows for expansion & crack prevention (necessary hardware included)

Larger Inlets

For unrestricted increased airflow

Precision Fit

Aligns with factory gaskets for a leak-free seal