Dorman Exhaust Manifold Kit for Ford – Gaskets & Hardware Included
$86.78
Complete exhaust manifold solution for select Ford models. Includes all necessary gaskets and hardware for easy installation. OE-quality replacement restores performance and eliminates exhaust leaks.
Dorman 674-987 Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit – Complete Solution for Ford Owners
When your Ford’s exhaust manifold starts showing signs of failure—whether it’s that telltale ticking sound on cold starts, reduced engine performance, or the dreaded check engine light—you need a reliable replacement that won’t break the bank. After thoroughly examining the Dorman 674-987 Driver Side Exhaust Manifold Kit, we’re confident this complete package delivers professional-grade quality at a price that makes sense for DIY mechanics and professional installers alike.
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Everything You Need in One Box: Our Unboxing Experience
One of the first things that impressed us about the Dorman 674-987 kit is its completeness. Unlike many aftermarket exhaust manifolds that leave you scrambling for gaskets and hardware at the auto parts store mid-installation, this kit arrives ready for installation. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The driver side exhaust manifold (precision-cast for proper fitment)
- All required gaskets (no more guessing which gasket you need)
- Complete hardware set (bolts, studs, and fasteners)
- Installation instructions with torque specifications
During our inspection, we were particularly pleased to see that the gaskets are high-quality materials designed to withstand the extreme heat cycles exhaust components endure. This attention to detail separates a weekend project that succeeds from one that has you reinstalling everything a few months later.
Built to Handle the Heat: Construction Quality That Impressed Us
Exhaust manifolds operate in one of the harshest environments in your vehicle—extreme temperatures, constant expansion and contraction, and exposure to corrosive exhaust gases. Dorman clearly understands these challenges because the 674-987 is engineered with durability as a priority.
The manifold features a robust cast-iron construction that closely mimics OEM specifications. We examined the casting quality closely, looking for porosity, uneven surfaces, or thin sections that might indicate weak points. What we found was reassuring: smooth casting with consistent wall thickness throughout, properly positioned mounting flanges, and precisely machined mating surfaces that promise leak-free sealing.
The heat-resistant coating applied to the manifold isn’t just cosmetic—it provides an additional layer of protection against rust and corrosion, extending the service life significantly compared to uncoated alternatives. In our inspection, the finish appeared uniform without runs, drips, or missed areas.
Compatibility Confidence: Fits Like It Should
Nothing’s more frustrating than ordering a part advertised as “compatible” only to discover it doesn’t quite fit right. The Dorman 674-987 is specifically engineered for select Ford models, and the company provides detailed fitment information to ensure you’re getting the correct part.
This driver side manifold kit is designed to be a direct replacement, meaning it should bolt into place using factory mounting points without requiring modifications, custom fabrication, or creative problem-solving. The exhaust port spacing matches OEM specifications, ensuring your existing exhaust system connects properly without misalignment issues that could lead to leaks or stress cracks.
We always recommend double-checking your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine configuration against Dorman’s compatibility chart before ordering. This simple step prevents the headache of returns and ensures you get back on the road quickly.
Why DIY Mechanics Appreciate This Kit
Having reviewed countless automotive repair parts, we’ve learned that the difference between a successful DIY project and a frustrating experience often comes down to the little details. The Dorman 674-987 gets these details right:
Pre-Threaded Inserts Save Time and Frustration
The manifold comes with properly sized and positioned threaded holes that align with your engine block. This seemingly minor feature eliminates the common problem of cross-threading or stripped threads that can turn a straightforward replacement into an expensive engine repair.
Gaskets That Actually Seal
The included gaskets are appropriately thick and constructed from multi-layer steel with proper compression characteristics. We’ve seen too many budget exhaust manifold kits include paper-thin gaskets that fail within weeks. These gaskets inspire confidence that your repair will last.
Hardware You Can Trust
Exhaust manifold bolts and studs endure tremendous stress from heat cycling. The hardware included in this kit appears to be grade-appropriate for the application, with proper heat treatment to resist breaking or seizing. During installation, proper anti-seize compound should still be applied, but you’re starting with fasteners designed for the job.
Installation Insights: What to Expect
While we always recommend consulting a professional mechanic if you’re not experienced with automotive repairs, many home mechanics successfully tackle exhaust manifold replacement with basic hand tools and patience. Here’s what our examination suggests about the installation process:
Estimated Difficulty: Intermediate. This isn’t a beginner’s first project, but it’s well within reach for someone comfortable working with hand tools and following torque specifications.
Special Tools Needed: A quality torque wrench is essential for proper installation. You’ll also appreciate having penetrating oil for frozen exhaust bolts, a complete socket set, and possibly an oxygen sensor socket depending on your specific vehicle.
Time Investment: Based on the design and accessibility in typical Ford applications, expect 2-4 hours for the average home mechanic, potentially longer if you encounter seized bolts or need to remove additional components for access.
Pro Tips from Our Experience
- Spray penetrating oil on all exhaust fasteners the night before starting work
- Let the engine cool completely before beginning—exhaust components retain heat for hours
- Follow the torque specifications exactly; over-tightening can warp the manifold
- Use a proper torque sequence (typically center bolts first, working outward) for even gasket compression
- Consider replacing oxygen sensors during this repair if they’re high-mileage
The Cost-Benefit Analysis: Smart Money for Ford Owners
When we evaluate aftermarket parts, we always consider the value proposition compared to both OEM and budget alternatives. The Dorman 674-987 occupies what we call the “sweet spot”—significantly less expensive than dealer OEM parts while maintaining quality standards far above the cheapest options.
Dealer exhaust manifolds for many Ford applications can cost two to three times what you’ll pay for this Dorman kit, and that’s before adding gaskets and hardware (which are almost never included with OEM manifolds). Meanwhile, the absolute cheapest manifolds we’ve seen often sacrifice quality control, proper materials, or precise fitment—false economies that lead to premature failure or installation problems.
Factor in that this is a complete kit with all necessary components, and you avoid multiple trips to the parts store or waiting for additional shipped items. For a DIY installation, you’re potentially saving $300-600 in labor costs compared to shop rates, making this an economically sensible repair path.
Customer Reviews Analysis
To validate our hands-on assessment of the Dorman 674-987 Exhaust Manifold Kit, we dove deep into hundreds of customer reviews from Ford owners who’ve already installed this part. The real-world feedback confirms many of our observations while revealing insights only long-term use can provide.
Overall Sentiment Breakdown
| Rating Category | Percentage | Key Descriptor |
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