Review on Dorman 674 357 Exhaust Manifold Kit by Raymond Doe

The Dorman header was installed on a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer 5.0 V8. This is a direct replacement, but installation can be a little tricky. When replacing the manifold, be sure to check the exhaust gas recirculation pipe. Over the years, the pipe can become brittle and crack very easily. You can also take both and save time. Attaching and aligning the exhaust gas recirculation pipe to the manifold can be tricky, so you may want to attach the pipe before the manifold is fully installed. The Dorman Collector is better quality than the original. Stock headers are prone to micro cracking due to heat build up under heat shields and poor welding, so either reweld or replace. The Dorman header also has larger intake ports, but slightly reduces the bolt clearance set back. Bolts work fine, but you'll need a thin-walled socket or wrench to tighten them. It's a pain, but worth the increase in exhaust flow. The final issue is access to the manifold that fits the exhaust pipe. It is a tight fit between the woodwork and the front floor panel, but will occur in any installation.