Installing head gaskets on 2.5L in a 2001 forester, 

Has steel two part gasket now,  is the Turbo EJ25 headgasket the way to go ??

Was a mess getting head and head bolts out of frame - eng area,

any tip on easyer way ??

in the car?

 

I recently read of someone who removed the motor mounts and exhaust manifolds, etc. and used strap wrenches to pull the engine left for right side access, then right for left access. seemed like a good idea.

unbolt the two 14mm nuts in the crossmember for the engine mounts and jack the engine up in the engine bay - gives a lot more room.  i did a 2001 forester exactly that way last year.

1. without jacking it up - it's almost not possible by yourself and nothing but frustration

2.  jack the engine up a few inches - lots of clearance and much easier.

 

yes - use the EJ25 turbo headgaskets.

 

resurface the heads.  there's a thread on this forum about how to do it yourself actually - it's far easier than you'd imagine.