Hi All,

 

I am about to jump into a HG job on a 98 Forester S and have a question about parts selection. My research tells me that I am going with OEM for the HG's, timing belt and t-stat but what about these other parts listed below? Can I go with aftermarket and if so, can anyone comment on which is best or what to avoid in aftermarket versions of these parts? For example I recall using ONLY OEM intake gaskets on my EA82's but does that hold true with the EJ25?

 

Exhaust gaskets

Intake gaskets

Oil Pump gaskets

Valve Covers

Cam Seals

Oil seperator plate

intake gaskets aren't as critical with EJ engines as there's no shared coolant passage.

 

exhaust manifolds are best from Subaru...it's fairly often you can even reuse the originals.

 

i prefer getting the Subaru OEM brown seals, but have no reason for that really either.

 

valve cover gaskets don't matter - i just try to find a reasonable kit that has the grommets as well.

 

i used to go with Subaru timing belts, but have been opting for the aftermarkets for awhile now. i get the ebay timing kits with all new pulleys and tensioners. i don't want to reuse the original pulleys and tensioners, they do fail.

I get OEM oil pump Oring, and ultra grey to seal it. You'll need the ultra grey anyways when you do the HG's.

 

Exhaust OEM is about the same price as aftermarket - but are better. However as GG says often reusable.

 

I also buy an importexperts kit with all the idlers. I also have to say I got a kit for a friend that came with the crank & cam seals and they looked good. You can get a water pump there or elsewhere but I think OEM is expensive.

 

I use Dayco timing belts and accessory belts.

 

If you get a new baffle plate make sure to get the matching new screws.

 

Coolant - I use Advance auto parts universal.

 

VC gaskets usually Felpro.