:? Just putting my '02 Series II back together, after doing the intake manifold changes BEFORE they fail. The lower intake gaskets looked like maybe they would go another 40 to 50k miles before failing (-car has 44k on it). Put in Victor gaskets this time (from NAPA) -looked just like the Fel Pro I used on the '99 engine.

BUT here is the interesting part: The factory stock EGR tube in the LIM on this 2002 Series II is now MUCH SMALLER than what I had on the '99. In fact, if I measured correctly, the egr tube is .625" in diameter, and the hole in the plastic UIM is still .750" SO, obviously, GM must have figured out that they need to leave an air gap between that hot egr tube, and the plastic UIM. DUH -even "double DUH !!"

The plastic showed no signs of degredation, but since I had a "Ken-Co" kit on hand, I did go ahead and install the metal sleeve in the UIM. BUT, I was able to leave the lower tube alone.

Has anyone else found this same thing ?? I wonder when did GM make the change?? :?:

Hi Harry long time no see, great write up.

Hope you took some pictures.

Thanks, -yes I did take a couple of pics. -I'll have to get one of my computer-minded sons to show me how to send them in a reply.

I have my car going to my Buick mechanic Saturday to get new upper lower and vcg replaced, he said he was under the impression the change happened around the end of 99 or early 2000. No facts to back this up however. When I am there I will check the parts catalog to see what the lower intake part numbers look like for the different years.

gmtorque Hey Thank You. that will be good to know. (-I had checked with the Pontiac dealer'* parts dept, and quite frankly got essentially no where. He checked the LIM on his computer, and came up with the same part number for all years.) But at least he was honest enough to say that what he suspects is that the new number "superscedes" all of the previous numbers -whatever they might have been.)

And I do have to say, that from GM'* perspective, if it really is a case of a new number supersceding all previous numbers, then GM has made a very smart move. The new part with the smaller EGR standpipe will definitely be a smart move.

Do the dealers even have printed parts books anymore, what with the total computer invasion ??

Be sure to let us know what you find

Harry

-Oh say, could someone tell me what is the best way to go about posting a couple of digital photos on this thread ?? (-I have them on my Kodak easy-share, which I download onto PC, and then usually use ACDC to view, etc.) -it will probably be a matter of doing something with a couple of .jpg files, I suppose. But last time I posted a couple of pics on a BC thread, the photos turned out REALLY LARGE. -like WAY BIGGER than full screen,,,

Is there a different part number for the reduced diameter tube? If so, does anyknow know what it is?