intake manifold?

[rhythmdev]

I took my 99 Grand Am SE (V6) into my local service station due to the check engine light and some rough running. they called me back and gave me an estimate of $200 on sparkplugs to be replaced and $550 to replace a leaking intake manifold. Am I being bilked? Thanks in advance.

[Knifeblade]

I dunno about the intake manifold, but that doesn't sound too far off.

Getting to the back bank of plugs is a bear, so unless you can do that yourself, shop around a bit at some other shops.

I think 2 bills is a bit high for the plugs.

[Ridenour]

I think 200 is a bit too high for plugs - do em yourself if possible or at least have a shop do them.

As far as the intake manifold, I believe you're referring to the notorious LIM (Lower Intake Manifold) gasket issue. The gasket on our grand am's is famous for leaking and mixing coolant with oil and other such bad things. 550 $ is about right for that with labor. You can do it yourself for about 80$, but I've heard of dealers charging anywhere from 400 to 700 for it, so 550 sounds right on the money, for a dealer. If you aren't going to do it yourself, I would reccomend at least having a well known shop do it instead.