I just got the word from the service tech at Hudiburg Chevrolet, in Oklahoma City.

$980 for Intake Manifold Gasket and water pump and no help from GM.

Bought my last Chevrolet.

Something told me I should've bought a Honda to to begin with.

What year Malibu and how many miles? Is it the 3.1 V6? That is a big chunk of change they are charging you!

Its a 2000 Malibu, 3.1 V6 .

I just Googled " intake manifold gasket malibu " and got a ton of responses. Any GM vehicle with the 3.1 V6 will be replacing these gaskets.

Was hoping to find more progress on a class action lawsuit against GM .

I spoke too soon.

My wife wasn't as resigned to failure as I was and talked to the Service Manager at Hudiburg. They're meeting us halfway and have reduced the cost to $350 range.

I can live with that.

When my gaskets were replaced in Summer '03, I don't think the water pump was replaced. I don't know if that's critical. Just be aware that the car will be in the shop for at least 2 days (in my case, it was 3 1/2).

MAKE SURE YOUR HEAD GASKETS R NOT DAMAGE OR U Will be sorry TRUST ME.......I got a new intake manifold and it was installed and my 2 of my head gaskets where blown from this and i didnt know and after they installed it i had to get another new one with 2 new head gaskets and a water pump...total cost 3.6k.....850 for the first intake manifold....850 for the second and 1800 for the water pump and headgaskets......I HATE CHEVY

How would I know the head gaskets are damaged ?

Wouldn't that be caused by the motor overheating ?

Mine never over heated, the coolant light came on and I refilled with DexCool at that point.

My decision is whether to sell the car now. But I doubt if it has much resale value. I was going to keep this car and give it to my daughter when she turns 16 in a couple of years. Maybe I should get out while I'm still ahead?????

LynnD, don't care what they say about that Orange antifreeze.... but it is the reason the gaskets are going south...corrosive under pressure and heat. I put in the standard Green antifreeze and have not had a problem. Also when you have your intake gasket put in, gently ask them to do a compression check , and look for a possible coolant leak.. easier to fix while intake is off.. half way there already....Hope this helps. Later Mark.