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A failed intake manifold can cause rough running, vacuum leaks, and oil-consumption concerns, but the replacement must match your engine exactly. The Dorman 615-380 Engine Intake Manifold is a vehicle-specific OE FIX replacement for selected Buick and Chevrolet models. Its main advantage is a redesigned retaining pin that helps prevent the internal PCV valve from becoming dislodged. This review explains the verified fitment, included parts, installation limits, and related valve-cover repair you should consider before ordering.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8/10, recommended with strict fitment checks
Best For: Owners of a compatible Buick Encore, Chevrolet Cruze, Cruze Limited, Sonic, Tracker, or Trax who need a manifold that addresses the original internal PCV valve failure point.
Bottom Line: The Dorman 615-380 combines an improved PCV valve retaining design with the gaskets, O-rings, screws, and instructions needed for a more complete manifold replacement. Its limitation is strict application fitment, and a damaged valve-cover PCV diaphragm may require a related repair.
| Specification | Verified Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dorman OE Solutions |
| Model | 615-380 |
| Product Type | Standard-replacement engine intake manifold |
| Design | Patented OE FIX design with an internal PCV valve retaining pin |
| Material | Tough black nylon polymer |
| Manufacturing | Engineered and manufactured in the United States |
| Dimensions | 18 in long, 9 in wide, 8 in manifold height, 9 in maximum center height |
| Ports | 4 ports; 37 mm x 19.5 mm outlet dimensions |
| Mounting | 5 mounting holes; 10.6 mm mounting-hole diameter |
| Package Contents | 1 manifold, 4 port gaskets, 1 throttle-body gasket, 4 fuel-injector O-rings, 1 MAP-sensor O-ring, and 4 self-tapping screws |
| Instructions | Installation instructions included |
| Verified Applications | Buick Encore 2013-2021; Chevrolet Cruze 2011-2016; Cruze Limited 2016; Sonic 2012-2020; Tracker 2013-2015; Trax 2013-2021 |
Before You Buy: Do not order from the model name alone. Confirm the year, engine, trim, and VIN-based fitment, because Dorman 615-380 is not universal. Also check the valve-cover PCV diaphragm, since Dorman notes that a damaged valve cover often needs replacement with the manifold.
Key Takeaways
- The 615-380 is a vehicle-specific Dorman OE FIX intake manifold, not a universal performance upgrade.
- A retaining pin addresses the original design’s tendency for the internal PCV valve to become dislodged.
- The box includes the manifold, four port gaskets, throttle-body gasket, injector O-rings, MAP-sensor O-ring, four screws, and instructions.
- Dorman uses a tough nylon polymer and lists the manifold as engineered and manufactured in the United States.
- The valve-cover PCV diaphragm may already be damaged, so replacing the manifold alone may not complete the repair.
What Is the Dorman 615-380 Intake Manifold?
The Dorman 615-380 is a standard-replacement intake manifold for specific Buick and Chevrolet applications. It replaces the original manifold while correcting a known weakness in the internal PCV valve arrangement.
On the original design, the internal PCV valve can become dislodged. Dorman redesigned this manifold with a retaining pin intended to keep that valve in position and reduce the excessive oil consumption associated with that failure.
This part restores an original-style function rather than adding horsepower or changing the engine’s airflow characteristics. Its value comes from the corrected design, verified application coverage, and complete set of installation seals and fasteners.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- Owners whose exact vehicle and engine match Dorman’s application data for part 615-380.
- Drivers repairing an intake manifold with a dislodged internal PCV valve, cracked nylon body, damaged sealing surface, or related vacuum-leak concern.
- Experienced DIY installers and repair shops that want the required manifold gaskets, injector O-rings, MAP-sensor O-ring, screws, and instructions in one package.
Skip If
- Your year, engine, trim, or VIN does not match the 615-380 application listing.
- You need a complete manifold, valve-cover, and PCV-tube repair package rather than the manifold assembly alone.
- You lack the tools or experience for fuel-injector seals, sensors, vacuum connections, and torque-sensitive engine fasteners.
PCV Valve Design Improvement
The most important feature is the redesigned internal PCV valve support. Dorman states that the original manifold can fail when this valve becomes dislodged, which can contribute to excessive oil consumption.
The 615-380 adds a retaining pin intended to prevent that movement. This is a targeted correction to the original failure point, not a claim that the manifold will solve every cause of oil use, rough idle, or a check-engine light.
Proper diagnosis still matters. Piston-ring wear, turbocharger problems, external leaks, damaged hoses, and a failed valve-cover diaphragm can create overlapping symptoms, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.
Materials and Build Quality
Dorman makes the manifold from black nylon polymer and describes it as resistant to cracking and warping. The verified dimensions are 18 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 8 inches high at the manifold body, with a 9-inch maximum center height.
The four outlets measure 37 mm by 19.5 mm, and the body has five 10.6 mm mounting holes. These measurements reinforce why exact application matching matters: a visually similar manifold may still have different ports, sensor openings, or mounting points.
Dorman lists the product as engineered and manufactured in the United States. It is a standard-replacement part, so you should expect factory-style function rather than an aftermarket power increase.
Installation Kit and Package Contents
The package is more complete than a bare manifold. It includes one intake manifold, four port gaskets, one throttle-body gasket, four fuel-injector O-rings, one MAP-sensor O-ring, and four self-tapping screws.
New seals reduce the need to reuse compressed or heat-aged components. However, the package does not automatically include a valve cover or PCV tube assembly. Those parts are available in Dorman’s separate 615-380KIT for repairs that extend beyond the manifold.
Installation instructions are included, but the job still requires careful connector removal, clean sealing surfaces, correct seal placement, and the specified tightening sequence and torque from the proper service information.
Vehicle Compatibility and Fitment
Dorman lists the 615-380 for the following applications:
- Buick Encore, 2013-2021
- Chevrolet Cruze, 2011-2016
- Chevrolet Cruze Limited, 2016
- Chevrolet Sonic, 2012-2020
- Chevrolet Tracker, 2013-2015
- Chevrolet Trax, 2013-2021
This list is a starting point, not a substitute for a VIN or engine check. Production changes, market differences, and engine options can affect compatibility even within the same model year.
Fitment Checks Before Ordering
- Match Dorman part number 615-380 against a VIN-based catalog or trusted parts lookup.
- Confirm the engine, trim, and market, especially for Tracker and Trax applications.
- Compare the new manifold’s ports, sensor opening, throttle-body flange, and mounting points with the removed part.
- Check the OE cross-reference only after confirming it applies to your exact vehicle.
- Inspect related hoses, connectors, and the valve cover before deciding which parts to order.
Pro Tip: Before disassembly, compare the replacement manifold with the installed unit and inventory every gasket, O-ring, and screw in the package. Finding a mismatch or missing component before the repair starts can prevent an unfinished installation.
Installation and Related Repair Safety
Intake-manifold replacement affects the engine’s air path, fuel-injector seals, sensors, vacuum connections, and sealing surfaces. Follow Dorman’s instructions and the correct vehicle service procedure, including the specified fastener sequence and torque.
Do not force a sensor, connector, bolt, or manifold into position. Misalignment can damage plastic fittings, pinch an O-ring, strip a mounting point, or create an air leak after reassembly.
Dorman also warns that manifold failure can damage the valve cover’s PCV diaphragm. If that diaphragm or the PCV tube is damaged, the manifold-only repair may leave the original symptoms unresolved. A qualified technician can diagnose the complete PCV system when the cause is unclear.
How It Performs in Real Use
For PCV-Related Repairs
The retaining pin is the product’s main practical advantage. It directly targets the original internal valve movement, but the result still depends on confirming that the manifold is the actual fault and repairing any related valve-cover damage.
For Cracked or Warped Manifolds
The nylon replacement body restores the original-style air path and sealing points on a compatible engine. It is designed as a durable replacement, not as a racing or high-flow upgrade.
For Experienced DIY Installation
The included gaskets, injector O-rings, MAP-sensor O-ring, screws, and instructions reduce separate parts sourcing. The job is still better suited to someone comfortable with engine-bay disassembly, clean sealing work, and service-manual torque procedures.
For a Complete PCV-System Repair
The manifold alone makes sense when the related valve-cover and PCV-tube components test good. When those parts are damaged, the Dorman 615-380KIT may provide a more complete repair path than buying the manifold by itself.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
- Ordering by vehicle model without confirming the exact engine and VIN fitment.
- Reusing old injector O-rings or manifold seals when new ones are supplied.
- Pinching an O-ring, leaving debris on a sealing surface, or tightening fasteners unevenly.
- Ignoring a damaged valve-cover PCV diaphragm or cracked PCV tube.
- Assuming the manifold will fix every oil-consumption, vacuum-leak, or drivability complaint without diagnosis.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Retaining pin targets the original internal PCV valve failure point.
- Tough nylon-polymer body is designed to resist cracking and warping.
- Includes four port gaskets, throttle-body gasket, injector O-rings, MAP-sensor O-ring, screws, and instructions.
- Manufacturer provides clear application data and detailed physical specifications.
- Dorman offers a related 615-380KIT when the valve cover and PCV tube also need replacement.
Cons
- Strict vehicle and engine compatibility leaves little room for a fitment mistake.
- Manifold-only package does not include the valve cover or PCV tube assembly.
- Installation involves seals, injectors, sensors, and torque-sensitive fasteners, so it may be too complex for beginners.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Dorman 615-380 is worth considering when your vehicle matches the verified applications and you need a standard-replacement manifold that corrects the internal PCV valve retaining weakness. The included seals, O-rings, screws, and instructions add value by reducing the number of separate installation items you must source.
You get the most value when the valve cover and PCV tube remain serviceable. If the related PCV components are also damaged, compare the cost and completeness of the Dorman 615-380KIT before buying the manifold alone.
It is not the best fit for an unconfirmed application, a performance build, or a repair based only on symptoms. Correct diagnosis and fitment matter more than choosing the lowest listed price.
How It Compares to Alternatives
A genuine GM manifold matched by VIN may appeal if you prefer a factory-branded replacement. Dorman lists General Motors cross references 25200449, 28289977, 55577314, and 55581014, but you should verify the exact number for your vehicle before comparing options.
The Dorman 615-380KIT is the closer alternative when the repair also requires a valve cover and PCV tube assembly. The standard 615-380 makes more sense when those related parts are still good and you only need the improved manifold with its installation seals and hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicles does the Dorman 615-380 fit?
Dorman lists Buick Encore 2013-2021; Chevrolet Cruze 2011-2016; Cruze Limited 2016; Sonic 2012-2020; Tracker 2013-2015; and Trax 2013-2021. Confirm the engine, trim, market, and VIN before ordering.
Is the Dorman 615-380 a universal intake manifold?
No. It is a vehicle-specific standard replacement with defined ports, sensor locations, and mounting points. A broad model match is not enough without checking the exact engine and application.
What comes with the Dorman 615-380?
The package contains one manifold, four port gaskets, one throttle-body gasket, four fuel-injector O-rings, one MAP-sensor O-ring, four self-tapping screws, and installation instructions. A valve cover and PCV tube are not part of the standard 615-380 package.
Can this manifold reduce oil consumption?
Its retaining pin addresses a dislodged internal PCV valve, a failure Dorman links with excessive oil consumption. It cannot correct every source of oil use, so diagnose the engine and inspect the valve-cover PCV diaphragm before assuming the manifold is the only needed repair.
Do I need to replace the valve cover at the same time?
Not in every repair, but Dorman states that manifold failure can damage the valve cover’s PCV diaphragm. Inspect or test the related components and replace them when damaged rather than relying on the manifold alone.
What is the difference between 615-380 and 615-380KIT?
The 615-380 is the improved manifold with its seals, O-rings, screws, and instructions. Dorman describes 615-380KIT as a broader repair package that also covers damaged related components, including the valve cover and PCV tube assembly.
What material and size is the manifold?
Dorman specifies black nylon construction, an 18-inch length, 9-inch width, 8-inch manifold height, and 9-inch maximum center height. The manifold has four ports and five mounting holes.
Is professional installation recommended?
Professional installation is sensible when you are not experienced with injectors, O-rings, sensors, vacuum lines, and torque procedures. A fitment error or pinched seal can create a vacuum or fuel leak and lead to repeat work.
The Bottom Line
The Dorman 615-380 Engine Intake Manifold earns an 8/10 recommendation for correctly matched Buick and Chevrolet applications because it addresses the internal PCV valve retaining weakness and includes a detailed installation package. Buy it when the manifold is the confirmed fault and the related valve-cover components are serviceable; skip it when fitment is uncertain or you need the broader 615-380KIT repair.
Ready to Buy?
Confirm your exact vehicle fitment, then check the latest product details before you decide.
