How Much Does It Cost to Replace Your Intake Manifold?

Expect to pay roughly $700 to $2,000 in the U.S. for intake manifold replacement in 2025, with compact 4‑cylinder cars often at $400 to $900 and larger V6/V8, turbo, luxury, or diesel vehicles ranging from $1,100 to $3,500. The final price depends on parts complexity, labor time, shop rates, and whether related items (gaskets, sensors, coolant, carbon cleaning) are required.

What Does the Price Include?

Replacing an intake manifold is more than swapping a single part; the job typically includes consumables, potential sensor or actuator components, and careful labor to avoid vacuum leaks and drivability issues. Here’s what’s commonly in the estimate so you can compare quotes accurately.

• Intake manifold assembly (plastic or aluminum; some include runner flaps/actuators)
• New intake manifold gaskets and throttle body/EGR gaskets or O‑rings
• Coolant top‑off or flush if the manifold carries coolant passages
• Shop supplies (cleaners, rags, sealants) and potential replacement fasteners
• Labor for removal/installation, torque‑sequence tightening, and leak/dTC checks
• Related components as needed (PCV tubes, vacuum lines, MAP sensor, intake runner control parts)

When comparing bids, make sure each quote specifies parts quality (OEM vs aftermarket), the number of labor hours, and any required ancillary parts or fluids.

Typical Price Ranges by Vehicle Type (2025)

Costs vary widely by engine layout and how much is packaged around the intake. These ranges reflect typical U.S. shop rates and parts pricing in 2025.

• Economy 4‑cylinder (non‑turbo): $400–$900 total
• V6 midsize/SUV: $700–$1,500 total
• V8 trucks/performance or luxury brands: $1,100–$2,500 total
• Turbocharged or direct‑injection engines (with integrated actuators): $1,000–$2,800 total
• Diesel/light‑duty trucks with complex EGR/aftertreatment: $900–$3,500 total

Engines with tight packaging, more attached plumbing, or integrated runner controls tend to sit at the higher end of the spectrum.

Parts vs. Labor

Understanding how the price splits between parts and labor helps you evaluate whether a quote is fair and where savings might be possible.

• Parts: $200–$1,500+. Plastic manifolds for common 4‑cyl engines may be a few hundred dollars; European and turbo models with integrated actuators or sensors can exceed $800–$1,500 for the assembly alone.
• Labor: 2–8 hours in most cases. Transverse 4‑cyl engines often take 2–4 hours; V6/V8, turbo, or DI engines can take 4–8 hours.
• Shop rates: Commonly $110–$210 per hour in 2025, depending on region and shop type (independent vs dealership).

On many vehicles, labor and parts each contribute roughly half the total, but complex engines or premium parts can tip the balance toward parts costs.

When You Might Pay More (or Less)

Certain vehicle features, local market conditions, and add‑on services can push the total up or down. Consider these common cost drivers when budgeting.

• Direct injection carbon cleaning while the intake is off (adds $150–$500 if walnut blasting is needed)
• Integrated intake runner flaps/actuators or manifold‑mounted PCV assemblies
• Turbo plumbing, EGR coolers, or superchargers that need removal for access
• Corroded fasteners, broken studs, or brittle vacuum/PCV lines increasing labor time
• High regional labor rates (dense urban areas) vs lower rates in smaller markets
• Bundling services (spark plugs, coolant service, PCV replacement) can save labor overlap

Asking shops to note contingencies on the estimate can prevent surprises if seized bolts or brittle hoses are discovered mid‑job.

Intake Manifold vs. Gasket Replacement

Not every air‑leak or coolant leak at the intake requires a full manifold replacement; sometimes the gasket set alone fixes the issue for significantly less.

• Gasket-only replacement: Typically $250–$900 total, depending on access and engine layout
• Upper plenum gasket (where applicable): Often $150–$500 total
• Full manifold replacement: Usually chosen if the manifold is cracked, warped, or has failed internal valves/actuators

A pressure/smoke test and visual inspection can confirm whether you need just gaskets or an entire manifold assembly.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Knowing the signs of intake manifold trouble can help you address issues before they escalate into more costly repairs.

• Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, or poor fuel economy
• Whistling or hissing vacuum leaks; check engine light with lean codes (P0171/P0174)
• Coolant loss with external leaks around the manifold or internal leaks causing white smoke
• Oil contamination or excessive crankcase vacuum from failed PCV circuits (some manifolds integrate PCV)
• Rattling noises or codes related to intake runner control flaps

Before authorizing replacement, ask for test results (smoke test, cooling system pressure test, scan‑tool data) and, if possible, a photo of the suspected failure.

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

The more precise the information you provide, the more reliable your quotes will be—and the easier it is to compare apples to apples.

• Share your VIN and mileage so parts and procedures match your exact engine
• Request at least two quotes (independent shop and dealer) with line‑item parts and labor hours
• Ask for OEM vs aftermarket parts pricing and warranty differences
• Confirm estimated labor hours and shop rate; note any diagnostic time billed separately
• Ask about add‑ons likely needed (gaskets, coolant, PCV lines, carbon cleaning)
• Verify parts and labor warranty (12/12 is common; many shops offer 24/24 or 36/36 on parts)

Clear, itemized estimates reduce surprises and help you choose the best value rather than the lowest sticker price.

DIY Feasibility and Cost

Skilled DIYers can save substantially, but intake manifolds require careful torque sequences, sensor handling, and leak checks that can trip up first‑timers.

• Difficulty: Moderate to advanced, depending on engine and access
• Time: 3–10 hours for most driveway jobs; add time for cleaning and diagnostics
• Tools: Torque wrench, fuel line tools (if needed), hose clamp pliers, scan tool, smoke tester (ideal)
• Must‑do steps: Proper torque pattern, gasket seating, reconnecting vacuum/PCV lines, coolant bleed, idle relearn
• DIY cost: Typically $200–$1,200 for parts/fluids/supplies; risk of vacuum leaks or check‑engine lights if procedures aren’t followed

If your engine has direct injection, turbo plumbing, or integrated runner controls, professional replacement often saves time and reduces the risk of repeat work.

Real‑World Examples (Estimates)

These illustrative examples show how vehicle type and engine design influence the final bill; your local prices may differ.

• 2016 Honda Civic 2.0L: $450–$850
• 2018 Toyota Camry 2.5L: $500–$900
• 2015 Ford F‑150 5.0L V8: $900–$1,800
• 2017 BMW 330i (2.0L turbo, DI): $1,200–$2,200
• 2016 Audi S4 3.0T (supercharged): $1,400–$2,600
• 2018 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins: $1,000–$3,000

European, turbocharged, or supercharged applications often run higher due to parts cost and added labor to remove adjacent components for access.

Bottom Line

Most intake manifold replacements land between $700 and $2,000, with simpler 4‑cyl cars on the low end and complex or premium vehicles rising above $2,000. Clarify whether you need a full manifold or just gaskets, request itemized quotes, and consider bundling related maintenance while access is open.

Summary

Intake manifold replacement typically costs $700–$2,000 in 2025, driven by parts complexity and 2–8 hours of labor at $110–$210/hour. Four‑cylinder cars may be $400–$900; V6/V8, turbo, luxury, or diesel vehicles can reach $1,100–$3,500. Verify whether a gasket‑only repair suffices, ask for itemized estimates, and weigh OEM vs aftermarket parts and warranty to get the best value.

Is it worth replacing the intake manifold?

Pros of Installing an Intake Manifold
If you want to upgrade your vehicle’s engine, we highly recommend starting with the intake manifold. Upgrading this part is often one of the first things car enthusiasts do to improve the way their car operates and save money in the process.

What are symptoms of a bad intake manifold?

A bad intake manifold gasket can cause coolant or air leaks, leading to engine overheating, rough idling, or poor performance. Check for symptoms like white smoke, coolant loss, or engine misfires. Inspect the gasket area for visible leaks or residue.

Can you drive with a bad intake manifold?

Yes, it’s typically safe to drive with a leaking intake manifold. But if you’ve got suspicions, it’s always safer to get it checked out sooner rather than later. Leaking intake manifolds can decrease performance, but overheating can eventually cause engine damage. Running too hot can cause engine knock as well.

Is replacing a manifold expensive?

How Much Does It Cost to Replace an Exhaust Manifold? The average cost of replacing an exhaust manifold currently ranges from $1,329 to $1,534, including the cost of parts and labor. That said, some exhaust manifolds can cost still more; say, $3,000, depending on your vehicle.