How many miles will the car last?

18k since Nov!!

it'* a little more complex than that

i have a 96 w/original intakes with nary a leak in sight and over 100 mark on miles - it'* more than miles - there was somthin about the original lower (which i have *not* been able to track down yet) that caused them to have different egr stovepipe characteristics. not sure if it'* a metalurgical thing going on or not, but it seems that different lower intakes have more or less distortion because of the egr.

as for dorman intakes, like willwren said, we haven't seen one fail yet. no real way to know if one will - it does have the extra beef. now the real tossup is if that'* enough beef, but i wouldn't worry myself too much about it - just continue checking your coolant level at oil changes (never a good idea to just ignore it anyway), but don't feel like you have to be as paranoid as you were before - you do have extra protection.

side note: i do work for gm, but do not take this as an official saying or word from gm, cause i really do like my job

Excellent info guys.
I always suspected the EGR stove pipe configuration and possible lower intake design.
Jr. What is the changed torque spec for 95 -97 as mentioned?

hi

i monitor the coolant as i check the oil. i drive probably a great deal more than most of you ( averaging 1200m /wk ) , and routinely do UOA to check on how things are this is why I would never use a "conical" air cleaner due to the si.

Good write up Matt and thanks for doing a little digging

When i installed the Dorman upper intake on my 98 Regal LS, I torqued the manifold bolts and the throttle body nuts to about 89 in-lbs after asking the dealer for the torque values.My Haynes manual also spec'd 89 in lbs.My Chilton'* said something outlandish like 20 FT Lbs.If memory serves correctly,the lower manifold bolts were supposed to be torqued to 11 FT lbs.Even at 89 inch lbs it seemed like alot of clamping force on that plastic manifold and alot of torque on those skinny studs that hold the throttle body on.So far no problems (it'* only been 3 months) and you'll have to pardon me for still questioning 11 FT lbs in this application.

Has anyone torqued their upper to 11 ft lbs.
So many different manuals not agreeing is confusing.
Maybe I'll pick a number between 7.5 & 11.

I torqued my upper an lower to 11ft lbs (~132 in lbs). It didn't seem like to much. I just followed the bolt pattern shown in my chiltons manual and it seems fine. It seems like it is almost a standard for the silicon gaskets. I believe that is the torque specs. for the oil pan also. The plastic gaskets can take a lot of pressure but it needs to get a good seal with the silicone.

<timely bump for those who haven't read this info before>

matt

I'm going to search the junk yards for a 2000 or newer stove pipe although
its hard to find one with an engine in it.
If it looks different I'll let everyone know and be sure to buy it.
Only problem.....it pouring rain today in the east.......