ElusiveStranger

Hi guys

I've got a 97-98 EJ20 SOHC NA lump.
One of the head gaskets is failing (bubbles when thermostat open - deffo not air locks).

Could you please recommend me suppliers/prices for a replacement set

Subaru want £290 - full engine set
Brown Bros - £140 for full head/exhaust/inlet etc
Then there's The Gasket Shop on E-bay for £39.99 (looks like full engine set)

I don't know what to look for - can the E-bay ones be worth having?

I'd much rather spend 'quality' money and just cry the once.
Any advice great fully received.

bowsaaa

Cometic do top notch gaskets for around £105 a pair. I think most Subaru specialist would supply you with some.

dabow

iTrader: (19)

i'm getting a gasket set off e-bay for £47 quid but i'm also getting a triple layer metal head gaskets at £90 quid.

most gaskets i think are the same. never had probs in the past, but i always go for good head ones.

theres graham goode/roger clark/zen performance. they all do them

ElusiveStranger

Thanks for the replies guys


Could you let me know if the £47 are worth having & who the supplier is please?
What's the difference between these, Cometic & triple metal ones? (Could you let me know where you are getting these please?)

I wouldn't know what the difference between excellent, good & avoid like the plague was

I'm not used to the differences in HGs. I've come from VW aircooled motors (& bikes), the Impreza lump resides in the back of a '78 VW Camper Lovin' it to bits.

BULLETtheBLUEsyk

How hard is it to change the head gasket, I'm getting quoted crazy prices by garages, Subaru quoted me £1200 this morning....
Is there any guide on how to do it.....I've changed head gaskets before but never In a scooby...

cheers

BULLETtheBLUEsyk

Sorry It's a 95 WRX Import....The car is in Ireland so API would be a very expensive option..

ElusiveStranger

I was quoted 8 hrs to change mine at a Scooby dealership.

(It's not going to take that long for mine as I have plenty of clearance all round the engine & can do it in situ)
The job doesn't look that bad, timing belt install looks the worst bit.


The job doesn't seem that bad, drain system, remove exhaust/manifolds, remove heads...
The torquing sequence is a bit 'torque, torque again, loosen, loosen, torque, torque then turn 80°-90°.
I do have a full 2002 Impreza manual if that's any help to you - PM me your e-mail addy & I can scan the relevant pages