is anyone running three piece exhaust manifold, if so which brand did you get and how do you like it?

 

I'm running ATS brand on both my rigs to prevent cracking.
They haven't cracked yet so I guess I like them.
Didn't notice any improvement in performance but didn't expect any. Just wanted the added reliability.

 

My stock one is fine with ~135K on it. I keep hearing about cracked ones and wanting to upgrade to a better one, there's one that's ceramic coated so that would keep engine bay looking rust free.

 

When I bought my BD three piece, thick iron was the only option. Now Stainless is available which is more malleable (resistant to warping) and less thermally conductive. This will mean more heat makes it to the impeller in the turbo for higher drive pressure and thus a more efficient turbo and less under-hood heat.

Now having said all that, the performance difference from mine amounted predominantly to not being warped 1/4" like my stocker. A *little* smoother, a *little* quicker spoolup. Very expensive mod for minimal performance gain.

If it makes you smile, it may be worth it, but seat of the pants improvement is pretty minimal unless your OE is cracked or badly warped.

 

I put on an ATS 3-piece on the 1st truck in my signature, the automatic. I noticed about a slight 60 degree improvement in my exhaust gas temps.