I have a 98 wrx wagon, 1998cc, Which gasket kit is better to use and where would i get one, will i need to change the head-bolts incase they've been stretched? Anything else I should get done whilst the engine is out??
Thanks.

 

for any gaskets i would go straight to subaru

 

Is that it?? typical snet reply

 

Is it just a standard rebuild, if so you could go for the subaru gasket and arp head studs or if you plan on running a bit more power in the future go for coworth gaskets and the uprated arp head bolts. Really depends how much you want to spend, its no good buying the best of stuff if its not goin to need it...

 

It's worth changing the standard composite gaskets to the 1.6mm steel variant, as fitted to the STi3 and 4 models. - I'd recommend having the block decks and heads refaced whilst it's apart.

 

Of course I don't know the details of your build.
We only use genuine Subaru gaskets as every other alternative causes leaks. The rocker covers are particularly vulnerable to this, as the system relies on the correct amount of crush from the bolt seals, which use shouldered bolts. Only use multi layer metal head gaskets, we have never suffered a gasket failure using that set up.
Standard head bolts are fine for anything up to 1.5 bar ish, there isn't much in it between the cost of new Subaru bolts and an ARP stud kit.
I'd say engine building is a pure engineering exercise, so if your engine is out, you should carry out every operation required to make sure it's spot on!