bpk

The problem is the Subaru dealer tech retapped the 11mm head bolt hole to 12mm which is too big diameter for the helicoil to correct an 11mm fit, block is ruined and I kept all emails and pix and will ask for my $500 back.

who did you use?

FYI, car was towed to mechanic we trust, JDM came up as an alternative and I think it our best bet, looks like the $1950 cost of HG fix will be about the same as removal of 2.5, purchase of 2.0 JDM and install!

we will remove 2.5 and install 2.0, I understand the externals of the 2.5 can be used on the 2.0, then will try to get $500 back from dealer on botched job

Just starting using this info and appreciated expertise, need advice, we have 2002 2.5l Limited Outback and am seeking motor due to incompetent dealer HG problem, I was told a 2000-2002 JDM 2.0l would swap except for externals, only 45k miles, is this a correct assumption?

In attempting to correct a stripped thread on 2.5l 2002 Outback Limited with HG problem, dealer oversized block head bolt hole to 12mm, dont think we can correct to bring back to accept 11mm head bolt with helicoil, please advise if incorrect, but now we are looking at swapping with low mileage 2.0l JDM replacement, supposedly a swap by using 2.5 externals, any advice appreciated