2016 Chevrolet SS Exhaust Manifolds

What Are Exhaust Manifolds and Why Do They Matter?

The exhaust manifold is one of the hardest-working components in your engine bay. Bolted directly to the cylinder head, it collects hot combustion gases from each cylinder and funnels them into a single outlet toward the rest of the exhaust system. Whether you drive a daily commuter, a diesel work truck, or a weekend performance build, the condition and quality of your exhaust manifold has a direct impact on engine efficiency, power output, emissions compliance, and long-term reliability.

Over time, factory exhaust manifolds are prone to warping, cracking, and developing leaks — especially in high-heat or high-mileage applications. An exhaust leak doesn't just create an annoying ticking noise; it can skew oxygen sensor readings, reduce fuel economy, and allow toxic exhaust gases to enter the cabin. Upgrading or replacing a failing manifold restores proper engine function and, in performance applications, can meaningfully increase power and throttle response.

Exhaust Manifold Types: From OEM Replacements to Performance Headers

The exhaust manifold category covers a wide spectrum of products. Browse our top subcategories to find exactly what your build requires:

• Exhaust Manifolds — Direct-fit OEM-style replacements designed to restore factory function. Ideal for daily drivers and repair jobs where reliability and emissions compliance are the priority.
• Exhaust Headers — Performance-oriented designs that use individual tubes for each cylinder to improve exhaust scavenging, boost horsepower, and increase torque across the RPM range. Available in shorty and long-tube configurations.
• Exhaust Manifolds with Integrated Catalytic Converter — Combines the manifold and catalytic converter into a single unit for simplified replacement and improved emissions compliance, commonly found on modern passenger cars and light trucks.
• Exhaust Manifold Kits — Complete repair solutions that include the manifold along with all necessary gaskets, studs, and hardware — so you have everything needed for a proper, leak-free installation in one order.
• Exhaust Manifold Heat Shields — Protective covers that reduce radiated heat from the manifold, protecting nearby components, wiring, and vehicle interiors from heat damage.

Top Exhaust Manifold Brands

Dorman is a go-to source for OEM-replacement exhaust manifolds across a massive range of domestic and import vehicles. Dorman reverse-engineers their manifolds from the original equipment and often improves on factory designs — for example, using high-grade ductile iron to better resist the warping and cracking that plagues thinner OE castings. Their kits include all required gaskets and hardware, making them a complete one-box repair solution.

BD Diesel is a leading brand in this category and a specialist in heavy-duty diesel performance. BD Diesel designs their manifolds with high-silicon ductile iron construction and optimized internal flow architecture to balance cylinder exhaust pressures and maximize gas velocity — improving turbocharger spool-up and reducing exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs) on demanding applications like Cummins, Duramax, and Power Stroke engines. Their manifolds are built for commercial fleets, tow rigs, and high-output performance builds alike.

JBA Headers has been a leader in stainless steel exhaust headers for over 30 years. Known for their proprietary Firecone® merged collector design and mandrel-bent primary tubes, JBA headers are engineered to maximize exhaust scavenging and deliver real horsepower and torque gains. JBA also leads the industry in 50-state emissions-legal products through their CAT4Ward® header line, making performance accessible even in strict-emissions states.

Kooks Headers is a respected name in the premium performance headers segment, known for precision-crafted stainless steel long-tube and shorty headers favored by enthusiasts seeking serious power gains on muscle cars and performance trucks.

Walker Exhaust brings decades of exhaust system expertise to the manifold category, offering a reliable selection of replacement manifolds that meet OEM fit and function standards for a broad range of vehicles.

What to Consider When Buying an Exhaust Manifold

When shopping this category, start by determining your goal: restoration or performance. For a cracked or leaking manifold on an everyday vehicle, a direct-fit OEM replacement — ideally in an improved material like ductile iron — is usually the best value. For diesel trucks that tow heavy loads or have been tuned for more power, a purpose-built performance manifold with improved port flow and heat tolerance can make a meaningful difference in reliability and efficiency. If you're building a performance gas engine, a set of headers — especially long-tubes — offers the most significant gains. Always verify emissions compliance for your state before purchasing headers or manifold upgrades.