I am currently gathering parts for a lower intake job on a 04 impala 3.4
I made a trip to a Chevy dealership to get an ac delco lower intake gasket kit, part number 89017559. Apparently, there is an updated, "aluminum", gasket now instead of the plastic design. The problem is, just by looking at the gasket through the packaging, it looks like it's plastic and NOT aluminum; but from a little internet exploring, gm only has 1 gasket for that motor, it sure doesn't look aluminum though (comparing it side by side to the fel-pro design). Also, the gm gasket does NOT come with any rtv, and its a 1 piece gasket (no rubber strips for the sides). So, does this gasket not need any rtv? Maybe its only the 3.8's that have the separate rubber strips?
All that being said, it makes me wonder if I should have just gotten the fel-pro gasket kit from oreilly that comes with pretty much everything and close to the same price as the gm gasket. Except this engine already had the lower intake replaced with the fel-pro kit and is leaking again (~20,000 miles later).
AC Delco gasket:
More Information for ACDELCO 89017559
Fel-Pro gasket:
More Information for FEL-PRO MS98003T
This guy looks interesting too for $90. Comes with everything, including manifold bolts, and valve cover nut grommets for which together are like an extra $30 alone. Although, I have never heard of the brand.
More Information for VICTOR REINZ MIS16259WB