Hi everyone, my name is Mike, and I've got a 2005 2.3L 3 hatchback and for the first time since I bought it when I was 16, a major part needs replaced. I've got a seal leak on a movable part on the intake manifold. The shop I normally take this thing too, run by an ex "Master Mazda Tech" quoted me over $1200 to fix it, and since I've got a back up car for the first time ever, I'm ready to start making this Mazda my fun project car like I've always wanted. I have ZERO experience replacing parts in a car, or even taking it apart, though I'm very competent with tools and whatnot, I just don't know where to start when it comes to picking up replacement parts. I've googled my manifold but there's just so many different things to look at, I haven't a clue where to begin. So that's what I'm looking for help with. I'm not necessarily going for cheapest to get me by either. As I mentioned, I wanted this to turn into a project car at some point, so I'm thinking I should go ahead and begin with this. Maybe some sort of cast aluminum or whatever nicer material than what comes stock on the car. Once I've figured out the part to buy, I'm also looking for a good in depth video on how to replace the manifold. I understand its not a simple "oil change" tutorial, and that there's a TON to this project compared to what I've done, but I've got time to work on this and room for error, and I really want to begin learning how to work on my own cars for the future. I'm 27, its about damn time. Hopefully someone on here can point me in the right direction, but if not, I understand. Thanks in advance for any help given, and its nice to meet you all!

 

I'd bring your Mazda to your local parts store and show them what's at fault. They can probably identify the part that you need, and if you're lucky they can even give you a quote if they have it in stock. And as for doing the job, there's plenty of videos floating around of intake manifold replacements (ChrisFix has a really in-depth video) and of course this forum is here if you need anything.