i have a 1998 regal whit 113,000 km on it the intake is original 1997 stamping i know this car as not been driven hard before but does the fact that in montreal the weather is colder help these intake to last longer i have a dorman intake that i will sleeve just in case don

I think there'* some confusion here. Either I'm confused, or we're missing a vital detail.

I don't think anyone ever claimed that the 2000+ models were safe from UIM failure because of a change made to the UIM itself. The remedy for the problem, introduced in 1999, was a different LIM with smaller EGR bore and stovepipe. The LIM difference is what keeps the late model cars safe, not a difference in the UIM.

For this reason, I don't think it matters when EK98'* UIM was manufactured. What matters more is the size of his EGR stovepipe. He could be running a brand new AC Delco UIM, and it wouldn't matter if he had the larger-bore stovepipe. This is likely the case, being that he drives a '98 and most likely has a '98 LIM. If he had a '99+ LIM, it might be cause for concern.

Again, to reiterate, I am under the impression that the date of UIM manufacture has little to do with UIM failure. It has more to do with the vintage of the LIM, because the '99+ models had the smaller EGR bore for more insulating air gap. A '98 LIM will generally compromise any composite intake, regardless of manufacture, due to the larger EGR stovepipe.

We've already seen 2000 cars fail the UIM here, and have reports from known mechanics that they're starting to see them too. It may be delayed due to design changes, but it'* still beginning to happen.

<raising hand>... victim here... most likely twice over. I replaced the UIM & gasket (and LIM gasket) at 59k miles this past June. The date stamp on the UIM was 2002.... my car was made in June of 2000... :?:

Which is why I FIRMLY believe that the Dillon intake produced here, coupled with the Buttermore reduced-diameter stovepipe (produced here also) are the BEST solution to the problem, but only when USED TOGETHER. In addition, either purging the DEXcool for a more mild coolant and/or using the aluminum framed LIM gaskets is the insurance you need on an L36.

How many have seen the sad state of the OEM LIM gaskets? The degradation is a direct result of the poor qualities of DEXcool. The plastic actually erodes.

My recipe for L36 longevity (yes, I've experienced it personally on an L36):

1. Dillon intake. Unless Dorman starts sleeving them, this is the ONLY intake to buy.
2. Buttermore reduced-diameter EGR stovepipe.
3. New AC-Delco ALUMINUM framed LIM gaskets.
4. GET THE DEXCOOL OUT OF THERE!

With these 4 (in my opinion) taken care of, for a grand total of UNDER $200, you will not run any more chance of losing an engine than any L27 or L67 on this Forum.

I was just trying to point out that the supposed "safety" of '99+ L36 cars doesn't have anything to do with the build date of the UIM. Those cars were supposedly better because of the revised LIM. Whether they actually are better or not is questionable.

Bill, do you not like the APN intake? It comes pre-sleeved from the factory.

Why would I like or prefer that one? The Dillon intake is only $60.

My previous question about the APN unit was in regards to this statement:
I was just making sure the APN option was well-known. And yes, I agree that the Dillon unit is much more cost effective. However, if a person wanted a brand new intake for some reason, the APN UIM might be a better choice than the Dorman (at this point in time, anyway).

I was also asking about the APN unit because I thought there may be something about the design that you didn't like.

I've never seen an APN. But I have seen a Dillon. Had it in my hands, and installed it. It was a great opportunity to really see the possibilities. I can tell you there'* simply no way it will fail in the EGR port area, particularly if coupled with a buttermore stovepipe.

I firmly believe it'* a permanent solution IF it'* done correctly, and that it can be done for under $200 total (not including labor).