Nissan Problem, Brand Reliability Thoughts

[TWFAUST at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/13/2012 3:01:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
quattro-request at audifans.com writes:

3.) Is  this the kind of repair that a DIYer with a good set of 
instructions 
and  enough time would be advised to attempt...A DIY'er who's never pulled  
apart a complete engine.  I found a quote on the internet, "Chilton's  says 
"Out of all makes and models that Chilton's has published, no intake  
manifold gasket is harder to replace that the 1996 Nissan Altima.".   
I have never even lifted the hood on an Altima, but my first question is  
why is it so hard to replace the intake manifold gasket? Is it the "layer 
cake"  design of modern engines? By which I mean things like the GM NorthStar 
where it  is necessary to remove the intake manifold to access the starter. 
If that is the  case, an amateur mechanic with a good manual, and time, 
should be able to  handle it. If you have a friendly garage perhaps they can 
punch up the "flat  rate" time for the job. Then consider if you have the time 
for it. Beware, I had  a very low mileage factory supercharged Mercury Cougar 
that developed a leak in  the power steering hose. The "flat rate" time to 
replace the hose was about 9  hours, with amateur resources, it took me 
about 20 hours. Everything came out,  supercharger, intercooler, aluminum 
"hoses", alternator, and I can't remember  what else, just to be able to see the 
hose. Actually changing the hose took  about 40 minutes.
 
Tom Faust