Jaerl

The car is a 2.5 Automatic and I'm trying to do it in the car. I got stuck because the only 12 point 14mm socket I have is long and I can't get it in between the body and the engine. Need to get a smaller socket today so I can finish getting the driver side head off. Is there room enough for a torque wrench in there? I'll probably need to get a new one because mine has the gauge and pointer and I know it isn't going to fit. Are the head gasket sets on ebay OK? I was thinking of picking one up and then just buy a set of factory head gaskets from the dealer? Is the 1996 2.5 different because I see a lot of sets for the 97 on,but not the 96? Another question, I have a 2.2 with dual exhausts outlets and it was an automatic. I am not sure of the year but I pulled it a few years ago for a VW conversion I never did. I was thinking of putting it in the OB but the wiring on the 2.5 has 3 plugs and the 2.2 has 2 and they are different sides of the engine. I read that this engine is a "plug & play" but the differnt wiring got me worried so I decided to stick with the 2.5.

All good stuff. Thanks

Hello, I just joined to get some advice. I bought my daughter a 96 outback with a bad head gasket. I just about have the second head off and I wanted to ask about parts. I see a lot of guys saying you can do this for around $200 but I have been priced $250 just for the head set from NAPA and $80/side for new head bolts. That seems kind of high but I haven't been working on cars for a few years so who knows. Should I go with the dealers gaskets or are the aftermarket ones redesigned too? How important are the new bolts? Any other info would be appreciated, Thanks Jerry