Sierra 18-1953-2 MerCruiser V8 1983-2002 Exhaust Manifold

Sierra 18-1953-2 MerCruiser V8 1983-2002 Exhaust Manifold

The Sierra 18-1953-2 is a direct OEM replacement exhaust manifold designed for MerCruiser GM Small Block V8 engines from 1983 to 2002, including 305, 350, and 377 CID models. This complete kit fits both port and starboard sides and arrives ready to install with all necessary gaskets, including a drain elbow assembly, exhaust elbow gasket, and exhaust manifold gasket. Featuring precision-fit components with finished contact surfaces, the manifold is primed and painted for enhanced durability, making it ideal for freshwater applications. It meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications and is backed by Sierra's Comprehensive Warranty. Requires Mounting Kit 18-8520 for proper installation.

Includes:

• (1) Sierra 18-4224 Drain Elbow Assembly
• (1) Sierra 18-0897 Exhaust Elbow Gasket
• (1) Sierra 18-2949 Exhaust Manifold Gasket

Features:

• Direct OEM replacement
• Will fit port and starboard
• Complete kit out of the box
• Ideally suited for freshwater application
• Primed and painted for added durability
• Precision fit components
• Finished contact surfaces

Interchangeable with:

• Barr
• MC-1-87114
• EMP
• 57-57520
• GLM
• 51230
• Mallory
• 9-40507
• Marine Power
• 0994-100
• MerCruiser
• 860336A2
• 87114A8
• 87114A19
• 860246A3
• 860246A9
• 87114A30
• 860337A2
• 860246A7
• 860246A10
• 860246A15
• 860246Q11
• Osco
• 7114B2

Frequently Asked Questions

What MerCruiser engines does the Sierra 18-1953-2 fit?

This manifold is for MerCruiser GM Small Block V8 engines from 1983 to 2002, covering 305, 350, and 377 CID displacement engines. It fits both port and starboard sides. It's not compatible with 2002 and newer dry joint systems. For those engines, a different manifold is required.

Does this kit include everything needed for installation?

It includes three components out of the box: a drain elbow assembly (Sierra 18-4224), an exhaust elbow gasket (Sierra 18-0897), and an exhaust manifold gasket (Sierra 18-2949). However, Mounting Kit 18-8520 is required for proper installation and must be purchased separately.

What OEM MerCruiser part numbers does this replace?

The Sierra 18-1953-2 is interchangeable with a number of OEM MerCruiser part numbers including 860336A2, 87114A8, 87114A19, 860246A3, 860246A9, 87114A30, 860337A2, 860246A7, 860246A10, 860246A15, and 860246Q11. It also crosses to Barr, GLM, Mallory, Marine Power, EMP, and Osco equivalents.

Is this manifold suitable for saltwater use?

It's ideally suited for freshwater applications. The manifold is primed and painted for added durability, but the wet exhaust design used on these engines means saltwater accelerates corrosion significantly. In saltwater environments, raw water-cooled manifolds like this typically have a life expectancy of roughly 3–8 years depending on use; in freshwater, they can last considerably longer.

How do I know if my existing exhaust manifold needs to be replaced?

Common warning signs include white smoke from the exhaust, hard starting, rough running, or water found on the spark plugs when removed. These can indicate water is leaking from the manifold into the cylinders, a serious condition that can lead to hydrolock and catastrophic engine damage if left unaddressed. Because internal corrosion often isn't visible from the outside, many experienced owners treat manifolds as a scheduled maintenance item rather than waiting for symptoms.

What is Sierra's warranty on this manifold?

Sierra covers this manifold with a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects for the useful life of the product.

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