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MANY THANKS! Seriously, I really appreciate the guidance. It was not easy or fun, but now I’m done. Used a dremel to cut notches into the plate (no room for anything else!). Chisled and chiseled. On the third rotation, the captive nut became “uncaptive” as in no longer welded to the frame. So I drilled a pilot hole to ensure the right spot to drill on the inside, then drilled a 1” access hole through the floor. Used an old broken long drill bit through the pilot hole of the plate and frame to lock the plate in place while undoing the nut with the impact wrench. The access hole, although annoying, validates using the $9 aftermarket bump stop/helper with a nylon lock nut versus the $60 OEM part. In reality, once I finish the moderate restoration, this will be a garage kept, good season, nice weather, weekend only car that won’t get more than a total of 1,000 miles during the next 60 or so years of my life... I’m 48 now, so yes, I’m definitely an optomist.

Okay cool, since the EA81 swap is a little more involved than I thought, I'll start with trying to bring the EA71 around. Going to look at it and make a final decision this evening!

Ah yes - with the updated gasket (the 770 is also used in the 2.5 single cam belt motor's but not till 11-13 Legacy models) it should never have that problem again. I've never had a repeat failure. GD

If you like an oily, messy engine that smokes off the exhaust manifold, stinks, etc then go right ahead. No one is stopping you. It's not a matter of oil leakage - the leaks never amount to enough to have to add. If you are adding it's either the PCV valve or the rings. It is NOT the HG's. Fixing them will not result in ANY change the level of consumption. Once you look at the cost of doing the FULL 105k with all timing components, valve lash, etc - it's only about $1k more to do the HG's at the same time. If you use the 642/770 you won't have a recurring failure. If you use the old 633 gasket then you are absolutely right - don't bother. GD

Welcome! I also drive an XS. Great car, I just wish I had held out for a Forester XT. A turbo would make this car awesome.

Terry, Welcome to the USMB! That's quite a testament for the forester. Glad to hear you were alright.