I now need a new one......


I don't really want to do this my self so I was going to take it to a shop. I was thinking about taking to the Stealership, but will they put in the new "better" one? or are they just going to change it with another OEM one that will go bad again?

also, what do you think I am looking at for cost on something like this?

 

They'll put on whatever factory gasket is the current one. I don't know if it's the "papery" one or if they've updated it to be metal like the Fel-Pro one.

I just did this job a couple of weekend ago, and, honestly, it wasn't bad at all. The longest part was cleaning up all of the gasket surfaces and cleaning out the manifold. It was FILTHY.

You could save a lot of money by doing it yourself. Just make sure you have access to an inch-lb and ft-lb torque wrench. Set aside a Saturday for it and go to town.

 

Do yourself a favor ... do it right:

http://www.apsprecision.com/billetplenum.html

http://www.hughesengines.com/Index/p...5&partid=22220

 

Ya, even if you have someone do it for you, buy the APS or Highes kit, and have them install that instead.

 

Yep. The gasket kit is about 30 bucks... or the plenum kit is about 80. It's worth the extra 50 bucks. That being said, I'm a hypocrite and only did the gasket :P. When I have to redo it again I'll be able to get it apart and back together in half the time though!

 

do these kits come with instructions as well? I have looked over the DIY on this site and I was still a little confused. I think I need pictures.

I can change the oil, brakes, some basic stuff. but there seemed to be a lot that I have never touched before. I want to do it myself but I guess I am just scared I will get the thing torn apart and be screwed or f something up more while I'm in there.

 

If you have a torque wrench this procedure could very easily be performed by a novice on a Saturday. By "a Saturday" I mean starting at 9am and finishing up by 3pm at the latest, as I am taking into account the learning curve. Take your time and read the procedure instructions ahead of time (as well as the DIY) and you'll be fine.

 

how do you find out if this is the problem?

 

Sorry, it takes a little longer then that. It took me about 12 hours total (6 hours one day, 6 the next). That was taking my time and doing it right. No way a novice can be done with a plenum gasket repair in 6 hours.

 

You're probably right. I had the engine out when I did mine and I was originally going to suggest he could get it done in the span of a weekend.