Engine layout — number of exhaust manifolds on a V-6 engine For a conventional V-6 automotive engine with two cylinder banks, how many exhaust manifolds are used?

Introduction / Context:
Exhaust manifolds collect combustion products from cylinders and route them to downstream exhaust components. In multi-bank layouts like V-engines, manifold count relates to the number of cylinder banks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Engine type: V-6 with two banks of three cylinders each.
• Typical automotive configuration with separate manifolds per bank.
• No special siamesed or cross-over integral manifold design assumed.

Concept / Approach:
A V-6 has two banks arranged in a V. Each bank requires an exhaust manifold to gather gases from its cylinders. These two manifolds may feed a single or dual exhaust system, but the manifold count at the engine remains two.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Recognise two cylinder banks in a V-6.Standard practice: one manifold per bank.Hence total manifolds = 2.

Verification / Alternative check:
Workshop manuals for common V-6 engines show left-bank and right-bank exhaust manifolds, sometimes feeding separate catalytic converters.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• One: would require a complex cross-over at the cylinder head level, not standard.
• Four or eight: exceed the number of banks and cylinder head exits.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing number of manifolds with number of tailpipes; dual exhaust downstream does not change the count of cylinder-head manifolds.

Final Answer:
two