I am in the process of replacing the intake gaskets on my '98 3.8 and the guy at the dealer said that they have a redesignes manifold that I should get. I was wondering if the new manifold was necessary or if i could just get by on the new gaskets. It already has 130,000 miles and I would be happy to get another 60k out of it.

What is the problem with the manifold? Does it warp or just designed bad?

Thanks
Scott

The problem with the UIM (upper intake manifold) is a bad design. The area around the EGR stovepipe is too thin and too close the stovepipe, causing heat deterioration and failure of the coolant passages at the throttle body. I would strongly suggest replacing the UIM while you have it torn down, or you'll be doing it soon anyway. I would say 85-95% of all 95-98 Vin-K 3800 will need a new UIM due to this issue. Dorman also makes a replacement plenum that comes complete with the UIM and throttle body gaskets, injector o-rings, new PCV valve and cap, etc... that is cheaper than the OEM that doesn't include most of these extras.