Replacement Upper Intake Manifold

[Autoxer]

Our car is a '95 SE with but 75k miles on it, we're the second owners. So far it looks to be about as original as you'd expect, so I think we'll be doing the intake sometime soon as a preventative (no leaks now).

I've read the two big threads on replacing the UIM, they mention the Dorman (which I've found online) and the APN replacements, and the APN is preferred. Only problem is those threads are from 2008 and the APN isn't available any more as far as I can tell, but there is one that looks the same sold by ATP:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000C8T7X6

Is that really the same thing? Is it still preferred over the Dorman? Any other choice that's better than both of them? The threads looks pretty complete, but if anyone has any additional tips I'd be interested in hearing them. Thanks in advance.

[96 SSEi]

hi, welcome to the club!!

why do you need to replace the upper manifold - the common issue is the gaskets

[Autoxer]

According to this it's an issue:

http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/fo ... =53&t=1061

--Bryan

[RJolly87]

hi, welcome to the club!!

why do you need to replace the upper manifold - the common issue is the gaskets

The common issue on the Naturally Aspirated application is typically the manifold itself. The Lower Intake Manifold gaskets are also a problem area, however the manifold issue tends to surface before the gaskets need to be addressed, affording the opportunity to do both.

A sleeved UIM tends to cut down the amount of issues greatly, and there are several brands of sleeved units. They essentially fit the EGR passage with a metal bushing that handles the heat better than the bare plastic itself.

Whichever brand you go with, make sure it is a sleeved UIM, also make sure you used aluminum framed LIM gasket replacements. Both of those will greatly increase longevity.

You also have the option of blocking off the UIM coolant ports entirely, which prevent the UIM issues from returning entirely. Many have done that with no adverse affects. The coolant runs through the throttle body to prevent icing of the throttle body, however there also has been no documented cases of a throttle body icing up as a result of tampering. Of course, your climate should be a deciding factor, as well as whether or not you wish to assume the risk of freezing the throttle body.

[Autoxer]

Ok, so it looks like the ATP one is the one to get, I didn't find any others on the market. On the gaskets, what brand(s) are aluminum framed?

[inition]

The only source I know of the for the LIM redesigned aluminum gaskets is the dealer. I have over 100k on those gaskets with no problems.