I'm new to this site and I've heard about the "Dorman" Intake. Is this the same one offered at Automotive Parts Network .com ? :?
I just ordered their UIM Kit and they say that the common failure problem will disappear.
It cost $115 with shipping and comes with the UI gasket. I'm not sure if it comes with the TB gasket though?
After much reading here I will now replace LIM gasket, change Oil and say prayers that my bearings don't go out.

96 Bonne, STEAM GENERATOR, 138000miles, first major problem.

No, the Dorman and the APN are different uppers. The APN is the better bet, as it has the metal shield in the intake for the EGR pipe. Read this techinfo article..

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...e=article&k=38

and do a search for APN, and look for posts by Bill Buttermore. He has done a lot or research and work on the UIM problem.

Welcome to the group.

According to the link, it does also include TB gasket:

http://www.autopn.com/store/pc/viewP...product=229679

I'm in the middle of doing a "repair" LIM gasket job on my Mother-in-Law'* 98 Olds 88, and will soon be doing a "preventive" LIM gasket job on my 98 LeSabre. After researching the options, if either car need(ed) a new UIM, the AutoPartsNetwork package would easily be my first choice.

(Luckily, the Olds' UIM passes inspection, so instead I am going with a new FEL-PRO UIM gasket set and a Bill Buttermore shielded EGR stovepipe)

Thanks for the info Archon & agrazela.
My upper didn't crack but when I was cleaning the gasket surface it started to distort/crumble around the TB water / exhaust area. I'm not pressed for time so I did a little research and upgraded. The old one could 've done the job long enough to sell "Bonne" but she ain't goin nowhere!
Should I use the OEM LIM gasket or felpro. I think ya'll believe the OEM is better????

The new aluminum-framed LIM gaskets will be the last gaskets you'll ever need to replace. I would personally return what you have and buy the new AC Delco'*. You can get them from www.intense-racing now.

That UIM kit has the reduced diameter stovepipe, right?

Last thing I'd strongly suggest is to flush all the DEX out of the car when you're done and replace it with Dex-compatible Prestone Long-Life. It'* the 3rd evil.

UIM erosion
LIM gasket erosion
DEX

These three are satan reincarnated.

I bought the AC Delco aluminum frame LIMG today. $50. I'm glad I am trying to do it right 'cause when I took off the lower Manifold, if it wasn't leaking it would soon start.

:?: Stovepipe?? Not sure whatcha mean. Are you talking about the somewhat J tube coming from the passenger side under a "doo-dad" pointing towards the throttle body held by the UIM gasket? Or are you talking about where the Exhaust enters from the Lower into the Upper?? Either way, I'm waiting for the APN UIM to arrive... probably Thursday.

No DexACool , got it , I'll return it too NAPA and get the Preston Dex compatible.


I emptied the radiator and the oil pan. Didn't see any water in the oil nor was it milky. I've been running Royal Purple since about 40k miles, the inside was clean. It looked like the coolant might've had oil in it though. I'm gonna run it with water to flush it out good before I put antifreez back in.

The J-tube is part of the pcv system. The stovepipe enters the bottom of the UIM from the LIM just behind the TB.

Here'* a picture of the UIM on a '99 L36 which shows the stovepipe.

And this is what your APN upper will look like when you install it with the new stovepipe that comes with the kit. Compare that to the picture that Archon posted. You don't need an engineering degree to figure out that the APN upper is protected from the hot exhaust gas by the heat shield in the UIM bore and by the insulating gap provided by the smaller stovepipe. As you have a '96, the APN stovepipe will fit right into your lower intake manifold after you remove the stock stovepipe that puts the heat right against the plastic.

Thanks for the pics and explanations. They have been very helpful.
One more thing, Tourque specs for the LIM to the heads and Upper to the Lower?????