So, you're thinking about upgrading your Mitsubishi Evo's exhaust manifold? Awesome choice! It's one of the most impactful mods you can do to improve performance. Let's dive into everything you need to know, from why you should upgrade to what to look for in a new manifold.

Why Upgrade Your Evo's Exhaust Manifold?

Let's be real, the stock exhaust manifold on the Mitsubishi Evo, while functional, leaves a lot to be desired, especially if you're chasing serious power gains. Upgrading your exhaust manifold offers a ton of benefits that can significantly improve your car's overall performance and driving experience.

• Improved Exhaust Flow: The primary reason for upgrading is to improve the flow of exhaust gases away from the engine. The factory manifold is often restrictive, which can create backpressure and limit the engine's ability to breathe efficiently. An aftermarket manifold, especially one with larger diameter runners and smoother bends, reduces this backpressure. This allows the engine to expel exhaust gases more quickly and efficiently, leading to increased horsepower and torque.

• Increased Horsepower and Torque: By reducing backpressure and improving exhaust flow, an upgraded manifold allows the engine to work less hard to expel exhaust gases. This frees up energy that can be used to generate more power. You'll typically see gains in both horsepower and torque across the rev range, providing a more responsive and enjoyable driving experience. The specific gains will vary depending on the manifold design, the size of the turbocharger, and other modifications, but expect to see a noticeable improvement.

• Better Turbo Spool: A less restrictive exhaust manifold can also improve turbocharger spool-up time. With less backpressure hindering the flow of exhaust gases, the turbocharger can spin up to speed more quickly, resulting in faster boost response. This means less lag and more immediate power when you put your foot down. This is particularly beneficial for street driving, where quick bursts of acceleration are common.

• Enhanced Engine Sound: While not the primary reason for upgrading, many aftermarket exhaust manifolds also enhance the engine's sound. Depending on the design and materials used, the new manifold can give your Evo a deeper, more aggressive exhaust note. This can add to the overall driving experience and make your car sound as good as it performs.

• Increased Reliability: The factory exhaust manifold is prone to cracking over time, especially in high-performance applications. Aftermarket manifolds are typically made from stronger materials like stainless steel or cast iron, which are more resistant to cracking and warping. This can improve the overall reliability of your exhaust system and prevent costly repairs down the road.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Let's face it, a shiny new exhaust manifold looks great under the hood. If you're the type of person who likes to show off your engine bay, an aftermarket manifold can add a touch of style and sophistication.

In conclusion, upgrading your Evo's exhaust manifold is a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to improve performance, increase reliability, and enhance the overall driving experience. The improved exhaust flow, increased horsepower and torque, better turbo spool, enhanced engine sound, increased reliability, and aesthetic appeal all contribute to a more enjoyable and rewarding ownership experience.

Types of Evo Exhaust Manifolds

Okay, so you're sold on upgrading your Evo's exhaust manifold. Now, let's talk about the different types available. Knowing the pros and cons of each will help you make the best choice for your specific needs and goals. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

• Cast Iron Manifolds: Cast iron manifolds are known for their durability and heat retention properties. They are typically the most affordable option, but they are also the heaviest and most restrictive.

  • Pros:
    • Durability: Cast iron is a very strong and durable material, making these manifolds resistant to cracking and warping.
    • Heat Retention: Cast iron retains heat well, which can help to maintain exhaust gas velocity and improve turbo spool.
    • Affordability: Cast iron manifolds are generally the least expensive option.
  • Cons:
    • Weight: Cast iron is a heavy material, which can add weight to your car.
    • Flow Restriction: Cast iron manifolds typically have smaller runners and less optimized designs, which can restrict exhaust flow.
    • Aesthetics: Cast iron manifolds are not as visually appealing as other types.

• Tubular Manifolds (Stainless Steel): Tubular manifolds are made from stainless steel tubing and are designed to offer improved exhaust flow compared to cast iron manifolds. They are typically lighter and more visually appealing, but they can be more expensive.

  • Pros:
    • Improved Flow: Tubular manifolds have larger diameter runners and smoother bends, which can significantly improve exhaust flow.
    • Lightweight: Stainless steel is a lightweight material, which can help to reduce the overall weight of your car.
    • Aesthetics: Tubular manifolds are typically more visually appealing than cast iron manifolds.
  • Cons:
    • Cost: Tubular manifolds are generally more expensive than cast iron manifolds.
    • Durability: Stainless steel is not as strong as cast iron, so tubular manifolds may be more prone to cracking or warping.
    • Heat Retention: Stainless steel does not retain heat as well as cast iron, which can lead to slower turbo spool.

• Log Manifolds: Log manifolds are a type of tubular manifold that features a simple, compact design. They are typically less expensive than other types of tubular manifolds, but they may not offer the same level of performance.

  • Pros:
    • Compact Design: Log manifolds are very compact, making them a good choice for applications where space is limited.
    • Affordability: Log manifolds are typically less expensive than other types of tubular manifolds.
  • Cons:
    • Flow Restriction: Log manifolds can be more restrictive than other types of tubular manifolds due to their simple design.
    • Performance: Log manifolds may not offer the same level of performance as other types of tubular manifolds.

• Equal Length Manifolds: Equal length manifolds are designed to ensure that each cylinder's exhaust gases travel the same distance to the turbocharger. This can improve turbo spool and overall performance.

  • Pros:
    • Improved Turbo Spool: Equal length manifolds can improve turbo spool by ensuring that each cylinder's exhaust gases reach the turbocharger at the same time.
    • Enhanced Performance: Equal length manifolds can improve overall performance by optimizing exhaust flow.
  • Cons:
    • Cost: Equal length manifolds are typically the most expensive option.
    • Fitment: Equal length manifolds can be difficult to fit in some applications due to their complex design.

When choosing an exhaust manifold, consider your budget, performance goals, and the intended use of your car. If you're looking for the best possible performance, an equal length tubular manifold is the way to go. If you're on a budget, a cast iron or log manifold may be a better option. Remember to research and choose a manifold that is specifically designed for your Mitsubishi Evo model and year.

What to Look for in an Aftermarket Evo Exhaust Manifold

Alright, you've decided to ditch the stock manifold and upgrade. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? Here's a checklist of things to consider when selecting an aftermarket exhaust manifold for your Evo:

• Material: As we discussed earlier, the material of the manifold plays a crucial role in its performance and durability. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its lightweight and improved flow characteristics. Cast iron is a more budget-friendly option that offers excellent durability. Consider your budget and performance goals when choosing the material.

• Runner Diameter and Length: The diameter and length of the runners (the individual tubes that connect the exhaust ports to the collector) are critical for optimizing exhaust flow. Larger diameter runners generally allow for greater flow, which is beneficial for high-horsepower applications. However, excessively large runners can reduce exhaust gas velocity and negatively impact low-end torque. The length of the runners also affects performance, with equal-length runners promoting better turbo spool and overall balance.

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• Collector Design: The collector is the point where all the runners merge together before entering the turbocharger. A well-designed collector minimizes turbulence and promotes smooth exhaust flow. Look for manifolds with a merge collector, which gradually combines the exhaust gases for optimal performance.

• Turbo Flange: The turbo flange is the mounting point for the turbocharger. Ensure that the manifold you choose has the correct turbo flange for your specific turbocharger. Common turbo flange types include T3, T4, and V-band. Using the wrong flange will prevent you from properly attaching the turbo and can lead to exhaust leaks.

• Gasket Compatibility: Check the gasket compatibility of the manifold. Some manifolds require specific gaskets, while others are compatible with the factory gaskets. Using the correct gaskets is essential for preventing exhaust leaks.

• Fitment and Clearance: Ensure that the manifold is designed to fit your specific Evo model and year. Check for any potential fitment issues or clearance problems, especially if you have other aftermarket modifications. Some manifolds may require minor modifications to fit properly.

• Welding Quality: If you're considering a tubular manifold, pay close attention to the quality of the welds. Poorly welded manifolds are prone to cracking and leaking. Look for manifolds with clean, consistent welds that are free from defects.

• Brand Reputation: Choose a manifold from a reputable brand that has a proven track record of producing high-quality products. Read online reviews and forums to get an idea of the experiences of other Evo owners with the manifold you're considering.

• Price: Exhaust manifolds can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Set a budget and compare different options within your price range. Keep in mind that you often get what you pay for, so it's worth investing in a high-quality manifold if you're serious about performance.

By considering these factors, you can choose an aftermarket exhaust manifold that will improve your Evo's performance, reliability, and overall driving experience. Remember to do your research, read reviews, and consult with experienced Evo enthusiasts to make the best decision for your specific needs and goals.

Installation Tips

So, you've got your shiny new exhaust manifold. Now comes the fun part: installation! Here are a few tips to make the process smoother. Disclaimer: If you're not comfortable working on your car, it's always best to have a professional install the manifold.

• Gather Your Tools: Before you even think about touching your car, make sure you have all the necessary tools. This includes a socket set, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, a torque wrench, and penetrating oil. Having the right tools will save you time and frustration.

• Safety First: Disconnect the battery before starting any work on the exhaust system. Exhaust systems can get extremely hot, so make sure the car has cooled down completely before you start working on it. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from debris and burns.

• Penetrating Oil is Your Friend: Those exhaust manifold bolts have probably been in place for a long time and are likely rusted. Spray them generously with penetrating oil a day or two before you plan to start the installation. This will make them much easier to remove.

• Remove the Old Manifold: Carefully remove the old exhaust manifold. Take your time and be patient, as those bolts can be stubborn. If any bolts break, use a bolt extractor to remove them. Make sure to remove any old gaskets or debris from the mating surfaces.

• Install the New Manifold: Install the new exhaust manifold using new gaskets. Make sure the gaskets are properly aligned and seated. Tighten the bolts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Refer to the manufacturer's specifications for the correct torque values. Overtightening can damage the manifold or the cylinder head.

• Check for Leaks: After the installation is complete, start the engine and check for exhaust leaks. Listen carefully for any hissing sounds. If you detect any leaks, tighten the bolts further or replace the gaskets.

• Heat Shielding/Wrapping: Consider using heat shielding or wrapping on your new manifold. This can help to reduce under-hood temperatures and improve turbo spool. Heat shielding is typically made from aluminum or stainless steel, while heat wrap is made from fiberglass or ceramic material.

• Professional Help: If you are not comfortable performing the installation yourself, take your Evo to a qualified mechanic. A professional will have the experience and tools necessary to install the manifold correctly.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your Evo's exhaust manifold is a great way to improve performance and enhance your driving experience. By choosing the right manifold and installing it correctly, you can unlock the full potential of your engine. So go ahead, do your research, and get ready to experience the thrill of a more powerful and responsive Evo! Now go out there and make your Evo sound and perform like a beast!