So I've just ordered a head gasket set from ebay and I'm curious if any of the Subaru tech's on here have used the same type? On a scale of 1 to 10 what would you rate the JIS set they offer for a 96 Legacy EJ22? Your opinions are welcome. Thanks.

IMO, a head gasket is something that I would never go cheap on, especially an open deck engine like a Subaru.. EJ22's generally don't have head gasket issues so they may be ok, but I would never chance it.. FWIW, the OEM gaskets are $50 EACH from a dealer, or can be had at a parts store ( Fel Pro IIRC, is marked FHI for EJ22's ). Victor Reinz which is what I used recently looks exactly like the gaskets I pulled off. They were $39/ each. Probably could get them cheaper online tho.

 

Also, that kit shows dual port exhaust gaskets so you can't use that part on your '96 as it has single port heads, and JIS just means Japanese International Standard, which could be anything really.

Edited May 21, 201312 yr by matt167

on my first engine swap ej22 into a 97GT i bought a ''cheap'' gasket set off of ebay. i did not need the head gaskets but the price was great for all the other gaskets.

 

however, i just had to replace the valve cover gaskets after 35k miles.

 

OEM head gaskets online are less than $75 a pair, add to the order the front cam seals, cam cap o-rings, crank seal, oil pump o-ring and the shipping price is minimized.

 

i get my head gaskets from a dealer online along with the seals mentioned and the t-stat, if needed (but i have never seen a bad factory t-stat.)

 

i use felpro or beck arnley for the intake, exhaust, VC gaskets. i try to order from rockauto.com in advance, but i'll buy local if i have to.  i just replace the VC gasket on both of the ej22 swaps i have done. i don't think either was name brand. and the second one only had 20k on it when replaced.

 

DO NOT mess with the rear main seal, they usually last the life of the car and if you do it wrong it will leak badly.

 

ebay is not a bad place to buy, but cheap is not always the best way to buy.

 

check out the ''importexperts'' on ebay. they have good timing belt parts for good prices. i'm not sure they carry head gaskets though.

Edited May 21, 201312 yr by johnceggleston