After replacing my radiator, thermostat. bypassing the heatrix matrix my car still over heats, so have decided to bite the bullet and take the heads off to see if the gaskets are faulty. I've never attempted a job as big as this, but I feel now is the time to have a crack.

I've got a nice big garage, engine crane and all the tools I need and the impreza doesn't look that hard to get the engine out of.

Since the engine was rebuilt 15k ago with these parts:

Closed deck block
nitrated crank
crank pully
main bearings
big end bearings (Tri-metal)
SH Tensioner/plate/roller
Upper roller
lower roller
tooth roller
gasket set
bolts
timing belt
piston rings

The engine is nice and quiet and smooth, and the ecu isn't reporting any faults. The rest of the car is perfect so I think it is justifying getting the head gasket done.

Would I be right in saying I could get away with replacing only the following:
Head gasket
water pump
head bolts
possibly an oil pump? (I'm not experieincing any oil pressure problems, would this possibly be a good saving not doing it?)
Obviously, fresh oil/filter, coolant and plugs

Since the belt, tensioner and rollers have only done 15k, I wasn't planning on replacing these

Any advice on the above would be great, where would the best place be to get parts? I'm a bit strapped for cash after just buying a house, so I'm budgeting about £400 and I'm going to do all the work myself.

Thanks

Ross

 

Don't forget to check the heads and block decks for true, and skim as required.

 

i forgot to mention, the company i work for has a machine shop, so i can get the heads skimmed for nothing