StephenA Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Yup, another head gasket rebuild topic. While I plan on buying the gasket kit from Rockauto, I don't plan on using their head gasket. Rock auto just has a great price for all the rest of the gaskets. So, while browsing Summit Racing, they have a huge selection of Cometic head gaskets and only one Fel-pro. I'm guessing there is a reason for this... Is there a difference between these? The cost difference is slight. If stock thickness is .100, is it worth moving to .080? This is a daily driver on a rough mountain road. More power would be nice, but not at the expense of reliability. For the record, 1990 legacy. Engine is from a wrecking yard. Was in the car when I bought it. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeneralDisorder Posted October 2, 2017 Share Posted October 2, 2017 Get them from Subaru. The dealer gaskets are made by Nippon Reinz. There is no benefit to any aftermarket gasket on that engine. Composite graphite gaskets were used from the factory and typically last 250k with properly prepared head and block surfaces. I would not move to an MLS gasket as the block and cylinder head surfaces on those engines tend to be pretty rough and sealing it up is probably best done with the graphite composite. GD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xdeadeye1 Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 I used a felpro on my 2.2 1996 legacy. No problems. about 25 k on it since the change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fairtax4me Posted October 3, 2017 Share Posted October 3, 2017 Felpro head gaskets for that engine are exact same as what you would get from the dealer. Even have te Fuji heavy industries logo on them. A thinner head gasket won't make a noticae difference in power. You want more power switch to a roller cam and rocker setup, and put in a set of delta torque cams. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenA Posted October 4, 2017 Author Share Posted October 4, 2017 Thank you for your input. I looked into the Subaru dealership. They want a goodly sum for them, don't they? I'll have to make do with the fel-pro this time. I can fix my beater winter car for now, then build up my summer car proper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Thank you for your input. I looked into the Subaru dealership. They want a goodly sum for them, don't they? I'll have to make do with the fel-pro this time. I can fix my beater winter car for now, then build up my summer car proper. just remember you get what you pay for. Some claim the Fel-pro are just re-sold factory gaskets.......sometimes they might be.......but I know I've seen definately not factory HGs in Felpro packaging too......plus felpro other seals and gaskets like intake and Cam seals will be China junk. I would not risk it. See if any local stores can get you "Stone" branded headsets.....they are Japanese and include good quality rubber seals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 5, 2017 Share Posted October 5, 2017 If you order the Fel Pro's locally you can check them out before walking out of the store. Subaru - you can order online for about a 20% discount from local dealers, but then you have shipping to contend with. Usually the dealer prices on gaskets is not bad, but i haven't checked an EJ22 in ages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenA Posted October 19, 2017 Author Share Posted October 19, 2017 I got the gasket from Napa auto. Good or bad, judging from the condition of the crankshaft pulley key this engine is not long for this world anyway. I just picked up another 2.2 on Sunday. Now that I have time, I'll rebuild this one better. I now have the tools and I just had great practice. Not sure if I want to try a frankenmoter yet, but I'll have a set of heads for when I do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmdew Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 I have the Cometic gaskets 2 sets and a set of 2.2 heads for a Frankenmotor. I'll make you a great deal on the set. I'm in Colorado but shipping should not be to bad. I can ship FedEx to a business address to save some $$. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
montana tom Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 When its important to have the right part , I buy my subaru OE gaskets from subarupartsdirect on ebay average cost on head gaskets is about 75 bucks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 judging from the condition of the crankshaft pulley key this engine is not long for this world anyway. The key isn't even needed at all, the crank bolt will never come loose if you crank it down tight. i've done it gobs of times, no big deal. Clean it all up and put it back together with or without the key and crank the crank bolt tight with a 2foot pipe over the socket handle (the crank and bolt are steel and won't strip) and it's not moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenA Posted November 14, 2017 Author Share Posted November 14, 2017 Thanks for the info. I got it all buttoned up and running pretty good. Few more things on the engine to fix not related to the HG. Of course, the U-joint on the trans output disintegrated. Never ends... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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