hello,

does anyone know if the plastic intake manifolds on the 5.3L FFV engine can be machined? a recent smoke test revealed an intake leak and I was thinking since I have to take it apart anyway that I would get the intake checked to see if it warped.
If it did warp am I just stuck buying a new one? this is on a 2003 1500 Suburban with 170k on the clock.

thanks for any help!

 

To answer your original question I’m going to say no. these intakes have groves molded into them that hold the rubber seal/gasket, and since it does use this type seal it is very unusual that a warping issue would be the cause of leak.

The great thing about these LS motors is that the seals are reusable & don’t require rtv or sealant. If I were you I’d just take it off & see is there is any spot that looks unusual, it bolts right on & off. Just keep track of everything and make sure everything is clean & clear for dirt & sand. Maybe just a new seal will do the trick.