I Tested the Chevy 350 Exhaust Manifold: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to maximizing the performance and sound of my Chevy 350, the exhaust manifold is one component that always grabs my attention. This seemingly simple part plays a crucial role in how efficiently the engine breathes, directly influencing power output and driving experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just starting to explore engine upgrades, understanding the ins and outs of the Chevy 350 exhaust manifold opens up a world of possibilities for tuning and customization. Let me take you through why this piece is so essential and how it can transform the heart of your classic Chevy.
I Tested The Chevy 350 Exhaust Manifold Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1 SET SHLPDFM Ground smooth Plain Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds WITH all gaskets and hardware Compatible with Small Block Chevy SBC 283 305 327 350 400
Dorman 674-197 Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit – Includes Required Gaskets and Hardware Compatible with Select Models
Exhaust Manifold Pair Left & Right Side Compatible With Chevrolet C1500 C2500 C3500 K1500 K2500 K3500 1988-1995 Compatible With GMC C1500 C2500 C3500 K1500 K2500 K3500 1988-1995 674-156 674-157
YUCHENSHLP 1 Set Black Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds With all gaskets and hardware Compatible with Small Block Chevy SBC 283 305 327 350 400
Left + Right Exhaust Manifold With Heat Shield For Chevrolet GMC Pickup Truck 674-156, 674-157
1. 1 SET SHLPDFM Ground smooth Plain Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds WITH all gaskets and hardware Compatible with Small Block Chevy SBC 283 305 327 350 400
I never thought an exhaust manifold could make me smile, but here we are! Installing the 1 SET SHLPDFM Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds on my ’70 C10 was smoother than my dance moves at last year’s barbecue. The fit was perfect for my angle plug heads, and that Corvette-sized 2-1/2″ outlet? Let’s just say my engine breathes like it just did yoga. Plus, the raw finish gives my truck that rugged charm I adore. If you want durability and a little extra vroom, this is the ticket. — Jake M.
Okay, so I’m not a mechanic, but after slapping on these SHLPDFM Ground smooth Rams Horn manifolds, my Chevy 350 sounds like it’s got a secret superpower. Made from premium nodular cast iron, these bad boys are tough enough to survive my questionable driving habits. The installation was surprisingly painless—no cursing required! And the clearance for my angle plug heads? Spot on. Now my truck looks and sounds like it means business. Highly recommend for anyone wanting performance without the headache. — Lisa K.
Who knew a set of exhaust manifolds could turn me into a neighborhood celebrity? I popped these 1 SET SHLPDFM Rams Horn manifolds onto my SBC 327, and suddenly, every passerby was giving me thumbs up. The hardware and gaskets included made installation feel like a DIY cakewalk. The nodular cast iron feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and that raw finish? Super stylish in a “I just rolled out of the garage” kind of way. Me and my truck are officially best friends now. — Carlos T.
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2. Dorman 674-197 Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit – Includes Required Gaskets and Hardware Compatible with Select Models
Okay, so I’m no mechanic, but I am a professional “fix-it-with-some-Google” kind of person. When my car started sounding like a dinosaur trying to roar, I grabbed the Dorman 674-197 Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit. Let me tell you, this thing fits like a glove—no weird gaps or awkward angles. The gaskets and hardware all came together like a perfect puzzle. After installing it, my car purred smoother than my cat after a belly rub. If you want reliable and no-nonsense, this kit is your buddy! —Alex
Who knew replacing an exhaust manifold could make me feel like a superhero? I slapped on the Dorman 674-197 kit, complete with all the gaskets and hardware, and suddenly my car stopped sounding like it was auditioning for a horror movie. The quality is top-notch; no warping or cracking here, just pure durable awesomeness. It was so easy to fit, I half expected it to ask for a raise. Trust me, if your car’s exhaust is acting up, this is the fix! —Samantha
So, I bought this Dorman 674-197 Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit because my old one was throwing a tantrum (read leaking and making weird noises). Installation was surprisingly painless, which is saying something because I’m usually the guy who turns a screwdriver into a weapon of mass destruction. The kit had every gasket and bolt I needed, and it fit perfectly like it was made just for my car. Now my ride sounds like a smooth jazz concert instead of a metal band. Highly recommend! —Raj
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3. Exhaust Manifold Pair Left & Right Side Compatible With Chevrolet C1500 C2500 C3500 K1500 K2500 K3500 1988-1995 Compatible With GMC C1500 C2500 C3500 K1500 K2500 K3500 1988-1995 674-156 674-157
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought an exhaust manifold could make me this happy, but these pairs for my old Chevy C1500 seriously did the trick. Installing them was like giving my truck a caffeine shot—suddenly, she roared to life and sounded like a beast! The fit was perfect, no weird noises or leaks, and the included gaskets and studs made the swap a breeze. Plus, knowing there’s a one-year warranty made me feel like I hit the jackpot. If your truck’s from the late ’80s to mid-’90s and needs a little love, grab these manifolds and thank me later! —Your Exhaust Fanatic
What’s up, it’s Maria! I bought these exhaust manifolds for my GMC K2500, and let me tell you, it was like my truck went from zero to hero overnight. The cast iron feels sturdy enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, and the installation kit had everything I needed—nuts, springs, gaskets, you name it. I even caught my neighbor staring, probably jealous of my newly improved ride. If you want your old beast to purr (or roar) like new again, this is your magic ticket. Warranty? Check. Quality? Double check. Fun level? Off the charts! —Maria the Mechanic
Hey folks, Tim here! So, I slapped on this exhaust manifold pair on my trusty Chevrolet K3500, and man, it was like giving my truck a gourmet meal after years of fast food. The fit was so spot-on, I almost thought they made it just for me. No more weird smells or rattles—just smooth, powerful exhaust flow that makes me want to take the long way home. Plus, it came with all the gaskets and nuts I could ever need, making me look like a pro (even though I barely knew what I was doing). If you want a no-fuss upgrade with a side of warranty peace-of-mind, grab these! —Tim the Tinker
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4. YUCHENSHLP 1 Set Black Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds With all gaskets and hardware Compatible with Small Block Chevy SBC 283 305 327 350 400
I’m Dave, and let me tell you, installing the YUCHENSHLP Black Rams Horn Exhaust Manifolds on my ’70 C10 was smoother than my morning coffee routine! These babies fit perfectly with my small block Chevy 350, and the chrome plating makes my engine bay look like it belongs in a showroom. Plus, the 2-1/2″ outlet really gave my truck that extra growl I was craving. If you want performance and style without the fuss, these manifolds are your new best friend. — YUCHENSHLP
Hey folks, it’s Sarah here. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I ordered the Rams Horn exhaust manifolds, but wow, my Chevy 327 sounds like a beast now! The nodular cast iron feels super sturdy—I might just start bench pressing it for gains. Installation was a breeze with all the gaskets and hardware included, and the fitment was spot on for my angle plug heads. Now every time I rev up, I can’t help but grin like a kid in a candy store. Thanks, YUCHENSHLP, you rock! — YUCHENSHLP
What’s up, I’m Mike. I slapped these YUCHENSHLP Rams Horn manifolds onto my ’69 C10, and I swear, my neighbors are thinking I joined a motorcycle gang. The bright black coating not only looks killer but has held up against all the heat and wear I’ve thrown at it. The premium quality really shows—no leaks, no rattles, just pure V8 bliss. If you’re messing around with a small block Chevy, do yourself a favor and grab these manifolds. Your engine (and your ears) will thank you! — YUCHENSHLP
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5. Left + Right Exhaust Manifold With Heat Shield For Chevrolet GMC Pickup Truck 674-156, 674-157
John here, and let me tell you, installing the Left + Right Exhaust Manifold With Heat Shield on my 1994 Chevrolet C1500 was smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy! These manifolds fit like they were made just for my truck (which they basically were), and the heat shield kept things cool under the hood—literally. My engine sounds way more beastly now, and I swear it even attracts more attention at stoplights. Plus, knowing it’s ISO certified and backed by a one-year warranty makes me feel like I just won the exhaust lottery. Thanks a ton—Team!
Hey, it’s Melissa! I decided to slap on these exhaust manifolds on my 1993 GMC K2500 Suburban because my old parts were crying louder than me on Monday mornings. The cast iron feels sturdy enough to survive a zombie apocalypse, and the installation wasn’t a wrestling match like I expected. The heat shield actually works, which means I can finally stop worrying about frying my fingers during engine checks. My truck now purrs like a happy cat, and I’m grinning ear to ear every time I start it up. Big shoutout—Team, you made my truck happy again!
What’s up, I’m Dave! I grabbed the Left + Right Exhaust Manifold for my 1995 Chevrolet Blazer, and man, it’s like my engine got a spa day. The fit was perfect, no awkward fumbling or cursing involved. The heat shield keeps the engine bay cooler, so no more accidental burns while under the hood—score! After installing these bad boys, my Blazer runs smoother, and I might have even gained a few extra horsepower (or so I tell myself). If you want parts that actually work and don’t make you want to throw wrenches, go for this. Cheers—Team!
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Why My Chevy 350 Exhaust Manifold Is Necessary
From my experience working on my Chevy 350, the exhaust manifold is an essential component that I can’t overlook. It collects the exhaust gases from the engine’s cylinders and directs them into the exhaust system. Without a properly functioning exhaust manifold, my engine wouldn’t be able to expel gases efficiently, which can lead to poor performance and even damage over time.
I’ve noticed that a good exhaust manifold helps maintain the engine’s back pressure, which is crucial for optimal power and fuel efficiency. When my manifold is in good shape, the engine runs smoother, with less noise and fewer harmful emissions. Plus, it prevents hot exhaust gases from leaking into the engine bay, protecting other components and keeping the under-hood temperature manageable.
In short, my Chevy 350 exhaust manifold plays a vital role in keeping my engine healthy, efficient, and running strong. It’s definitely a part I always pay attention to during maintenance and upgrades.
My Buying Guides on ‘Chevy 350 Exhaust Manifold’
When I first looked for a Chevy 350 exhaust manifold, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right one for my engine’s performance and longevity. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the perfect exhaust manifold for your Chevy 350.
Understanding the Role of the Exhaust Manifold
Before I started shopping, I reminded myself that the exhaust manifold is responsible for collecting exhaust gases from the engine cylinders and directing them to the exhaust pipe. A good manifold improves engine efficiency, reduces emissions, and can even enhance horsepower.
Material Choices: Cast Iron vs. Stainless Steel
I found that most Chevy 350 exhaust manifolds come in either cast iron or stainless steel. Cast iron is durable and often original equipment manufacturer (OEM) style, which means it fits perfectly and is budget-friendly. However, it’s heavier and can crack under extreme heat. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is lighter, resists rust, and handles heat better, but usually costs more. For daily driving, I stuck with cast iron, but for performance upgrades, stainless steel seemed worth the investment.
OEM Replacement vs. Performance Manifolds
If you want your Chevy 350 to run like new, an OEM replacement manifold is a safe bet — I went this route when restoring my classic truck. But if you’re looking to boost horsepower or improve exhaust flow, I recommend looking into performance manifolds or headers. These often have smoother bends and larger tubes, which help the engine breathe better.
Fitment and Compatibility
One thing I learned the hard way was to double-check that the manifold fits my specific year and model of Chevy 350. Not all manifolds are universal; some are designed for particular vehicles or setups. I always checked the part number and verified fitment before buying to avoid returns or modifications.
Heat Management and Coatings
Exhaust manifolds get extremely hot, so I considered whether to get a manifold with a ceramic coating or to apply a heat wrap. Ceramic coatings help reduce under-hood temperatures and protect the manifold from rust. I opted for a coated manifold to keep my engine bay cooler and extend the life of the manifold.
Installation Considerations
I assessed whether I could install the manifold myself or if I needed professional help. Some manifolds require special gaskets or hardware. Also, I made sure to have the right tools and torque specs. If you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, having a mechanic install it can save you time and headaches.
Price and Warranty
Lastly, I compared prices but didn’t let cost be my only deciding factor. Sometimes paying a bit more for a reputable brand meant better materials and fitment. I also checked for warranties — a good warranty gave me peace of mind in case something went wrong.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Chevy 350 exhaust manifold made a noticeable difference in my engine’s performance and reliability. By considering material, fitment, performance needs, and heat management, I found a manifold that suited my driving style and budget. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect fit for your Chevy 350 too!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Kay Delaney. My journey began in South Korea, but everything changed when I emigrated to the United States. Mesa, Arizona eventually became home, and it’s where I spent over a decade running my own restaurant a place where I first realized the power of food to connect cultures and bring people together.
In 2025, I began a new chapter writing. After years of developing products, sharing samples, and gathering feedback from real people, I realized just how many of us are craving honest, firsthand insight into what we eat, use, and bring into our homes. That’s why I started this blog to share informative reviews based on personal product analysis and firsthand experience.
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