wtf...

wtf...alright...i was very happy, about to install my new headers. as soon as i took of the heat shield with the little "do not touch (you idiot)" sign, i noticed my exhaust manifold looked almost exactly like my headers (only not as shiny :D). is this right?? is the manifold supposed to look like that?

The 5th gen ludes have pretty good exhaust manifold as it is. A lot of people recommend not changing headers from stock. Airflow will improve, however slightly.

the header may appear the same but the inside diameter is slightly larger. the collector should also be slightly larger juicy19 is right, the design of the stock header is quite good enough and a lot of people choose not to swap out, unless you're FI which in that case you should opt for a 4-1 design with a 2.5" collector like the kamikaze. most people won't notice a difference other than in sound and look. a new header does clean up your engine bay quite a bit compared to the stock header. but i suppose you could also just get those powdercoated .