I just need to confirm that the 2.5 in a 1999 Forester is an interference engine, correct? Trying to order some parts and I'm being asked if it's interference or not. Thanks!

All Subaru engines from 1997 on are interference. In addition the 96 2.5DOHC.

May I ask what parts are you ordering where this makes a difference?

 

O.

Not that it matters, but the 96 dohc AFAIK is only valve to valve, not valve to piston interference...

 

But yea, what are you ordering that makes it matter?

I'm having the head gaskets replaced on my daughter's Forester. Friend of the family is a retired Subaru mechanic and has offered to do the job if I supply the parts. Doing entire timing belt, crank seals, cam seals...everything. When I went to the parts store, they asked me if it was an interference engine or not. I felt they should have that in their computer and would know. I went to the Subaru dealer for the parts, minus the head gaskets themselfes. Went with the highly recommended Fel-Pro units. Thanks for the replies.

If i were you id replace the head gasket with the 04-06 sti head gasket from Subaru, if its the SOHC. itll save you a head ake in a couple years.

Yea, using the sti headgaskets for the sohc 2.5 (what you have) is the best. Subaru part number 11044AA642.

The felpros on the EJ engines have been known to be troublesome.

Interesting info about the Fel-Pro. I went with them due to them being ranked top 3 brands for the job. Friend hasn't started the job yet, so will ask him for his opinion, as well. He actually suggested I don't get the Subaru gaskets because they're the reason he's tearing the engine apart to begin with.

The Subaru gaskets have been "refined", That's why they are recommended now. Also six star gaskets are top notch for the 2.5 motors too. Don't use Fel Pro for these.

+1 I'd use Subaru for headgaskets

The Gates timing belt kits are awesome - all new pulleys and belt for $115 on Amazon.  Routinely used by Subaru afficianados.

 

Interesting info about the Fel-Pro. I went with them due to them being ranked top 3 brands for the job..

 

Fel Pro's were heavily used on older Subaru's, but not touted nearly as much for newer Subaru's.

 

That being said - some folks have said the Fel Pro's are sometimes identical to the Fel Pro, MLS, and I think even had FUJI info stamped on them. But aftermarket headgaskets can vary - same brand can give you completely different headgaskets for the same engine/part number.  Not sure why/how, but it happens.

Felpro actually makes the composite gaskets for Subaru for the old 2.2s.

Not sure who makes the MLS gaskets for Subaru now. From what Ive read the current 2.5 SOHC Felpro design is the same as the previous Subaru design. The most current Subaru design is supposed to be better, but the guys who work on these all the time tend to use the Subaru turbo head gasket, which is problem free.

As far as I know, the subaru SOHC gaskets are the same crap, that's why I use the STi ones. They're the same price anyway.

^what he said. They maybe have change the design but they still are garbage. Use the STI head gasket. You won't be sorry. This is all we use in our Subaru shop. SSI.

Thanks for the responses. I'll be getting a set of the STi gaskets for her car. She's in college and I cant afford for this to happen again down the road.