Best 6.7 Powerstroke Exhaust Manifolds of 2021 – Complete Review

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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To keep your truck running smoothly, it’s important to keep the exhaust system entirely in check. Exhaust manifolds are the first section of your vehicle’s exhaust system, and they play an essential role in running it smoothly. Thus, investing in a good-quality 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust manifold is a must.

The process of looking for the right unit can be frustrating as there is a myriad of products out there, and without the right information, it’s as hard as looking for a needle in a haystack. Therefore, this complete review of the best exhaust manifolds will surely help you with it. 

Let’s jump right into it!

Comparison of the Best 6.7 Powerstroke Exhaust Manifolds 

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Made from high-quality materials to be durable
  • Manufactured to be thicker and more durable
  • Everything included to complete the job
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  • Precision engineered for better performance
  • Easy to install on engine
  • Build with durability and longevity in mind
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  • Best for the Money
  • Can be used with a variety of vehicles
  • Made from high-quality material for sturdy construction
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  • It is quite easy to install on vehicle
  • Build to last much longer than stock parts
  • Made with strong and durable materials
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  • Everything included to complete the kit
  • It is quite easy to install
  • It is made strong and very reliable
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When is it Time to Replace My 6.7 Powerstroke Exhaust Manifold?

An exhaust manifold is one of the most heavy-duty and durable parts of your engine’s exhaust system. People often wonder when it’s time to replace their exhaust manifold for a new one.

Well, in order to know when the exhaust manifold needs replacements, you need to pay close attention to your vehicle. Three very obvious symptoms appear when your 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust manifold requires immediate replacement. 

Firstly, you’ll notice the engine making excessive noise, which isn’t normal. It will be kind of a muffled sound, almost like race cars often make. Secondly, you will notice significantly reduced engine performance and efficiency. Last and the most evident symptom is an unusual or weird smell coming from under the engine hood. 

What Does an Exhaust Manifold Do?

If you are a newbie and aren’t completely aware of your vehicle’s parts, then it is possible you might not have heard of an exhaust manifold. Or, you may have heard of one and don’t realize what it does. Either way, it’s important to understand the function of an exhaust manifold, given that it is a crucial part of your vehicle’s exhaust system

The exhaust manifold is a highly durable and important mechanical component of the exhaust system. Its function is to collect the exhaust gases arriving from the exhaust port and, ultimately, by means of exhaust pipes, leading it to the tailpipe. It is usually constructed from cast iron or stamped steel and undergoes tremendous temperature and pressure. 

Characteristics of Our Favorite 6.7 Powerstroke Exhaust Manifolds

There are some features that make a 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust manifold worth the investment. Having these in your chosen model will ensure you make the most out of it. These include:

Construction

When it comes to buying an exhaust manifold, the construction needs to be a matter of top priority. A good exhaust manifold is constructed either out of cast iron or stamped steel; both are known to resist high temperatures and pressure. Plus, it would also ideally have a rust preventative coating over it to extend its life. 

BD Power 1043007

Price

It’s important to have a realistic budget set when you go out to buy an exhaust manifold. The unit shouldn’t be of cheap quality just to save a few bucks as it can have serious adverse effects on your engine’s performance. There are budget-friendly recommendations also mentioned in the post that are accessible to people on a tight budget, along with some high-quality and high-end products. 

Quality and Warranty

A good warranty plan is crucial. Make sure a good warranty backs the unit you invest in, so it is both durable and reliable in the long run. Furthermore, pay attention to the material construction and design tweaks of the product. Invest in a leak-proof design that comes with gaskets and studs required for installation. 

Review of the Best 6.7 Powerstroke Exhaust Manifolds

There are several units on the market; however, finding the perfect one can be tough. Some products don’t live up to the mark, some don’t lie in the budget range, and some are total duds. Thus, to help you find the perfect match, we have compiled and reviewed excellent-quality exhaust manifolds. 

Best Overall:
BD Power 1043007

PROS

  • Resists cracking under high temperatures
  • Features thick flanges and long studs and spacers
  • Optimizes exhaust flow by using computational fluid dynamics
  • Made with 0.275-inch thick-walled, heavy-duty Hi-Silicone ductile casting
  • Comes with studs, spacers, and gaskets all required for complete installation

PROS

  • Doesn’t come with instructions for installation

What Recent Buyers Report

Consumers are very happy with this unit. The users applaud this wonderfully constructed unit for its high quality and durable design. It does carry a hefty price tag and doesn’t come with installation instructions; however, it is worth the splurge, given how reliable it is.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Design, construction, and brand reputation are really important factors. Fortunately, this BD Power unit is a great example of a wonderful unit carrying all these qualities. Firstly, it has been constructed with a 0.275-inch thick-walled and heavy-duty Hi-Silicone ductile casting that makes it thermal-resistant. It allows the unit to resist cracking under high temperatures, which is ideal.

Furthermore, it comes with all the necessary studs, spacers, and gaskets required for the complete installation. The flanges are thick, and the studs are long, which further adds to the structural integrity of the product. Plus, the innovative design allows the unit to optimize exhaust flow through computational fluid dynamics.

Bottom Line

There aren’t many units that are as well designed as this one. It is incredibly stylish, highly reliable, and quite durable. It is worth the hefty price tag it carries, given how highly innovative and highly functional it is.

Runner-up:
Dorman 674-954

PROS

  • Trustworthy design at an affordable price
  • Offers long-lasting performance and has a leak-free design
  • Comes with all the gasket and downpipe hardware required
  • Precision-engineered to complement the fit and function of the stock manifold
  • Constructed with high-quality metal that protects against warping and cracking

PROS

  • Offers limited compatibility
  • Some buyers find it slightly difficult to install

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers seem to be pretty intrigued and impressed by this unit. It is considered to not only be incredibly well-constructed and well-designed but on top of that, it carries an affordable price tag. It does have limited compatibility, yet the strength, smoothness, and powerful performance it brings to the table are unbeatable.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are several reasons why this unit stood out to us. One of the topmost ones is its incredible design. It is constructed with high-quality metal that prevents it from warping and cracking under extreme conditions. Plus, this wonderful unit has been precision-engineered to fit the stock manifold well.

One of the major concerns vehicle owners have for any exhaust manifold is leaks. It’s truly incredible that this unit has a leak-proof design, which allows it to have a much more long-lasting performance than many of its higher-end counterparts. You don’t need to buy any additional gasket or spacer for installation, as it comes with all the necessary equipment.

Bottom Line

Overall, this unit is well-designed and highly reliable. It has a cast-iron construction on an innovative design, which ensures it works smoothly under various temperature conditions. Thus, it is a good investment to make and certainly worth checking out.

Best for the Money:
BD Power 1043006

PROS

  • Offers extreme thermal durability
  • 75% thicker walls can retain heat and prevent warping
  • Utilizes computational fluid dynamics to optimize flow and port sizes
  • Features long exhaust studs and thick and durable machined bolting flanges
  • Constructed with heavy-duty 0.275-inch thick-walled Hi-silicone ductile casting

PROS

  • Limited compatibility

What Recent Buyers Report

This unit seems to have intrigued the consumer’s interest greatly with its meticulous and reliable construction. It features a heavy-duty design that takes into account different variables and works incredibly well under multiple conditions. It surely is a consumer-favorite product.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What stands out in this incredible unit is its highly meticulous and clever design. It has a heavy-duty 0.275-inch thick walled Hi-silicone ductile casting. The 75% thicker walls enable it to retain heat and prevent warping. This unit has incredible thermal durability overall, which is why it doesn’t crack under high temperatures.

Furthermore, it provides optimized flow by utilizing computational fluid dynamics. Another incredible feature of this unit is that it comes with 16 studs and spacers for installation. The studs included are long and thick to improve strength, whereas the machined bolting flanges are highly durable.

Bottom Line

All in all, this unit is a highly worthy investment. It does have a slightly hefty price tag, yet the quality of construction is phenomenal. It is meticulously designed to be reliable, sturdy, and durable.

4. Dorman 674-953

PROS

  • Features a trustworthy design that prevents leaks
  • Includes all the necessary gasket and downpipe hardware
  • Solid and reliable design allows the unit to have thermal durability
  • Constructed from high-quality, durable materials to ensure long-lasting performance
  • Precision engineered, so the unit complements the fit and function of the stock manifold

PROS

  • Some buyers find that the installation was slightly difficult

What Recent Buyers Report

Recent buyers seemed to be swept off their feet by this product. It has largely garnered positive reviews with little to no criticism. Some buyers seem to have struggled with the installation at first; however, it’s a small price to pay for the unit's excellent construction.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stood out to us due to its incredible design and highly reliable construction. It is one of the simpler units out there, yet the performance is comparable to much higher-end units. It is manufactured by a reputable brand that is well-trusted by the masses.

It is a precision-engineered unit that complements the function and fit of the stock manifold well. Furthermore, it is solid and leak-proof, so it can provide long-lasting performance. It offers magnificent thermal durability and doesn’t crack or warp due to high temperatures.

Bottom Line

To sum up, this is quite a well-engineered unit. It truly is a gem. Be it its simplistic construction of the highly functional performance; it is just perfect. It is rightly priced and offers a great deal; thus, it is a great investment.

5. BD Power 1043008

PROS

  • High Silicon Ductile cast iron construction
  • 75% thicker walls to retain heat and prevent warping
  • Features long exhaust studs to improve thermal durability
  • Backed by an incredible three-year manufacturer’s warranty
  • Coated with tough, high temperature-resistant POR 15 coating which prevents rusting

PROS

  • On the higher end of the spectrum

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers have been impressed with this unit. It has a highly reliable construction which is capable of withstanding high temperature, rust, etc. It has high functionality and is highly durable too. Even though it’s expensive, consumers find it to be worthy of splurging on.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit captured our interest with its durable construction and highly functional performance. It has a high silicon ductile cast iron construction that allows it to be highly durable and sturdy. Its walls are 75% thicker and are capable of retaining heat and preventing warping.

It comes with long exhaust studs that improve thermal durability and allows it to withstand high temperatures. This unit has a tough, POR 15 coating which allows it to prevent rusting. Plus, it is backed with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Bottom Line

Last but certainly not least, this unit is incredible. Be it the performance, the reliability, or the construction; it throws it out of the park in every way. It may be expensive, but it surely is worth the investment.

Exhaust Manifold vs. Headers - Comparison Overview

An exhaust manifold and an exhaust header tend to play the same role in your vehicle’s exhaust system, which often stirs a debate of how they compare with one another. Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between the two:

Function

The basic function both of these parts serve is the same, which is the release of carbon monoxide produced through the burning of fuel by the engine. 

Noise

Headers have a thinner construction than exhaust manifolds, which is why they tend to be noisier than the latter. 

Design

Headers are more commonly constructed out of stainless steel, whereas exhaust manifolds usually have a cast iron construction. The header tubers subsequently converge to a single tube collector before heading to the muffler, whereas manifold gives each engine cylinder a separate tube. 

Performance

Due to the thicker design of the manifold, to prevent cracking, space through which gases are passed is minimized.

This leads to pressure build-up in the back and thus can result in lower efficiency and horsepower at times, which isn’t a concern for exhaust headers. 

How to Fix an Exhaust Manifold Leak

Do you have a leak in your exhaust manifold? Fixing it often seems like a daunting and strenuous process; however, it can be easy to do once you have the right instruction and tools. Here’s a step-by-step process of fixing and exhaust manifold leak:

  1. First, it’s important to realize where the leak is. Therefore, turn your truck engine on and learn the location of the leak. While doing so, don’t forget to be careful with the hot components. 

  2. Invest in exhaust repair products that can withstand temperature up to at least 1200-degrees. 

  3. Then, turn the engine off and let it cool down before sealing the leak on the component with putty. 

  4. Make sure all the studs are tightened down well. 

  5. Then, make sure you’re wearing a glove while applying the epoxy to the collector. The epoxy may dry down quickly, so you need to work swiftly.

  6. You can then start the engine and see if there is any blowby. If not, you’re good to go!

It’s alright if you are still confused or unclear about any step. You can go ahead and check the video linked below. It goes over the process in more detail and will surely clarify any remaining confusion you have!

How to Clean an Exhaust Manifold

One of the most important and crucial aspects of maintenance is the cleaning of an exhaust manifold. This may sound intimidating to some, but it’s not a difficult process. Therefore, let’s take a look at the step-by-step breakdown of how to clean an exhaust manifold:

  1. To clean the manifold, a non-harsh vinegar salt-water rinse will be used.

  2. To prepare this, you will need about one-gallon vinegar. Add about one cup of kosher salt in it and put it in a nice big box to hold the parts in. 

  3. Then, stir it up nicely, drop the exhaust manifold, and close the box's lid. 

  4. The manifolds will need to be in there for a few weeks. When you open the box later, you will see a scum layer, which is of all the rust that came off. 

  5. Then, take the manifold to a sink and turn on the warm water over it. 

  6. Using a wire brush, remove any remaining bits of rust left, which will ideally be pretty loose and easy to scrape off. 

  7. Then, put the plug in the sink and take a one-cup mixture of water and baking soda and pour it over the manifold, which will help neutralize the acid. 

  8. Finally, dry the manifold completely and go ahead and cover them using a couple of coats of high-temperature paints of your choice.

If there is any step of the entire cleaning process that still confuses you, here’s a video that goes over the process in more detail.

Conclusion

It can be pretty confusing to buy a 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust manifold, especially if you are new to buying vehicle parts. There is a lot of information floating around, which can be pretty confusing for anyone. 

Thus, this post aimed to provide you with all the essentials of buying a 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust manifold. It included some incredible product recommendations and an extensive guide that answered frequently asked questions, explained the cleaning and fixing process of an exhaust manifold, etc. 

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of which unit to invest in and how to buy one. 

People Also Ask

People tend to have a lot of questions when it comes to buying a suitable 6.7 Powerstroke exhaust manifold. Thus, to make the buying process easier for you, we took the liberty of answering some of your most frequently asked questions.  

Where is the Exhaust Manifold on a 6.7 Powerstroke?

The exhaust manifold is bolted directly to the engine block. In your vehicle’s exhaust system, it is the first section and is responsible for funneling out all the gasses from the exhaust to the car’s catalytic converter. 

How Much is an Exhaust Manifold for the 6.7 Powerstroke? 

This truly varies from product to product and brand to brand. Various features factor in and make up the cost of a unit; however, one can get a good quality exhaust manifold from $100 to $450.

How Do You Get an EGR Tube on a Manifold Exhaust?

If you have a faulty EGR tube and need to replace it, first disconnect your car battery and remove the engine cover. Then, you may need to remove the air filter and coolant lines as well. You should now easily be able to locate the EGR valve and the electrical harness. Go ahead and remove them along with the sensors attached to the EGR tube. 

Afterward, spray penetrating oil on joints, which are the nuts and bolts connecting the EGR tube to the valve and the manifold. But make sure all electrical lines are removed. After waiting for five minutes for the oil to work, separate the inner manifold from the EGR tube and loosen the bolts using an open-end wrench. 

After removing the tube from the intake manifold, you’ll also need to remove it from the valve. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts again. Go ahead and clean the EGR valve. 

Now, you may or may not need to install new gaskets on the new EGR tube, depending upon your vehicle. Next, install the new tube on the valve first, tighten the connecting bolts, and finally connect the other end of the new EGR tube to the intake manifold. Attach the electrical harness and attach all the parts taken apart for installation.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.