I completely understand that something like a head gasket, timing belt and other important parts are best bought straight from Mitsubishi. I'm in need of an exhaust manifold gasket, and wondering if I can go to an auto part store or should I go OEM?

 

if the gasket is metal then you should be good.

 

The way I see it is, if you want to be safe go with OEM, if you want to take a risk, go with Autoparts store. If its not a high performance part the risk might be worth it and the part might hang in there.