Exhaust manifold

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Jdtme246

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Jul 7, 2023
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Pennsylvania
Ram Year
1992
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318
Hey guys, I have a 2006 3500 and I have been searching around for awhile and looking a getting a new exhaust manifold for my truck. I need to do manifold gaskets so I figured I could get a new manifold too just to dress it up a bit. I know 2nd gen manifold kits average over $2k and I have been looking at them just not really having the money right now for one. Anyone have any pointers on a good high flow manifold? If I just decide to go with the manifold swap then Im just going to throw gaskets at the current one until I get the money for the swap but if there is a good High flow factory position manifold then I will probably go with that for the time being. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!
 

rzr6-4

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nebraska
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'09 2500
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5.7 hemi
You didn't say so this is all assuming you are referring to a hemi, if you have a diesel then I have no idea.

Long tubes: These will have a performance boost, but the large change in back pressure can make stock set ups run weak on the low end, so this is also best done in conjunction with a tune to straighten everything out. These will eliminate the possibility of you having manifold issues ever again. These are also the ones that are in that $2k neighborhood. I myself am currently trying to find some used as to avoid the price tag.

Shorties: Also will eliminate manifold issues, but will see far less, possibly no performance benefit. But, the last time I saw a set they were in the $5-600 range, so may be a more doable option for you.

New OEM: This will be the cheapest option, but bolts break because the new manifolds warp in time putting tension on the bolts, and there is always the chance your new ones do it again.

Reuse current OEM: Best practice is to have your OEM manifolds machined flat again to get a good seal, but because they have already been heat cycled they won't warp again. Price is going to vary a lot depending on the machine shop, but there are a number of threads here of people getting similar results by using a belt sander.
------When mine broke, I didn't know any better at the time so I just reused my old OEM as is. With the new gasket they sealed and have been good for the 2 years since. That said, I probly just got lucky on it sealing back up since we know that it warping is what caused the bolt to break in the first place.
 
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