If your factory Cummins exhaust manifold is cracked, warped, leaking, or restricting performance, the SWAG Performance HD Ductile Iron Exhaust Manifold is engineered to solve the common failure points of the OEM manifold while improving overall exhaust flow and turbocharger efficiency.
Designed specifically for the 1998.5-2002 Dodge 5.9L Cummins 24V platform, this heavy-duty manifold features thick-wall ductile iron construction with reinforced ribbing to combat cracking and heat distortion commonly found in stock manifolds. The merged runner design and machined ports help reduce exhaust backpressure while improving throttle response, turbo spool-up, and exhaust gas temperature control.
Whether you're towing heavy loads, daily driving, or building a performance-oriented second-gen Cummins, this manifold delivers the durability and airflow improvements serious diesel owners demand.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty ductile iron construction
- Reinforced rib design helps prevent cracking and warping
- Increased exhaust flow over factory manifold
- Improved turbo spool-up and throttle response
- Reduced exhaust backpressure
- Dual 1/8" NPT EGT ports for gauges or probes
- Direct-fit replacement for factory manifold
- Ideal for towing, street, and performance applications
- Hardware included
- Compatible with aftermarket turbo setups using factory-style mounting
Performance Benefits
The factory 2nd Gen Cummins manifold is notorious for heat-related cracking and restrictive flow characteristics. The SWAG Performance BladeRunner manifold addresses both issues with a thicker casting and optimized runner geometry.
Benefits include:
- Faster turbo response
- Lower exhaust gas temperatures (EGTs)
- Improved towing efficiency
- Reduced likelihood of manifold leaks
- Better durability under sustained boost and heat
- Improved top-end airflow
Testing has shown up to a 50% increase in exhaust flow compared to the factory manifold design.
Vehicle Fitment
Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500
- 1998.5 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 24V
- 1999 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 24V
- 2000 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 24V
- 2001 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 24V
- 2002 Dodge Ram 5.9L Cummins 24V
Ideal Supporting Upgrades
For best performance and reliability, pair this manifold with:
- Exhaust manifold gasket kit
- Upgraded manifold stud kit
- Performance turbocharger
- High-flow intake system
- EGT gauge kit
- Performance injectors
- 4-inch turbo-back exhaust system
This manifold also works exceptionally well as an attach product alongside turbo replacements, injector upgrades, towing builds, and exhaust repair packages.
Installation Notes
- Direct bolt-on replacement
- Gaskets may be sold separately depending on application
- Professional installation recommended
- Retorque hardware after initial heat cycles
Why Upgrade Your Cummins Exhaust Manifold?
The stock 24V Cummins exhaust manifold is one of the most common failure points on second-generation Dodge diesel trucks. Over time, repeated heat cycles cause the factory manifold to crack, warp, and leak boost pressure. Upgrading to a reinforced ductile iron manifold helps eliminate those issues while improving overall engine efficiency and turbocharger performance.
This makes the SWAG Performance HD manifold an excellent solution for:
- Daily drivers
- Tow rigs
- Street performance builds
- Work trucks
- High-mileage Cummins restorations
