hey there, you may have seen my previous thread on the cooling system of my 97 impreza....well! I have a 98 legacy outback too!!!!

 

i started the head gasket swap today.

 

aside from snapping 4 exhaust studs(i used a torch too! the buggers!)

 

motor is pulled fine.

 

while she is off, am i right to assume

1: replace timing belt

2: replace water pump

3:replace those dang studs

4: replace t-stat

5........................

why i'm here.

 

what else should i be doing while the motor is out?

 

also, while ordering parts in bulk, what is the site most recommended by the gurus? as in low budget quality parts

There are a number of things you'd be wise to do while the engine is out and the front end is opened up (idlers, tensioner, oil pump, separator plate, etc.) Try a search--there are tons of threads about it.

 

If you want genuine Subaru parts at a good price call Jason at Mike Scarff Subaru, 866-528-5282.

Oh, the DOHC 2.5... we've got to love em'. While you're in their, +1 on those pulleys/idlers. I'd also reseal the oil pump and replace the front main seal. Some people like to replace the rear oil seperator plate as well.

Valve cover gaskets are much nicer with engine out and they're cheap and prone to leak being this old.

 

Reseal oil pump, tighten rear backing plate screws of oil pump with locktite, timing pulleys, cam seals.

 

Thermostat should be Subaru.

here's the same question and feedback from it:

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=109100