How much does it cost to replace an inlet manifold?

Expect to pay roughly $350–$2,000+ in the U.S. for an inlet (intake) manifold replacement, depending on the vehicle, part type, and labor time; budget £300–£1,200 in the U.K., CA$500–CA$2,300 in Canada, and AU$600–AU$2,200 in Australia. Costs escalate for premium brands, V6/V8 engines, turbo-diesels, and manifolds with integrated runners, actuators, or coolant passages, where totals can reach $2,500–$4,000. Below is a detailed breakdown of what drives price, regional norms, and how to save.

What drives the price of an inlet manifold replacement

The total bill is a combination of parts, labor hours, and any additional items required during the job. These are the key variables.

• Vehicle and engine layout: Inline-4 engines are usually cheaper (simpler access) than V6/V8s and some transverse turbo engines. Premium European brands often cost more due to parts and labor complexity.
• Part design and material: Basic plastic/composite manifolds are cheaper than cast aluminum. Units with integrated manifold runner controls, swirl flaps, EGR passages, or coolant crossovers cost more.
• Labor time: Typical book time is 2–6 hours; complicated packaging, brittle connectors, or carbon buildup can add hours.
• Related parts and supplies: Gaskets, seals, PCV hoses, vacuum lines, throttle body or MAP sensor seals, and coolant (if the manifold is coolant-fed) add to the bill.
• Region and shop rate: Independent U.S. shops often charge $100–$150/hour; dealerships can run $160–$250+. Similar variations exist in other countries.
• OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM costs more but may fit and last better; quality aftermarket can be 10–40% cheaper.

Understanding these factors helps explain why quotes vary widely, even for seemingly similar cars.

Typical cost ranges by region (2025)

These ballpark figures reflect current parts pricing and prevailing labor rates for 2025. Your vehicle’s engine layout and brand can push costs toward either end of the range.

United States

For most mainstream vehicles:

• Parts: $150–$1,200 (higher for integrated runner/EGR/coolant designs or premium brands)
• Labor: 2–6 hours at ~$100–$250/hour
• Total typical: $350–$2,000+

German luxury, turbo-diesels, or complex V6/V8 intakes can land between $1,500–$4,000 when parts and labor stack up.

United Kingdom

For common models serviced at independents or franchised dealers:

• Parts: £120–£900
• Labor: 2–6 hours at ~£60–£150/hour
• Total typical: £300–£1,200 (premium/complex: £1,500–£2,500)

London and Southeast England often sit at the higher end due to labor rates.

Canada

Based on national averages for parts availability and shop rates:

• Parts: CA$200–CA$1,400
• Labor: 2–6 hours at ~CA$120–CA$180/hour
• Total typical: CA$500–CA$2,300

Northern and remote areas may see higher totals due to shipping and limited shop options.

Australia

Reflecting metro labor rates in 2025:

• Parts: AU$250–AU$1,600
• Labor: 2–6 hours at ~AU$110–AU$200/hour
• Total typical: AU$600–AU$2,200

Premium European models and late turbo-diesels frequently exceed the upper end due to parts and time.

Example scenarios (illustrative)

These examples show how engine design and brand can shift pricing. Actual quotes vary by condition and region.

• Compact I4 sedan/hatch (e.g., 1.8–2.0L non-turbo): Parts $200–$350; labor 2–3 hours; total $450–$900.
• Ford F-150 5.4 V8 (older composite manifold): Parts $250–$450; labor 3–5 hours; total $600–$1,300.
• VW/Audi 2.0 TFSI with runner flap: Parts $250–$500 (aftermarket/OEM); labor 3–4 hours; total $650–$1,200.
• BMW/Mercedes V6/V8 with variable runners: Parts $600–$1,100; labor 4–6 hours; total $1,200–$2,200.
• BMW diesel with swirl flaps: Parts £250–£500; labor 3–5 hours; total £500–£1,100.

If significant carbon cleaning, injector seals, or additional sensors are needed, add parts and 1–2 labor hours.

Can you replace just the gasket?

Often, yes—if the manifold isn’t cracked or warped. An intake manifold gasket-only job typically runs $100–$500 in the U.S. (or regional equivalents), depending on access and whether coolant or fuel rails must be disturbed. However, if the manifold is leaking coolant (on designs with coolant crossovers), has broken internal flaps/actuators, or is cracked, replacing the entire unit is the safer fix.

Symptoms that point to manifold or gasket failure

Recognizing the signs can help you decide whether repair or replacement is needed.

• Rough idle, hissing sounds, or lean codes (e.g., P0171/P0174)
• Misfires and loss of power, especially at specific RPMs (runner/flap faults)
• Coolant smell, puddles, or unexplained coolant loss (coolant-fed manifolds)
• Check-engine light with runner control or swirl flap codes
• Fuel odor or high fuel trims from vacuum leaks
• External cracks, oil residue near junctions, or broken vacuum ports

A smoke test and scan-tool diagnostics usually confirm whether it’s a gasket leak, actuator failure, or a cracked housing.

How to keep costs down

These practical steps can reduce your outlay without compromising reliability.

• Get 2–3 quotes: Compare independent specialist vs. dealer; ask for line-item parts and labor hours.
• Consider quality aftermarket: A reputable brand can save 10–40% vs. OEM; verify warranty and fitment.
• Bundle logical add-ons: Gaskets, PCV and vacuum hoses, throttle body or MAP seals—cheap to do now, costly later.
• Ask about carbon cleaning: On direct-injection engines, a walnut blast while the manifold is off can prevent repeat labor.
• Check TSBs and coverage: Some intake runner actuators or emissions-related components may be covered under extended or emissions warranties; review technical service bulletins.
• DIY only if confident: You’ll need torque specs, a pattern, and a scan tool for relearns; mistakes can cause leaks and codes.

Balancing part quality with smart timing and verified labor estimates typically offers the best value.

What the job involves and typical time

Shops price labor off standardized time guides, adjusted for real-world access. Here’s the common workflow.

• Battery safeing and fuel/coolant relief if required
• Removing intake ducting, sensors, fuel rail/throttle body as needed
• Detaching vacuum, PCV, and coolant connections
• Unbolting the manifold, cleaning mating surfaces, and inspecting ports
• Installing new gaskets/manifold, torqued in sequence to spec
• Reassembly, coolant refill/bleed if applicable, and scan-tool resets (idle/throttle relearn)
• Verification: Smoke test, test drive, and code check

Most mainstream jobs take 2–4 hours; complex packaging, brittle hoses, or carbon cleaning can extend to 5–7 hours.

Quick answers to common questions

These brief Q&As address frequent concerns owners have at estimate time.

• Is driving with a bad manifold safe? Short trips with minor vacuum leaks are usually possible, but misfires or coolant leaks risk engine damage; avoid extended driving.
• Do I need a tune afterward? No tune; but many cars require throttle/idle relearn. Some models need adaptations reset with a scan tool.
• Will fuel economy improve? Yes, if the leak or runner fault caused lean operation or poor mixing; expect incremental gains.
• Should I replace injectors or plugs at the same time? Only if due or contaminated; it’s cost-effective while access is open.

If your quote includes extras, ask the shop to explain each line item and whether it’s preventative or essential.

Summary

Replacing an inlet manifold typically costs $350–$2,000+ in the U.S. (with comparable ranges in other regions), driven by part complexity, labor time, and brand. Simple I4 engines with basic manifolds sit at the low end; complex V6/V8 and premium European models can climb well above $2,000. Verify whether a gasket-only repair is viable, get multiple quotes, consider reputable aftermarket parts, and address related hoses and seals while access is open to avoid repeat labor.

Can you drive with a broken inlet manifold?

It’s crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to the engine and its internal components. Although driving short distances with a broken manifold gasket may be manageable for the time being, it’s advisable to avoid long trips for safety reasons.

How serious is an intake manifold needing repair?

If the gasket has failed, oil or coolant may seep into the combustion chamber, causing excessive exhaust smoke. Also, fuel economy and performance will suffer if the mixture burned by the cylinders is either too rich or too lean. Finally, the car’s check engine light will come on if the intake manifold is bad.

Is it worth replacing the intake manifold?

Is It Worth Replacing the Damaged Intake Manifold? Short answer – yes. A damaged intake manifold can cause vacuum leaks, letting extra air into the engine and disrupting the precise air-fuel mixture needed for efficient combustion. This can spell trouble for your engine’s performance.

Is replacing a manifold expensive?

Replacing an exhaust or intake manifold costs vary, but on average, expect the total to be around $1,300 to $1,600 for an exhaust manifold replacement and potentially more for an intake manifold, as it’s a complex part. The price depends on your vehicle’s make and model, the complexity of the exhaust system, and whether any additional parts like gaskets or bolts need to be replaced. 
Exhaust Manifold Replacement 

• Average Cost: Approximately $1,329 to $1,534, including parts and labor, according to SoFi and RepairPal.
• Parts Cost: Around $1,016 to $1,075.
• Labor Cost: Estimated at $341 to $501.

Intake Manifold Replacement

• Cost: This can be a very expensive repair, with some costs exceeding $1,500, as seen in an example from JustAnswer. 
• Considerations: Intake manifolds are often the first part enthusiasts upgrade for performance, but replacement can be costly due to complexity and the labor involved. 

Factors Influencing Cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Some vehicles have more intricate or specialized exhaust systems that are more expensive to repair. 
• Manifold Construction: Materials like stainless steel or cast iron and the presence of insulating coatings affect the part’s price. 
• Additional Repairs: Often, exhaust manifold bolts and gaskets break, and these must be replaced along with the manifold itself, adding to the overall cost. 
• Location: Labor rates can vary by geographic location.