Thread: Dorman Upper intake manifold over APN

Hello Everyone,

My UIM is 21 years old, no leaks or overheating for the past 10 years of ownership. I am planning to do a upgrade on UIM and LIM. Luckily Dorman UIM 615180 is on sale (wholesale clear out) for $40 on Rockauto, while APN costs $67. Is it worth to buy Dorman over APN UIM on sale?

I'm assuming that this in on a 2000 GT judging by the age of the UIM. I'm not sure what "upgraded" lower intake manifold you have planned but there isn't one that I'm aware of, unless you are referring to the aluminum LIM gaskets which are much needed at this point in it's life.

I would go with the Dorman unit as it has served me well on both my 95 Bonne and my 00 GT with no issues. I probably have well over 150K on the Dorman one on my GT by now. I've run them on a few other 3800's in the past and none have come back with a failure.

Do you think if I even touch UIM and LIM given I don't have any problem?

Honestly it's up to you. If you're not having any issues and keep the coolant changed on schedule and aren't loosing any coolant at all (not even from the resivoir) then I'd pass. The previous owner may have already had the LIM gaskets changed to the aluminum ones.

If you look closely between where the LIM, head and block meet on the front side of the motor you can tell which one is there. If you see black plastic then it's an OEM one. If there is alum. then it's been upgraded and fixed the known issue. You may have to clean this area off a bit to see it as it may be covered up with junk.

It goes like the old saying...if it ain't broke don't fix it! I'm sure its been done already unless you have extraordinary low miles like under 100k