Can a exhaust manifold cause higher rate of rpms while also performing sluggishly?

Yes, a damaged or clogged exhaust manifold can lead to higher RPMs while causing sluggish performance. This occurs because restricted exhaust flow can increase back pressure, preventing the engine from expelling exhaust gases efficiently, which can disrupt the air-fuel mixture. As a result, the engine may struggle to produce power despite higher RPMs, leading to sluggish acceleration and overall poor performance.