replacing 3.8 intake gasket

[saturnspeed_12]

I am going to be replacing the upper plenum (complete with gaskets) and lower intake gasket with the second edition. Upper plenum is the redesigned one. I have got valve cover gaskets, grommets, injector o-rings, lower intake gasket set (comes with rtv), upper plenum complete with gaskets, new ngk iridium plugs, and getting a set of Taylor Spiro-Pro wires.

What I want to ask is, I use to work in a shop so we have done a few of these. I remember on a 3.4 about a little gasket on the driver side of the block, i do believe, that is like a cover for something that is known to leak. I cant remember what it was, I was hoping someone might be able to help out and tell me if its on the 3.8. Also, is there anything else I am missing? I will be doing an oil change after I finish the job. I might be changing the thermostat too, but I think its new so who knows. Coolant was flushed 2 times in past year and a half, and coolant is good and clean.

Also does anybody have the torque specs on the valve cover, manifold, plenum, and other items? Thanks in advance.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by saturnspeed_12

.Also does anybody have the torque specs on the valve cover, manifold, plenum, and other items? Thanks in advance.

On the NA SII 3800 here are the torque figures for key parts for UIM/LIM job:

UIM/Plenum bolts = 89 in-lbs
Lower Intake (LIM) bolts = 11 ft-lbs
Throttle Body nuts = 89 in-lbs
Fuel Rail nuts = 89 in-lbs
Valve Cover bolts = 89 in-lbs

Good luck!

[saturnspeed_12]

ok thanks. that helps quite a bit. i think im going at it this weekend. should have it done it 2 days. would be sooner but its cold and i want the rtv to have to time seal up.

[saturnspeed_12]

GOT A LITTLE PROBLEM!!!!

the elbow that goes from the water pump housing (or wherever) to the intake maifold broke!!!!! it broke on both sides right where the o-ring goes. now i cant exactly seem to find the part, most likely going to be dealer part, or does it like only come with lets say the water pump?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by saturnspeed_12

GOT A LITTLE PROBLEM!!!!

the elbow that goes from the water pump housing (or wherever) to the intake maifold broke!!!!! it broke on both sides right where the o-ring goes. now i cant exactly seem to find the part, most likely going to be dealer part, or does it like only come with lets say the water pump?

Normally the 90 degree elbow from the intake to the tensioner is dealer only and runs around $8.00. I heard a company named Motormite makes them for around $3.00 but I don't know which auto parts store carries it.

[saturnspeed_12]

well i figured it would be cheap, but i didnt want to go to the dealer since i hate trying to get to the one here. its a pain. so i was hoping i could find it at an auto parts store since its not an electrical item or major mechanical item.

but thanks for letting me know it can be bought seperately. i know some of these stupid little parts that normally break, you have to go buy another piece. but i guess ive got time to find it since im not getting the injectors till friday.