I'm replacing the head gaskets on my 99 Forester and need some feedback on aftermarket gaskets. Before you all roast me, I am using Subaru head gaskets. But the price list I have from the dealership for the rest of the gaskets needed is higher than what I have found online. How do the aftermarket kits stack up in regards to the exhaust, intake, rocker cover, and spark plug gaskets? And as far as the timing belt and tensioner, is there any particular supplier on Ebay that any of you would recommend? They all vary in price and come from different manufacturers, so I'm not sure what's best. On my other vehicles I always used subaru parts, but cash is tight and I need to cut some corners. Thanks in advance.

As long as you are using Subaru hg's I wouldn't worry too much about the others. Aftermarket works okay. As far as timing components, I have had great luck with the import experts. Their parts come from japan and are OEM certified.

 

I don't use gaskets off ebay though, they start leaking in my experience. Get them locally and felpro is okay to use.

 

Good Luck

I did my 99 OBW about a year ago, and bought a complete engine gasket set from CNS auto off eBay, $65 plus $12 shipping. It didn’t look too bad, but the molded rubber pieces for the valve covers were not quite right. I believe it consisted of Eristic brand gaskets which were Japanese until recently, and the quality was considered to be good, but these were from Taiwan. Terrible looking head gaskets were included, and I did not use the lip seals from the kit, the valve cover gaskets, or the head gaskets. There were still a lot of useable parts for the money, but the suggestion of using Felpro or similar gaskets makes sense. I know my Subaru dealer wanted $117 just for the valve cover gaskets, so shopping is definately a good idea.

I have found some better prices from autopartsway.ca that I think I will be going for. My local dealership gave me a shopping list of everything they would replace if they were to do the job, but they want over $700 CDN. I haven't pulled the motor yet, but I know it needs a rear separator plate and there is evidence of oil seepage at the bottom of the timing belt cover. Once I get it out and apart I will be able to narrow down what all I need. Subaru wants $190 for the belt tensioner assembly and $150 for the belt. I know I can do better than that elsewhere. I was hoping to cover everything for around $500. Thanks for the feedback, I was leary about anything from Ebay.

I used timing belt and idler kit from the import experts also, and very high quality and pretty good price. They don't seem to have any sales on ebay right now, but have their own web site, can't tell if the prices are the same, but looks like the same merchandise. There are two styles of hydraulic tensioner used, the old style was a long cylinder, I believe yours is the other style with a short arm attached to the pulley, and a crossways plunger in the middle of the arm. I used a paraut brand water pump which is supposed to be the OEM supplier at a better price. looked exactly like the last Subaru pump I bought. The thermostat, head gaskets and the oil separator plate and screws all have to come from Subaru, there are a number of discount dealers available. Should also pull the oil pump and make sure the screws on back are tight, there is an o-ring behind it I get from the dealer. The oil pump or front lip seal are most likely source of the drip in the middle.