NLSA

This threw me at first, too, because so many internet sources showed DOHC images as "EJ25". There is only one pulley & camshaft on each side of the engine so mine must be SOHC. If someone could tell me the visual difference between an EJ251 and EJ252, I'd appreciate it. Thanks again- MRO

I have a 2000 Outback whose head gaskets finally failed at 195K. The engine is a Phase 2 SOHC EJ25. I have removed the engine and stripped off the intake manifold. Now it's time to get serious. This is my first big car project so forgive me if my question is stupid. The service manual (which I think is the correct one but I'm not 100%) says to disassemble the cylinder heads, remove the camshaft, etc. in preparation for removing the heads. However, it looks to me like I could leave the head intact and just remove it in one piece. Is this a bad idea? And by the way, what exactly are the head bolt heads? Torx Plus 24EP, is that right? If so, where can I get a proper tool? Thanks- MRO