3.8l Intake failure and why I love it

[Mechtech]

So far I've bought three cars on the cheap because of the intake failures. Lower gaskets (good ones), new plenum, belt tensioner, serp. belt, new water pump, spark plugs, wire set, thermostat and oil filter. Sent to my door $304.43 at Rock. Example at Carmax 2003 Pontiac Bonneville SLE 4D Sedan $10,998 49k miles. Private sale from someone with an estimate for the above work from a shop $3,000-$4,000. If you spend the big money at Carmax you still may have to do the same repairs.

Another way to look at the intake problems is as a maintenance item, 90k service. The price of the intake upgrades is less than a V6 timing belt job at retail (belt kit, seals, water pump).

Find them cars and buy cheap for fun and profit.