Been looking on the web for a timing belt kit for a '96 EJ22.  Mizumo Auto has a premium kit ($158.71 with free shipping) that includes a Mitsuboshi belt and an Aisin water pump with gasket.

 

They told me the W/P gasket is "thin metal, coated."  Anyone used one?  Is it equal quality to the Subaru gasket we'd normally buy at a dealership? 

Sounds like an oem gasket, or t least one manufactured by the oem supplier. Your choices are that, paper, or no gasket and utra grey or similar.

the Aisin pump and coated metal gasket are OE type.

 

I have used Mizumo timing kits several times with no issues.

same, i've used mizumo kits. 

 

gates kits are very inexpensive on amazon and rockauto as well.

Thanks all--really appreciate the input.  I think I'd feel comfortable using the Aisin gasket.

 

By the way, I trust the Gates brand and would probably go with it.  But everywhere I checked--amazon, rockauto and ebay--the price was significantly higher than Mizumo's top kit.

Aisin water pump and gasket are the OE type. I've compared the gasket Aisin supplies with their pumps to the dealer gasket and they are identical right down to the packaging, minus the Subaru part number sticker.

Thanks Fairtax--you just iced the cake.

I just replaced my WP with a rebuilt unit that came with a paper gasket. I noticed the original WP had a smooth machined mating surface with the metal gasket, but the re-man had a textured surface from whatever media blasting.

 

Put i pitched the paper gasket, applied a thin film of ultra grey to the textured surface, and re-used the metal gasket dry against the block. 

Good eye, MilesFox!  Great tip--to always inspect the mating surfaces.

I've seen gasket surfaces on reman parts that looked like Swiss cheese they were so rough. In those cases I just use RTV with no gasket, or if it seals against an o-ring I use Indian head gasket shellac.