All,
I am about to take the plunge into doing both my upper and lower intake manifold gaskets (thanks, GM). I know many of you have done this job before, some multiple times.
Does anyone happen to have an EXACT list of everything I need (tools, etc)?
The reason I am asking is because although I have a lot of tools, I will be using a garage (for free- it pays to know someone), and I will be miles away from my tools (in case I need one more), and any auto parts store. Once I start tearing into this thing, I do not want to be stuck half way through. This is my only car at the moment. There is nothing worse than realizing that you brought all of your metric sockets with you and some obscure bolt requires a 1/2" socket.
Any help up front and/or advice with this job is greatly appreciated; since I have never done it before (at least on this engine).
Thanks in advance!

Here is the list of parts I have, please let me know about tools and what else I would need.

1. Felpro Thermostat Gasket
Part No: 35666

2. Stant Superstat™ Super Premium Thermostat, 195 Degrees Fahrenheit
Part No: 45849

3. Felpro Plenum Gasket Set
Part No: MS 95812

4. Royal Purple 5W-30 Motor Oil (5 qts.)
Part No: 01530

5. K&N Oil Filter
Part No: HP-1001

6. Felpro Intake Manifold Gasket Set
Part No: MS 98014 T

7. Rhino Gear 5-Gallon Drain Pan (for anti-freeze)
Part No: 11845

8. Rhino Gear Galvanized Drip Tray
Part No: 11430

9. Prestone 50/50 Ready-to-Use Prediluted Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant (3 gallons)
Part No: AF2100

10. Rhino Gear 15 Quart Drain Pan (for oil)

-Pete

 

After reading what I posted, I realized I am a bonehead and never mentioned my car. It is a 2005 Monte Carlo LT.

 

Check out this post: Articles - NAIOA

 

Awesome. EXCELLENT link. Thanks so much. Also, I know that the time varies but is this an all-day thing? I see videos on youtube with guys banging this out in 1-2 hrs.
-Pete

 

For your first time, I would give about 5-6 hours. You will probably want to clean the parts you take off too. Carbon is going to be built up in the UIM, TB, etc. You also might as well replace the valve cover gaskets while you have the engine torn down and they are so easily exposed.

 

Surprised Mike forgot to recommend the aluminum gaskets.

(Unless you got those already) I don't remember the part #.

 

Thanks everyone.
That parts list really came in handy. I hate going into a job (especially one this big) and not knowing what size bolts I will encounter when the engine is half apart.
Next weekend it the time I have set aside to do this. Wish me luck.
Thanks again everyone for the quick replies.

-Pete

 

Wait! One more question. Does ANYONE have a part number for those stupid coolant elbows? Apparently, NO ONE in the tri-state area has ever have this issue because I called 2x Auto Zones, 2x Advance Auto Parts, and a few local no-name shops. NO ONE knows not only what I am talking about but where I could find them. I need to get them before I start this job and of course, their answer is "well, just bring them in, we can match them up for you." Not good enough.
-Pete

 

Heater Hose Fitting | 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo 6 Cylinders 1 3.8L SFI SC OHV | AutoZone.com

 

FYI - Some (including myself) have had issues with the plastic Dorman elbows popping out. Not sure if the Dorman aluminum ones are better (supposedly the issue was incorrect O-Rings). My current elbows are $30 GM Dealer Elbows.
Also, I'd be stunned if none of your local parts stores had those elbows on the "Dorman HELP!" racks.... That's where you normally find them.

As stated earlier, get the aluminum LIM gaskets from FelPro. Best shopping place for the parts is RockAuto IMO.