Hi...Just wanted some advice on having some work done on my 1991 Pontiac Trans Am. I live in chester county, Pennsylvania and need to have my intake manifold replaced due to a coolant leak. Also, I need routine maintenance like plugs, wires, cap, rotor. Car is a 350 with 83K. Have had price ranges from $300 - $1000 from various shops. Any idea what this should cost ? Also, if anybody replies who lives near here any shop suggestions would be great. I really have never done more than change the oil myself. First major issue with the car in 7 years.

Thanks.

 

Replacing your intake cuz of a coolant leak? Sounds more like a bad gasket or the intake was never properly torqued down. Before you go and throw money away on an intake that you don't really need, why doncha go into detail about your problem here. I'm no expert, but there are guys here that could tell you what needs to be done to your car.

 

Okay...Here we go..

It is a stock 1991 Pontiac Trans Am with the 350. Never really had any problems with it but one day I was driving with the windows down and heard water hitting the ground. Looked under the car and saw a steady stream of water coming from back of engine. Stopped at a shop that I know and they looked it over. Said I had a leaking intake manifold gasket and used Barsleak to stop it. It did stop and doesn't leak anymore but I was told that it isn't a "permanent fix" and should change the intake manifold gasket. Called a bunch of shops (Local, Dealer, speciality, etc.) and got the price range from $300 - $1,000 to do intake gasket as well as tuneup. I have never done a tuneup on the car and am having no problems with mileage or hestitations but figure I should do one since it never has been done. All I have ever done is change oil, belts and hoses. Don't want to spend a ton of money if I don't have to. Right now nothing is wrong. Just worried that I will be driving down the road and that barsleak is going to give way and leave me stranded. Thanks for any help.

 

"If it aint broke ya dont fix it!!!"

As long as you are not getting coolant mixed with your oil then you are fine. Even if you have a slight coolant leak somewhere. just keep adding when necessary until you are comfortable with paying a mechanic the $$$ to do the work.

A 8-cyl tuneup usually costs between $70 - $100. You may opt for the xxk service which may cost a few hundred depending on what gets done with your car.

But if you really want the intake gasket replaced, don't pay more than $300 for the job.

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92 Camaro RS, LO3, 5-spd, T-tops

Performance:
K&N Open Air Filter, Edelbrock performer TBI intake, Fastchip Prom, Timing +4 degrees, Centerforce clutch, Xact 8mm wires, SLP 1 3/4" Headers (coated), Flowmaster Catback Exhaust, Richmond 3:42 gears, Torsen HD Posi
Sights & Sounds:
Alpine 8030 Alarm System, Valentine One Radar Detector (How did I ever drive without one?), Pioneer DEH 7450 Head Unit w/6-pack CD changer, Pioneer DEQ 7600 Sound Processor, 2 Kenwood KAC-846 Amps powering 2 12" Pro Red subs, 2 Pioneer 6x9 and 2 MTX 4x6 speakers. Z28 grille w/aftermarket lights, MacEwen whiteface gauges
NEXT UP: TBI & Suspension mods

 

You should be able to replace the intake manifold gaskets yourself with basic mechanic's tools. You can buy a s**t load of tools for $1000. A minor crack or void causing a leak can be repaired with JB WELD Or "seal all" if nessesary. The only part that will give you trouble is re timing the motor. Just remember the position of the distributor and rotor before you take it out. and don't turn over the motor til its back in.
Phone the Local GM dealer there and ask them how many Hours (flat rate) it pays to "r and r" the intake with new gaskets. This will give you an idea of whats fair if ya don't want to tackle it yourself. If the motor is running fine otherwise it doesn't need a tuneup. But that's up to you.