After some online research I have found this to be a bit more common but still scary. All you fellow 4.8i owners beware. If you are lucky enough to develop the leak before warranty expires you will be covered for a new block and about 60(?) hours of labor. Somewhere in the area of $14k...

Basically there is a hard pipe that runs front to back in the block under the intake manifold that develops a leak (and it was no small leak in my case) and it's a non-serviceable part. There are a few companies with a less intrusive fix (all german auto) that is still going to set you back $3k plus while you're that far in you might as well get busy with timing covers and a few other bits...

Thankfully it appears my extended warranty is going to foot the bill. As a relatively new 4.8i owner I wish I knew a bit more about the possibility of things like this. I still love the vehicle but wow that would/could be a tough pill to take if you are out of pocket.

Any ideas on how to force the fail early before warranty runs out might save a few people on here some headaches.