A cracked exhaust manifold does more than raise the noise level. It can skew oxygen sensor readings, trigger a check engine light, and leak hot gases into the engine bay. Many drivers also notice a ticking sound that gets worse under load. If you wait too long, that leak can damage nearby components, cause an emissions failure, and lead to seized bolts.
Timing matters because the leak rarely stays the same. Heat cycles can warp the flange, gaskets can burn through, and hardware can lock itself in place. The fastest path back to a tight seal usually comes down to three things: correct fitment, the right configuration for your engine, and a brand that includes other replacement parts you might need.
Aftermarket replacement exhaust manifolds are as durable as their OE counterparts but they’re more affordable, which means you can get the same quality while saving money. Check out high-quality replacement exhaust manifolds at CarParts.com today.
Not every brand fits every situation. Some focus on wide vehicle coverage and upgraded replacements for common failure points. Others concentrate on direct-fit emissions parts or specific platforms like Jeep. Here are six brands that consistently come up when you need a replacement exhaust manifold:
Dorman builds replacement parts for common repairs and tends to cover a lot of vehicles. Its exhaust manifolds often mirror OEM fit and focus on getting you back to stock operation without hunting for extras. For certain applications, Dorman also designs parts around known OE weak spots, which can matter if your original manifold cracked early.
Key Features
Our Score: 10/10
A-Premium leans into value pricing and bundle-style listings. You’ll see a lot of manifolds sold with gaskets or gasket kits, which helps if you want fewer separate purchases. This brand’s catalog also includes left, right, and set options, so you can match the exact side you’re replacing.
Key Features
Our Score: 9/10
Davico focuses on exhaust and emissions parts. Many shoppers look to Davico when they want a direct-fit replacement tied closely to emissions hardware for certain applications. If your vehicle uses an exhaust manifold layout that needs precise matching, this brand is a sensible choice.
Key Features
Our Score: 9/10
ATP generally targets OE-style replacement parts for everyday repairs. It provides straightforward manifold replacements across common placements. If you want a standard replacement and you don’t need a manifold-related emissions assembly, ATP can be a good choice.
Key Features
Our Score: 8/10
AC Delco has long provided GM service replacement parts, so many GM owners start here. Its lineup tends to follow OE-style construction and application matching rather than bargain pricing. If brand lineage matters to you, AC Delco is a safe option.
Key Features
Our Score: 8/10
Crown is closely associated with Jeep replacement parts, which can take a lot of friction out of shopping for platform-specific components. Its catalog also includes some Dodge and Chrysler coverage, but Jeep dominates the mix. If you’re fixing a Jeep exhaust leak, Crown is a good choice.
Key Features
Our Score: 9/10
For most vehicles, Dorman makes the strongest all-around pick. It combines broad coverage with OE-style replacements and plenty of configuration choices, including sets and different placements. You’ll also see frequent promo pricing and many listings that ship free, which helps keep spending in check.
Here’s what to consider:
Start with your vehicle’s exact year, make, model, and engine. Then match the manifold type to what your vehicle uses, since some applications vary by emissions setup. If you live in an emissions-testing area, confirm that the part matches your requirements before you order.
Exhaust manifolds aren’t one-size-fits-all. Many vehicles use separate driver-side and passenger-side manifolds, and some split them into front and rear placements. If a listing mentions a set, confirm you actually need both sides before paying for extra parts.
A manifold replacement often needs more than the casting itself. Gaskets, studs, nuts, nuts, and seals can add time and extra trips if you buy them separately. If you’re trying to finish the job in one session, choose a listing that includes the hardware you’d replace anyway.
Manifolds live through extreme heat cycles, so design and casting quality matter. If your original manifold cracked, look for a replacement that addresses the same stress points rather than simply matching shape. A better-designed replacement can cut the chance of repeat failure.
The cheapest option can become expensive if it fits poorly or leaks. Weigh price against what comes in the box and how confident you feel about fitment. Shipping perks and return flexibility also matter when you’re trying to get your ride back on the road quickly.
Ready to fix that exhaust leak and get back to normal driveability? Shop aftermarket exhaust manifolds at CarParts.com and narrow the options by your vehicle specs for a fit that matches your engine. Pick the configuration you need, choose a brand that fits your budget, and get the job done as efficiently as possible.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.