Auto Parts: 99 Chev Lumina gasket, intake manifold gasket, water passages

Question
Hi Steve,

I don't know much about cars. After getting the front brakes pads and rotors repaired due to brake hoses cracked, the inspection people said the intake manifold gasket got to be removed and replaced. What is this? And is it really impoortant to get it done?
Vehicle is about 100,000km.
Thanks

Answer
the intake is the wind pipe for your car. it directs the air from the throttle body to the cylinders. the gasket is what seals it to the cylinder heads. im assuming your lumina has the 3.1l v-6 in it. if so it will for sure need the intake gasket done. it is a known problem and it happens to all chevy 3.1l's. the gasket starts to leak at the water passages. which will then be sucked in to the cyinders and burnt. not only is this not good for the engine internalls but you could also overheat the engine when you run low on coolant.