i took my 2000 tl-p to a mechanic a while back and on the lift he said that i didnt have headers but had an exhaust manifold. whats the difference?

in my defense, i have searched but cannot find a suitable answer and not that savvy when it comes to this stuff but got to start somewhere

 

exhaust manifold:



headers:



headers are geared more for performance

 

Headers are tuned to maximize exhaust gas flow, whereas exhaust manifolds are simply a cast iron piece to casually pipe the exhaust gas away from the engine block.

 

love that diagram, it really puts it in perspective
thanks guys

 

Hate to state the obvious, but exhaust manifold=stock, and headers=aftermarket...in most cars.