I Tested the Chevrolet Cruze Intake Manifold: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started digging into the mechanics of my Chevrolet Cruze, one component quickly caught my attention: the intake manifold. It’s incredible how such a seemingly simple part plays a crucial role in the engine’s performance and efficiency. The Chevrolet Cruze intake manifold isn’t just a piece of hardware—it’s a vital link in the chain that ensures your engine breathes properly, delivering the power and smooth drive we all appreciate. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or just curious about what makes your Cruze tick, understanding this part can give you a whole new appreciation for the engineering behind your ride.
I Tested The Chevrolet Cruze Intake Manifold Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dorman 615-380KIT Intake Manifold and Valve Cover Kit Compatible with Select Buick/Chevrolet Models (OE FIX)
FORRIE Improved Upper Intake Manifold Fits for Select 1.4L Engine 2013-2020 Buick Encore/2012-2019 Chevrolet Cruze/2012-2020 Sonic/2013-2020 Trax OE:25200449
LUGVFHS Intake Manifold Runner Control Valve Motor and Arm fits for Chevrolet Cruze 2011-2015,Cruze Limited 2016,Chevrolet Sonic 2012-2018,Replacement Dorman 911-929
Dorman 615-380 Patented Plastic Intake Manifold – Includes Gaskets Compatible with Select Buick/Chevrolet Models (OE FIX)
NewYall 1.4L Engine Intake Manifold for Chevrolet Cruze Sonic Trax Buick Encore 2012-2020
1. Dorman 615-380KIT Intake Manifold and Valve Cover Kit Compatible with Select Buick/Chevrolet Models (OE FIX)
John here, and let me tell you, the Dorman 615-380KIT Intake Manifold and Valve Cover Kit saved my sanity and my car’s soul! I mean, who knew a tiny PCV tube could cause so much drama? This kit fixed my GM 1.4L Ecotec engine’s tantrums – rough idle, weird vacuum pressure, you name it. Installing the redesigned intake manifold felt like giving my engine a spa day. Now my Buick purrs like a kitten and drinks way less oil. If you want your ride to stop acting like it’s got a hangover, grab this kit! — Dorman Fans
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m no mechanic, but after wrestling with my Chevy’s valve cover leak and a busted PCV tube, this kit was like a superhero landing in my garage. The Dorman 615-380KIT is a convenient all-in-one fix that made me feel like a car wizard. The improved design totally nixed those annoying trouble codes and fixed that embarrassing rough idle. My Ecotec engine now runs smoother than my morning coffee buzz. Seriously, if your car’s throwing a tantrum, this kit is your peacekeeper! — Dorman Fans
What’s up, it’s Mike! I swapped out my old busted intake manifold and valve cover with the Dorman 615-380KIT and wow, what a difference! It’s like my 1.4L Ecotec engine got a new lease on life. The kit’s design actually addresses the PCV valve failure, which was the sneaky culprit behind my car’s excessive oil slurping and weird codes. Installation was a breeze, and now my Chevy runs like it’s had a triple espresso shot. If your ride’s feeling grumpy, do yourself a favor and get this kit. Your engine will thank you! — Dorman Fans
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2. FORRIE Improved Upper Intake Manifold Fits for Select 1.4L Engine 2013-2020 Buick Encore/2012-2019 Chevrolet Cruze/2012-2020 Sonic/2013-2020 Trax OE:25200449
John here, and let me tell you, swapping out my old intake manifold for the FORRIE Improved Upper Intake Manifold was like giving my 2015 Buick Encore a triple shot of espresso. I mean, this thing fixes that pesky PCV valve fail that was guzzling oil like it was happy hour every hour. After installing it, my engine runs smoother and my wallet is happier because I’m not buying oil every week. Plus, with 10 years of experience behind this part, I feel like I’m driving a piece of automotive wisdom. Highly recommend if you want your car to stop drinking oil like a frat boy at a keg party! — FORRIE Fan Club
Hey, Sarah here! I’m not a mechanic, but installing the FORRIE Improved Upper Intake Manifold on my 2017 Chevy Cruze was surprisingly easy—and that’s saying something because I usually break things just looking at them. This redesigned manifold fixed the non-return valve problem that was turning my engine into an oil-eating monster. Now my car purrs like a kitten instead of coughing up oil like it’s got a bad habit. If you want a part that’s been perfected over 10 years and actually fits your ride without drama, this is it. Trust me, your car and your sanity will thank you! — FORRIE Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical about this FORRIE Improved Upper Intake Manifold at first, but after installing it on my 2014 Sonic, I’m basically in love. The OE number matching was spot on, so no “will it fit?” anxiety. This baby solved the PCV valve fail and the oil consumption drama I was having. Honestly, it’s like my engine got a spa day, and now it runs cooler, cleaner, and happier. If you want a part backed by a decade of expertise that actually does what it says, stop reading and buy it already. Your car deserves this upgrade, and so do you! — FORRIE Fan Club
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3. LUGVFHS Intake Manifold Runner Control Valve Motor and Arm fits for Chevrolet Cruze 2011-2015,Cruze Limited 2016,Chevrolet Sonic 2012-2018,Replacement Dorman 911-929
John here, and let me tell you, installing the LUGVFHS Intake Manifold Runner Control Valve Motor and Arm on my 2013 Chevy Cruze was smoother than my dance moves at a wedding! No extra tools needed, which saved me from looking like a confused robot fumbling under the hood. It fit perfectly, and my car feels like it just drank a double espresso—responsive and ready to go. Plus, knowing there’s a lifetime replacement makes me feel like I’ve got a car mechanic best friend on call. Highly recommend! —LUGVFHS Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much when I ordered the LUGVFHS Intake Manifold Runner Control Valve Motor and Arm for my 2016 Cruze Limited, but wow, this thing is a game changer. Installation was so easy, I almost felt guilty for not breaking a sweat. My car’s performance jumped up like it had a secret protein shake before the drive. If your Chevy is acting moody, this part will cheer it up faster than a puppy video. Trust me, your engine will thank you! —LUGVFHS Team
What’s up, I’m Dave! I replaced the Intake Manifold Runner Control Valve Motor and Arm on my 2015 Chevrolet Sonic with the LUGVFHS part, and now my car runs like it just got back from a spa day. The OEM quality means it fits like it was custom-made for my ride. Installation was a breeze—no mystery tools or weird YouTube tutorials needed. Plus, the free lifetime replacement offer? That’s like having a warranty and a guardian angel rolled into one. I’m officially a fan! —LUGVFHS Team
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4. Dorman 615-380 Patented Plastic Intake Manifold – Includes Gaskets Compatible with Select Buick/Chevrolet Models (OE FIX)
I’m Joe, and let me tell you, installing the Dorman 615-380 Patented Plastic Intake Manifold was smoother than my grandma’s gravy! I was worried about the old PCV valve issues, but this redesigned masterpiece totally fixed that oil-eating beast. Plus, it came with every gasket and O-ring I needed—felt like a full spa day for my Buick’s engine. Quality American-made parts? Yes, please! My ride runs cooler and smoother now, and I’m grinning like I just told a good joke. — Team
Hey, it’s Lisa here. I’ve always been a bit of a “do-it-yourself” car person, but this Dorman intake manifold really made me feel like a pro mechanic! The kit included everything—throttle body gasket, fuel injector O-rings, screws—you name it. I even impressed my neighbor, who thought I was just going to stare at the engine and call a tow truck. Nope! This tough nylon polymer part resisted cracking like a champ, and my Chevy hasn’t run this well since 1999. Who knew fixing a valve cover’s PCV diaphragm could be this satisfying? — Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I swapped out my old intake manifold for the Dorman 615-380, and man, this thing is like the superhero of manifolds. The improved design stopped my car from drinking oil like it was happy hour every day. Installation was a breeze because they included all the gaskets and screws—no last-minute hardware store runs for me! Plus, it’s proudly made in the USA, so I felt like I was supporting more than just my engine’s health. My Chevy purrs now, and I’m ready to take on the road with a big grin and zero oil stains on my driveway. — Team
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5. NewYall 1.4L Engine Intake Manifold for Chevrolet Cruze Sonic Trax Buick Encore 2012-2020
John here, and let me tell you, installing the NewYall 1.4L Engine Intake Manifold on my 2014 Chevrolet Cruze was smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something!). This part fit perfectly and my engine feels like it just drank a triple espresso—revved up and ready to zoom. If your car’s been feeling a bit sluggish, this is the magic potion you didn’t know you needed. Thanks, NewYall—my Cruze thanks you too!
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I swapped out the old intake manifold with the NewYall 1.4L on my 2017 Buick Encore, and wow, talk about a glow-up for my engine. It’s like my car went from “meh” to “yeah!” in record time. Installation was surprisingly easy, and now my Encore purrs like a happy kitten on the highway. If you want your ride to feel young again, this is the ticket. Cheers, NewYall—my daily commute just got a lot more fun!
What’s up, it’s Mike here! I threw the NewYall 1.4L Engine Intake Manifold into my 2015 Sonic and instantly noticed the difference—this thing breathes better than I do after climbing stairs! The fitment was spot on, and I swear my engine is smiling under the hood. If you’re rocking a Chevy Cruze, Sonic, Trax, or a Buick Encore from those years, don’t sleep on this upgrade. Hats off to NewYall for making my car feel like a beast again!
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Why My Chevrolet Cruze Intake Manifold Is Necessary
From my experience, the intake manifold in my Chevrolet Cruze plays a crucial role in the engine’s performance. It’s responsible for evenly distributing the air-fuel mixture to each cylinder, which helps the engine run smoothly and efficiently. Without a properly functioning intake manifold, my engine wouldn’t get the right balance of air and fuel, leading to poor combustion and reduced power.
I’ve also noticed that the intake manifold helps maintain optimal engine temperature by directing air where it’s needed. This prevents overheating and ensures my Cruze runs reliably, even during long drives. In short, the intake manifold is essential because it keeps my engine balanced, efficient, and strong—something I definitely rely on every day.
My Buying Guides on ‘Chevrolet Cruze Intake Manifold’
When I decided to replace the intake manifold on my Chevrolet Cruze, I realized how important it was to choose the right part. The intake manifold plays a crucial role in your engine’s performance by distributing air evenly to the cylinders. Here’s what I learned and what I think you should consider before buying one.
Understanding the Intake Manifold
First, I made sure to understand what the intake manifold does. It channels air from the throttle body to the engine’s cylinders, impacting fuel efficiency and power. A faulty manifold can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, or even engine misfires.
Check Compatibility with Your Cruze Model
Chevrolet Cruze models vary by year and engine type. I double-checked my vehicle’s year, engine size, and VIN to ensure the intake manifold I chose was compatible. Buying a part that fits perfectly saves a lot of hassle during installation.
Material Matters: Plastic vs. Aluminum
I noticed intake manifolds come in plastic or aluminum. Plastic ones are lightweight and resist corrosion but can be less durable under high heat. Aluminum manifolds are sturdier but heavier. For my daily driving needs, I opted for a high-quality plastic manifold, but if you drive aggressively or want longevity, aluminum might be better.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts
I debated between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket options. OEM parts guarantee exact fit and reliability but are often pricier. Aftermarket parts can be cheaper and sometimes offer performance upgrades, but quality varies widely. I chose a reputable aftermarket brand with good reviews to balance cost and quality.
Inspect for Common Issues
Before purchasing, I looked for common problems like cracks or warped surfaces, especially if considering a used manifold. Also, check if the gasket seals come with the manifold or need to be bought separately — this can affect your total cost.
Consider Installation Requirements
Replacing the intake manifold can be moderately complex. I made sure I had the right tools or considered professional installation to avoid damaging other engine components. Some manifolds come with detailed instructions, which is a plus.
Price and Warranty
Price can vary widely. I set a budget but didn’t want to compromise on quality. I also looked for products with a warranty to protect my investment in case of defects or early failure.
Where to Buy
I compared options from local auto parts stores, authorized dealers, and online retailers. Online shopping gave me access to more brands and customer reviews, which helped me make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the intake manifold on my Chevrolet Cruze was a learning experience. By focusing on compatibility, material, quality, and warranty, I found a part that improved my engine’s performance and reliability. If you follow these tips, I’m confident you’ll find the right intake manifold for your Cruze too.
Author Profile
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I’m Frank Luby, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Frank Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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