Get the newest kit, you won't regret it.
Yes, it is worth it. you could probably save 15 bucks if you sourced all the parts yourself, but it would cost you more in shipping and hours of hunting... so don't bother, just get the kit.
You don't "have to" remove the intake, but I did so I could scrub it out with soap and water, totally de-grease it inside. I wanted to make sure the plug never comes out, ever. I like fixing things once and done... rework totally torques me off. I washed it in the garage slop sink (I assume you already know to remove the throttle body and other parts first, you should only submerge the stripped plastic intake) with plenty of dish soap, then did the plug job while it was out. you may want to get some round "pipe cleaner" type brushes of various sizes if you take it off to wash it like I did. I tend to overkill things though, you may not want to go this far, but the intake really isn't difficult at all to remove. another note: if you remove the intake, you will be removing the tiny little bypass pipe from it. Be very careful removing that from the intake side. The intake barb that it plugs onto is very tiny and fragile. Take your time, it will snap off quite easily if you start yanking on it like a gorilla.
this does't fix any MAF related errors.
This kit basically replaces a poor design that is prone to early malfunction and failure, so just consider it an
air road worthiness directive. the "design" is the same as was originally manufactured, just relocating the valves and replacing with more durable ones.
I would also suggest ordering a couple extra check valves (with the kit when you order it) to keep in the glove box. the one I installed on my sons car is going strong a couple of years later, but it is just a plastic check valve, and it will eventually clog or jam up one day. they are cheap enough to just grab them now so in the case you need them later you won't have to go on a treasure hunt.
Also, I suggest replacing the valve cover with a GM original at the same time you do this, or at least check the diaphragm on your existing one and make sure it is working properly. they often get popped when the PCV isn't working right, so there is a chance yours is already blown out. check it.
also make sure to test the check valve for the pipe that clips onto the turbocharger end. I am attaching a photo, the circled part is where the check valve is located. You will be cutting this piece off and re-using it with the kit. when we did ours, this check valve was trashed from running for so long with a malfunctioning PCV system, so I had to amazon-order a new pipe so I could get a good check valve. I'll also include a link to the amazon part I am referring to in the case you need one. The valve is easy to check, simple one-way. air should freely flow one direction and slam shut tight not allowing air to go the other direction.
View attachment 309193
PCV pipe:
GM Genuine Parts 25193343 Positive Crank Ventilation (PCV) Valve Pipe with Bypass Valve Tube
goood luck!
