This is on a 97 3.8l 6. So I need to replace my upper intake manifold, but I can't find anywhere that sells them... I searched a lot, but no luck. Anyone know of anywhere that sells them, or have any brand recommendations?

 

Unfortunatly this manifold was only used on Camaro and Firebird and only from 95-98. Wrecking yards should be able to supply you with one or some one parting out a car. I am not sure if GM can still get them for you but that would be the last option. The 99-02 intakes will not work for your engine. The TBW system does not have an Idle Air Control valve and the mountings for the throttle body are totally different as well.

Massey

 

Well shoot. Thanks for the info.

 

Real quick update: snagged one in good condition off ebay for 50 bucks including shipping (pretty good deal considering all the other ones I could find were 70-80), I'll post up pics of the swap when I get it.

 

Nice Find. You going to paint it or leave it the rough metal finish?

 

I'm planning on painting it the same color as the body (hunter green) if I can find a suitable match. I'm thinking of dropping the motor out so that it's easier, but also because I think I'm gonna replace the head gasket, because I don't know when it was last replaced (if ever), and I just like having room to work. The previous owner wasn't very good with maintenance, so I'm thinking it's a case of better safe than sorry. If I do, it should make for a more interesting thread.

 

Head gaskets on those motors really shouldnt need to be changed, but if you are doing it for some cheap insurance then my advice would be to drop the motor for sure to do this. Its not easy with the motor in the car. Take a look at my pics, you can see I waited to put the heads on after I put the motor in the car. I wouldnt do that again! Lesson learned.

 

Ya these engine suck for working on. You can also just drop the engine a few inches but undoing your k frame and lift the car up. You'll gain 6 or so inches doing that.

 

Update: received the new (to me, it was used) manifold today. There's a good amount of build-up on it, and I'm not sure what I can and can't use to clean it. Is there any reason I can't just use engine degreaser to clean it inside and out?

 

Use throttle body cleaner on the inside. It's safe to burn if it gets in your engine. For the exterior engine degreaser is good. Some guys like to use simple green as it seams to work better then the degreaser. If you want to smooth it out sum use a wire wheel. That'll also remove alot of the gunk aswell.