Choosing the Best Intake Manifold Gasket

Jefferson Bryant

January 12, 2026

7 min read

Jefferson Bryant

January 12, 2026

7 min read

When it comes time to replace that leaky intake manifold gasket - opens in new window or tab., you want to get the best value for your money. Initial price is not always the best metric. You need quality and fitment. After all, the goal is for the new gasket to seal.

You May Need an Intake Gasket Kit

An intake manifold gasket kit for a Gen I Chevrolet V-8 engine, displayed on a metal work surface. — This intake gasket kit for a Gen I Chevrolet V-8 includes gaskets for the intake manifold. It also comes with gaskets for the valve covers, intake plenum, and distributor.

Many gaskets are sold either individually or as part of a kit - opens in new window or tab.. Depending on the engine, you may be able to get away with just the intake gasket - opens in new window or tab.. However, in most cases, you need to replace several other gaskets. That’s because most intake manifolds require removing other parts, such as the valve covers and throttle body. Each of these items uses a gasket. If you just buy the intake gasket, you will have to order the others, leaving your vehicle apart for longer than necessary.

Most kits come with every gasket needed to replace the intake manifold. If you need multiple gaskets, you usually pay more for them individually than in kit form.

Some kits may not have every gasket. Research your engine for what is required to replace the intake gasket for your model before ordering parts.

You Probably Need One Type of Gasket

A General Motors V-8 intake manifold, removed from the engine, displayed on a metal work surface, with the new gaskets behind it. — Some engines have multiple-piece intakes, such as this GM V-8. In this case, a kit is better than buying individual gaskets.

In most cases, there’s no reason to upgrade an intake manifold gasket on a stock engine. The OEM designers usually know what they are doing. This is not always the case, though.

Some engines from the 1990s used plastic gaskets that melt when mixed with certain coolants. GM, for instance, had a serious issue with this. These plastic intake manifold gaskets need to be changed out with metal-frame gaskets. This is a rare situation, but it does happen.

If you have experienced an intake gasket failure, do some extra research on your specific make and model. It may reveal if your engine has an inherent issue with factory gasket materials.

There are three main types of intake manifold gasket materials:

MLS gaskets: MLS gaskets are typically three to four layers of formed steel that seal the intake. These are very good gaskets and do not fail often. They are usually good for a couple of removals before they have to be changed.

Fiber gaskets: These are what you think of when you hear the word gasket. They are made with a rubber paper-like material and last a long time in normal conditions. They tear when removed and often require silicone sealant.

Nitrile and silicone gaskets: Most vehicles use this type because they are durable, affordable, and reliable. They may have O-rings or are bonded/molded to a plastic or steel base layer.

There are a handful of name brands for gaskets. We recommend that you stick with one of these, which are even better than OEM brands. For example, a BMW intake gasket set for a late-model M5 could cost as much as $1,500. The same gasket set made by Mahle is just $300. Here’s the kicker: the OEM gasket is actually made by Mahle.

The best gasket brands are AC Delco, Cometic, Federal-Mogul (also known as Fel-Pro), Mahle, Mr. Gasket, and Victor-Reinz. We recommend that you spend a little extra for the best possible gasket. If you save money now, you might spend more later.

An Intake Manifold Gasket That Fits Your Car

A close up view of a melted plastic intake manifold gasket on a General Motors V-8 engine. — This GM V-8 has plastic gaskets that melted due to the use of incorrect coolant. Steel-frame gaskets are more durable.

Every engine requires its own gasket. eBay makes it easy to find the right intake manifold gaskets for your make model with the eBay Parts Finder - opens in new window or tab.. Enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, engine, and trim. It allows you to select whatever gasket or kit is designed to fit.

How much does an intake manifold gasket cost?

Individually, an intake gasket costs between $10 and $50. If your vehicle requires an MLS gasket, expect it to cost more than a simple silicone gasket. That’s fine. The MLS gasket lasts longer. Prices even out in the long run.

A kit typically costs between $50 and $150. As mentioned previously, buying a kit probably makes sense. Additional parts may come off when replacing the intake manifold gasket. Those parts can have gaskets that need replacement and should be in the kit.

Parts and Accessories Related to Intake Manifold Gasket Replacement

A mechanic using a gasket scraper removes old gasket residue from a cylinder head, prior to installing a new gasket. — Tools like a gasket scraper make cleaning up easier. The mating surface must be absolutely clean. Remains of an old gasket cause leaks.

In older engines, coolant runs through the intake, so you’ll have to replace the coolant that was lost when changing the gasket. Additionally, you should replace the thermostat.

Many intakes require room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone gasket maker to seal edges or joints. Some engines—such as GM Gen I and II small-block V-8s—require RTV in place of the cork end gaskets, which often push out, leaving a big oil leak. Your repair manual should list these requirements. Otherwise, you can find vehicle-specific information with online research. Confirm what you need before adding items to your cart.

Most engines do not require specialty tools to do this job, but there are a few handy ones that you should consider buying to make this job (and others) easier. These include a gasket scraper, fluid hose clamps to stop the flow of fluid, and anti-seize or thread sealant. Some engines have intake bolts that pass through water, for instance. These require thread sealant.

What does the color of a RTV silicone gasket mean?

There are several grades of RTV silicone gasket makers. The color of the silicone indicates its usage.

Red: This is for high temps, which is not typically needed for intakes. Good up to 650 degrees Fahrenheit.

Black: For general use, this is suitable for most intakes. Good for 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Blue: Also for general-purpose applications, it is not used near high temperatures. Intakes bolt to the cylinder heads, which get hot enough to rule out blue RTV. Blue is also safe for most sensors. Good to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gray: This is used for structural components. Many modern engines use items such as the intake, oil pan, and front/rear covers as part of the engine structure itself. These high-torque items need gray RTV. All import engines require gray RTV for all seals. Good up to 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

About the author

Jefferson Bryant

A lifelong gearhead, Jefferson Bryant got his first car when he was two: a Fisher-Price convertible. An industry veteran for over 30 years, Jefferson started in car audio, working his way up to product designer for Rockford Fosgate. He has written nine books and countless magazine articles about automotive technology. Jefferson also produces tech videos on YouTube. His pride and joy is a 1971 Buick GS Convertible with a swapped Procharged Gen V LT1, which he used to drive his newborn kids home from the hospital.

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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.