EVIL ENERGY Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit for 1999-2017 Chevy GMC 4.8L 5.3L 6.0L 6.2L, Replaces 674-522

Q: Will this driver side exhaust manifold fit a 2014-2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L?

A: No. For 2014, GM moved the Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 to the EcoTec3 5.3L and 6.2L, which use different exhaust manifolds. This manifold fits the 1999-2013 Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500. Note that the 2014 Tahoe, Yukon, Suburban and Escalade still used the older engine, so those 2014 SUVs are covered.

Q: Does one driver side manifold fit both the 1999-2006 and 2007-2013 Silverado and Sierra?

A: Yes. The same left-side part covers both truck generations with the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L, including the 2007 Classic models. That is why the replaced part number list is so long: GM updated the manifold number several times without changing the fit.

Q: Does it fit a Chevy Express or GMC Savana van with the 6.0L?

A: Yes. It fits the 2003-2014 Express 1500 and Savana 1500, and the 2003-2017 Express and Savana 2500 and 3500 with the 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L. Access on a van is tighter than on a pickup, because the engine sits partly under the doghouse, so expect the job to take longer.

Q: How do I know the tick on my 5.3L Silverado is the exhaust manifold and not a lifter?

A: An exhaust manifold leak ticks loudest in the first minutes after a cold start and usually quiets as the iron expands. It is also loudest on the driver side near the firewall. A lifter tick tends to stay with the engine once it is warm, and on 2007-2013 trucks with Active Fuel Management a failed lifter often comes with misfire codes on one cylinder. To confirm, hold a rag or your hand near the rear of the manifold on a cold start and feel for puffs of exhaust, or look for black soot streaks and broken or missing bolt heads at the rear ports.

Q: If only the manifold bolts broke on my Tahoe, do I still need a new exhaust manifold?

A: Not always. If the old manifold is not cracked and its flange is still flat, removing the broken bolts and installing new ones with a new gasket can stop the leak. Lay a straightedge across the head flange: if you can slip a thin feeler gauge under it, or you see a crack, replace the manifold. Most trucks with a long-running tick have both a warped manifold and broken bolts, and a new manifold with a new gasket fixes both at once.

Q: What torque should I use on the exhaust manifold bolts for a Silverado 5.3L?

A: Installation instructions for replacement manifolds on 2002-2013 GM V8 trucks call for tightening the six M8 manifold bolts in two passes, first to 11 ft-lb (15 Nm) and then to 15 ft-lb (20 Nm), starting at the center and working outward. The three outlet nuts to the catalytic converter pipe go to 37 ft-lb (50 Nm). GM began using a revised exhaust manifold bolt with high-temperature threadlocker in 2004, so use new bolts of that type rather than reusing stretched originals.

Q: How long does it take to replace the driver side exhaust manifold on a Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra?

A: With no broken bolts, about 2 to 4 hours. The usual steps are to remove the front wheel and inner fender liner for access, unplug the four spark plug wires, remove the three outlet nuts at the converter pipe, then remove the six manifold bolts. The rearmost bolt is easier to reach from above. Broken bolts that need drilling and extracting can add several hours.

Q: Can a leaking driver side exhaust manifold cause a check engine light?

A: It can. A leak ahead of the upstream oxygen sensor can draw outside air into the exhaust stream on the overrun, which makes the sensor read lean and can push fuel trims positive or trigger O2 sensor codes. If you see lean or O2 codes along with a cold-start tick, fix the manifold leak first, clear the codes, and see whether they return before replacing any sensors.

Q: Should I replace both exhaust manifolds on my GM truck at the same time?

A: Check the passenger side before you decide. Both banks see the same heat cycles, and owners often find broken rear bolts on the passenger side as well, especially on high-mileage trucks and SUVs. If the passenger side shows soot at the rear port or a loose or missing bolt, doing both sides while the tools are out saves a second job.

Q: Does the replacement driver side manifold come with the heat shield attached?

A: Yes. The heat shield is mounted on the manifold, so you do not need to transfer the old shield. That matters because original shield bolts are often rusted and break when you try to remove them.