Mitsubishi Evo Exhaust Manifold: Upgrade Guide

Hey guys! Thinking about boosting your Mitsubishi Evo's performance? One of the key upgrades you should definitely consider is the exhaust manifold. A well-chosen exhaust manifold can significantly improve your Evo's horsepower, torque, and overall engine efficiency. Let's dive into the world of Evo exhaust manifolds and explore what you need to know to make the right choice.

Why Upgrade Your Evo's Exhaust Manifold?

So, why bother upgrading the exhaust manifold in your Mitsubishi Evo? Well, the factory exhaust manifold is often a bottleneck in the exhaust system. Automakers design these manifolds with cost-effectiveness and emissions in mind, rather than all-out performance. This means they often have restrictive designs that limit the engine's ability to breathe efficiently. By upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust manifold, you can unlock some serious power gains.

Improved Exhaust Flow: Aftermarket exhaust manifolds are typically designed with larger diameter runners and smoother bends, which significantly improves exhaust gas flow. This reduced backpressure allows the engine to exhale more efficiently, leading to increased horsepower and torque.

Increased Horsepower and Torque: The most noticeable benefit of upgrading your exhaust manifold is the increase in horsepower and torque. Depending on the specific manifold and supporting modifications, you can expect gains of anywhere from 15 to 30 horsepower, and a similar increase in torque. This translates to a more responsive and powerful driving experience.

Enhanced Turbocharger Response: For turbocharged engines like the Evo, an upgraded exhaust manifold can also improve turbocharger response. The improved exhaust flow helps the turbocharger spool up faster, reducing turbo lag and providing quicker acceleration.

Better Sound: Let's be honest, a good exhaust note is part of the fun! Upgrading your exhaust manifold can give your Evo a deeper, more aggressive sound. Just be mindful of local noise regulations.

Aesthetic Appeal: Many aftermarket exhaust manifolds are made from high-quality materials like stainless steel and feature eye-catching designs. This can add a touch of style to your engine bay.

Types of Evo Exhaust Manifolds

When it comes to Evo exhaust manifolds, you'll encounter a few different types, each with its own characteristics and performance benefits. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the right manifold for your needs and goals.

Cast Iron Manifolds: These are typically the factory manifolds. They're durable and relatively inexpensive to produce, but they're also heavy and have restrictive designs that limit exhaust flow. They're not ideal for performance applications.

Tubular Manifolds: Tubular manifolds are constructed from individual metal tubes that are welded together. This allows for more precise control over the runner lengths and diameters, resulting in improved exhaust flow and performance. They're generally lighter than cast iron manifolds and offer better heat dissipation.

Equal Length Manifolds: Equal length manifolds are a type of tubular manifold where each runner is the same length. This ensures that exhaust pulses arrive at the turbocharger (or collector) at even intervals, which can improve turbocharger spool-up and overall engine performance. They're often more expensive than non-equal length manifolds but offer superior performance.

Short Runner Manifolds: Short runner manifolds are designed to maximize top-end horsepower. They typically have shorter runners and a larger collector, which allows for greater exhaust flow at high RPMs. However, they may sacrifice some low-end torque.

Long Runner Manifolds: Long runner manifolds are designed to improve low-end torque and mid-range power. They typically have longer runners and a smaller collector, which helps to increase exhaust gas velocity at lower RPMs. This can make your Evo more responsive in daily driving situations.

Key Considerations When Choosing an Evo Exhaust Manifold

Okay, so you're ready to upgrade your Evo's exhaust manifold. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Here are some key factors to consider:

Your Performance Goals: What are you hoping to achieve with the upgrade? Are you looking for maximum horsepower for track days, or improved low-end torque for street driving? Your performance goals will help you narrow down your choices.

Engine Modifications: What other modifications have you made to your Evo's engine? If you have a highly modified engine with a larger turbocharger, you'll need a manifold that can support the increased exhaust flow. If your engine is relatively stock, a less aggressive manifold may be sufficient.

Budget: Exhaust manifolds can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping to avoid overspending.

Material: Stainless steel is a popular choice for exhaust manifolds due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, other materials like Inconel are also available for high-performance applications.

Design: Consider the design of the manifold and how it will affect exhaust flow. Equal length manifolds are generally preferred for optimal performance.

Fitment: Make sure the manifold is designed to fit your specific Evo model and year. Some manifolds may require modifications to fit properly.

Installation: Exhaust manifold installation can be challenging, especially if you're not experienced with automotive repair. Consider whether you'll be installing the manifold yourself or hiring a professional.

Top Exhaust Manifold Brands for the Mitsubishi Evo

When it comes to choosing an exhaust manifold for your Evo, there are several reputable brands that you can trust. Here are a few of the top contenders:

Full-Race: Full-Race is known for producing high-quality, performance-oriented exhaust manifolds for a variety of applications, including the Mitsubishi Evo. Their manifolds are designed for optimal exhaust flow and are often used in high-performance builds.

Sheepey Built: Sheepy Built is another popular brand among Evo enthusiasts. They offer a range of exhaust manifolds designed for different performance goals, from street cars to track monsters.

MAPerformance: MAPerformance offers a variety of exhaust manifolds for the Evo, including their own in-house brand. They focus on providing high-quality products at competitive prices.

Driven Fabrication: Driven Fabrication specializes in custom fabrication work, including exhaust manifolds. Their manifolds are often tailored to specific engine builds and performance goals.

Megan Racing: Megan Racing offers more budget-friendly exhaust manifold options for the Evo. While they may not offer the same level of performance as some of the higher-end brands, they can still provide a noticeable improvement over the factory manifold.

Installation Tips

Alright, so you've got your new exhaust manifold and you're ready to install it. Here are a few tips to help you through the process:

Gather Your Tools: Make sure you have all the necessary tools before you start, including wrenches, sockets, extensions, and a torque wrench. A good set of penetrating oil can also be helpful for loosening stubborn bolts.

Disconnect the Battery: Before you start working on any electrical components, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent shorts.

Remove the Old Manifold: Carefully remove the old exhaust manifold, taking care not to damage any surrounding components. You may need to remove heat shields, O2 sensors, and other parts to access the manifold.

Clean the Mating Surfaces: Clean the mating surfaces on the cylinder head and the new exhaust manifold to ensure a good seal. Use a gasket scraper to remove any old gasket material.

Install the New Manifold: Install the new exhaust manifold, using new gaskets and hardware. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.

Reconnect Everything: Reconnect any heat shields, O2 sensors, and other components that you removed during the process.

Check for Leaks: After you've installed the new manifold, start the engine and check for exhaust leaks. If you hear or see any leaks, tighten the bolts or replace the gaskets as needed.

Maintaining Your Upgraded Exhaust Manifold

Once you've upgraded your Evo's exhaust manifold, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure its longevity and performance. Here are a few tips:

Regular Inspections: Inspect your exhaust manifold regularly for cracks, leaks, and other signs of damage. Catching problems early can prevent them from becoming more serious.

Proper Torque: Ensure that the exhaust manifold bolts are properly torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. Loose bolts can lead to leaks and damage.

Heat Management: Consider using a heat shield or exhaust wrap to reduce heat soak and protect surrounding components.

Professional Check-ups: Have your exhaust system inspected by a qualified mechanic periodically to ensure that everything is in good working order.

Upgrading your Mitsubishi Evo's exhaust manifold is a fantastic way to boost performance and enhance your driving experience. By understanding the different types of manifolds, considering your performance goals, and choosing a quality product from a reputable brand, you can unlock the full potential of your Evo's engine. Happy tuning!