How Much Does It Cost to Remove an Intake Manifold?

Expect to pay roughly $250–$900 in labor for intake manifold removal and reinstallation on common vehicles in the U.S., with parts and fluids bringing the typical total to $300–$1,100. On larger, turbocharged, or luxury European engines, the job can run $900–$2,000+ and occasionally exceed $3,000 when access is difficult or additional services are required. Prices vary by engine layout, shop labor rate, and whether related parts (gaskets, coolant, PCV components) are replaced.

What You’re Paying For

Removing an intake manifold is primarily a labor job that often requires replacing gaskets and, on some engines, draining and refilling coolant. The following points explain how shops build the estimate.

• Labor hours: Simple four-cylinders may take 1.5–3.0 hours; many V6/V8 or tight engine bays require 3–7 hours; complex turbo/supercharged or European setups can take 6–12 hours.
• Labor rate: Independent shops typically charge $90–$160/hr; dealerships commonly run $130–$215/hr; some metro markets reach $250/hr.
• Parts/consumables: Intake manifold gaskets ($20–$120), throttle body/EGR/PCV O-rings ($5–$40), coolant ($20–$40), and cleaners/sealants ($5–$20).
• Add-ons that may be recommended: PCV components, vacuum hoses, thermostat, spark plugs/coils (on V6 engines where the manifold blocks access), or intake runner flaps/actuators if worn.

Together, these elements determine whether your bill stays on the low end for a straightforward inline-4 or rises for complex engines or when preventive parts are replaced “while we’re in there.”

Typical Price Ranges by Vehicle Type

The engine’s design and packaging drive the cost more than the make or model. Here’s how estimates commonly shake out.

• Compact/midsize inline-4 (upper manifold only): 1.5–3.0 labor hours. Labor $180–$750; with gaskets/fluids, $250–$650 total.
• Transverse V6 (front-drive sedans/SUVs): 3–5 hours. Labor $350–$1,000; with parts, $450–$1,100 total.
• Longitudinal V6/V8 (trucks/SUVs, RWD sedans): 4–7 hours. Labor $450–$1,400; with parts, $550–$1,600 total.
• Turbocharged/direct-injection or supercharged engines: 5–9+ hours. Labor $600–$2,200+ depending on plumbing and emissions gear.
• European luxury/performance (Audi/BMW/Mercedes/Porsche): 6–12 hours. Labor $900–$3,000; added costs if carbon cleaning or PCV assemblies are due.

Most mainstream cars fall near the middle of these bands; wide ranges reflect differences in local labor rates and how much has to come off for access.

Removal Only vs. Gasket Replacement vs. Manifold Replacement

Shops rarely “remove only” unless it’s for access to another repair; they must reinstall and usually replace gaskets to avoid vacuum or coolant leaks. If you’re doing intake manifold gasket replacement, expect totals similar to the ranges above. If the manifold itself is cracked or warped, add the price of the manifold: plastic units often $150–$450; aluminum $300–$900+, pushing totals to $500–$1,500+ on common vehicles and higher on European models.

Illustrative Cost Examples (2024–2025 U.S.)

The following examples reflect typical book times and current shop rates; your quote may differ based on region and vehicle condition.

• 2015 Honda Civic 1.8L (I-4): 2.0–2.5 hours. Labor $240–$540; gaskets/fluids $30–$60; total $300–$700.
• 2017 Toyota Camry 2.5L (I-4): 2.0–3.0 hours. Labor $240–$645; parts $30–$80; total $300–$725.
• 2014 Ford F-150 5.0L (V8): 4.0–5.5 hours. Labor $450–$1,000; parts $40–$100; total $550–$1,100.
• 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 3.6L (V6, transverse): 4.5–6.0 hours. Labor $500–$1,200; parts $40–$100; total $600–$1,300.
• 2016 BMW 535i (N55 turbo I-6): 5.0–7.0 hours. Labor $650–$1,500; parts $50–$120; total $750–$1,700. Optional walnut-shell carbon cleaning adds $300–$600.
• 2014 Audi S4 3.0T (supercharged V6): 6.0–8.0 hours. Labor $900–$2,000; parts $60–$150; total $1,000–$2,150.

Engines with direct injection, charge-air plumbing, or tight packaging often trend toward higher labor times and costs.

Factors That Move the Price Up or Down

Several variables can meaningfully affect your final estimate beyond the base labor time.

• Engine layout and access: Transverse V6/V8 and forced-induction engines often require more disassembly.
• Upper vs. lower intake: Lower manifolds may involve coolant passages and more sensors/lines.
• Seized or brittle hardware: Corrosion or aging plastics can add time for extraction and replacement.
• Emissions/ancillary systems: EGR coolers, secondary air, or intake runner controls add steps.
• “While you’re in there” items: PCV assemblies, vacuum lines, thermostats, and spark plugs under the manifold can be cost-effective to replace now.
• Shop type and region: Dealer vs. independent rates and local cost-of-living differences are significant.

Clarifying these factors with the shop helps you understand the estimate and avoid surprises on the bill.

What’s Usually Included in the Service

Beyond simply unbolting the manifold, technicians follow procedures to ensure reliable reassembly and sealing.

• Battery disconnect and fuel system pressure relief where applicable.
• Removal of intake ducting, throttle body, sensors, vacuum and EVAP lines, and often fuel rails/injectors.
• Careful labeling of connectors and hoses to prevent misrouting.
• Cleaning gasket surfaces and installing new gaskets/O-rings to spec.
• Torqueing bolts in the correct sequence and to factory specifications.
• Refilling/bleeding coolant if drained, scanning for codes, and test driving to verify no leaks or misfires.

A thorough process reduces the risk of vacuum leaks, coolant seepage, or drivability issues after the repair.

How to Save Money

Even on a labor-heavy job, you can manage costs with timing and shop selection.

• Bundle maintenance: Replace hard-to-reach spark plugs, PCV parts, or thermostats while the manifold is off.
• Compare quotes: Ask for the flat-rate time for “R&R intake manifold” and request an itemized parts list.
• Choose a qualified independent shop: Often lower rates than dealers with ASE-certified techs.
• Ask about carbon cleaning packages on direct-injection engines to avoid repeat labor later.
• Check for TSBs or extended warranties on known manifold issues for your vehicle.

Clear communication and smart timing can keep the job closer to the low end of the typical range.

DIY Considerations

Experienced DIYers can save labor costs, but there are risks. Plan for 2–8+ hours depending on the vehicle, a torque wrench, service manual procedures, and new gaskets/O-rings ($30–$120). Missteps can cause vacuum or coolant leaks, broken connectors, or check-engine lights; if in doubt, a professional may be more cost-effective than rework.

Bottom Line

For most vehicles, removing and reinstalling an intake manifold costs $300–$1,100 including gaskets and fluids, driven mainly by labor hours and local rates. Large, turbo/supercharged, or European engines frequently run $900–$2,000+, with outliers higher. Get a line-item estimate that lists labor hours, rate, and parts, and consider bundling related maintenance to maximize value.

Summary

Intake manifold removal is a labor-intensive job whose cost hinges on engine complexity and shop rates. Common cars see $250–$900 in labor and $300–$1,100 total with parts and fluids; complex or luxury models can cost significantly more. Clarify what’s included, consider add-on maintenance while access is open, and compare quotes to control the final bill.

How much does it cost to remove a manifold?

According to our research, the exhaust manifold replacement cost (UK) usually ranges between £150 and £850. The average exhaust manifold replacement cost works out at approximately £420, including parts and labour.

Is it worth replacing an intake manifold?

Cracks or Damage: If the intake manifold has visible cracks, warping, or other structural damage, it should be replaced to ensure proper engine function. Severe Corrosion: In cases where the manifold is corroded (common in aluminum manifolds), it may be more effective to replace the entire unit.

How much is labor to replace intake manifold?

Intake manifold labor costs vary significantly but typically fall between $270 and $500 for gasket replacement, though some repairs can exceed $800, with the total cost depending on the specific vehicle, labor rates, and whether the manifold itself needs replacing. The main reason for the high labor cost is that the entire intake manifold must be removed to access the gasket or any other components. 
Factors influencing labor costs

• Vehicle Make and Model: The complexity and accessibility of the intake manifold vary greatly between cars, directly impacting labor time. 
• Labor Rates: Independent shops often charge $120-$180 per hour, while dealerships can charge $250 or more, notes a Reddit thread. 
• Severity of the Issue: A simple gasket replacement is less labor-intensive than a full manifold replacement or dealing with carbon buildup. 
• Shop Location: Prices can differ based on geographical location and the specific shop. 
• Additional Services: Some repairs include engine cleaning or other services, which adds to the overall cost. 

Typical ranges for intake manifold labor 

• Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement: Opens in new tabLabor costs for replacing just the gasket can range from approximately $270 to $450, while the parts are significantly less.
• Intake Manifold Replacement: Opens in new tabIf the manifold itself is cracked, it will be more expensive to replace, with labor costs potentially rising significantly.

To get an accurate estimate

• Contact your local mechanic or dealership: They can provide a detailed quote based on your specific vehicle’s make and model. 
• Use online estimators: Websites like RepairPal offer fair price estimators that can give you a more precise range for your location. 

How long does it take to replace an intake manifold?

Replacing an intake manifold can take anywhere from less than an hour for simple, older, or TBI-equipped engines to several hours for more complex, turbocharged, or newer engines, with experienced DIYers completing the job in 3-5 hours and professional mechanics taking 2-5 hours depending on vehicle complexity. The total time depends on the specific vehicle’s engine design, the difficulty of accessing the manifold, the need to remove other components like coolant lines or sensors, and the mechanic’s skill level. 
Factors influencing replacement time:

• Engine type: Simple V-engine intakes on older American trucks are quicker to replace than those on complex European turbos. 
• Accessibility: The position of the manifold—whether it’s easy to reach or buried under other components—significantly affects the labor time. 
• Additional tasks: While the intake is off, mechanics often perform other necessary maintenance, like replacing fuel injector O-rings, checking banjo bolts, or replacing the thermostat housing. 
• Skill level: A beginner might spend a whole weekend on the job, while an experienced mechanic could finish in a fraction of that time. 

Example timeframes:

• Simple engines: Opens in new tabSome TBI (Throttle Body Injection) truck engines or older 350 SBC engines have intake manifolds that can be replaced in under an hour. 
• More complex engines: Opens in new tabA typical replacement on a modern engine can take 3 to 5 hours for an experienced DIYer or a professional. 
• Turbocharged engines: Opens in new tabThe complexity of a turbo adds difficulty and time, with some Euro specialists estimating around 3.1 hours, plus diagnostic time. 

What to expect:

• Preparation: Draining coolant and disconnecting vacuum lines and electrical connectors are standard initial steps. 
• Removal: You will need to remove the manifold bolts and carefully lift the manifold. 
• Gasket replacement: Thoroughly cleaning the mating surfaces on the cylinder head and engine block is crucial before installing the new gasket. 
• Reassembly: Reinstalling the manifold with proper torque specifications and then refilling the coolant are the final steps.