1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO PAY THE POWER BILL. I HAD MADE A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN TURNED LEFT UP THE ROAD ABOUT 4/10'S OF A MILE WHEN I PULLED INTO THE PARKING SPACE I NOTICED WHITE STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I OPENED THE HOOD A THE ENGINE WAS COVERED IN ANTIFREEZE. I CALLED FOR A TOW HOPING IT WAS A BLOWN HOSE OR AT WORST A HEAD GASKET. SO I DIDN'T DRIVE IT FURTHER TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE. THE DEALERSHIP LOOKS AT IT AND SAYS IT IS A CRACKED INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHICH LEADS TO A $1135 BILL FOR PARTS AND LABOR. SOME ONLINE RESEARCH BROUGHT A CONCERN...IS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD PLASTIC? IF SO, WHY!? *NM