I've been trying to research on here, haven't come up with an answer yet so I'm gonna shoot this question out there.

 

[Quick story time]

 

So after some searching i finally figured out that a leak I've been experiencing for a couple years has been coming from the oil pan gasket. OK no problem i say to myself, so a couple weeks ago i drain the oil to assess the situation further and find to my surprise.. white creamy floaties (joy!)

 

No big deal right? Since I have to take the engine out anyway I can replace the head gaskets while I'm at it, got some decent metal ones from RockAuto a couple years ago too.  

 

Couple people I've been talking to tell me to have the heads re-surfaced, again costly but I'm finally in a position where i can make that work.

 

[End Story]

 

My question is, True or False - I need knew Head Bolts.  I have been told that the old ones will be warped and if i get new head gaskets and a resurface that i will want new bolts or it will only be a matter of time before those crack if I put them back in.

 

ALSO can someone explain how to modify a 17mm socket to extract them instead of buying the special Subaru Socket (Or is that really what I need?) 

...Edit  Of course it would help if I typed "Bolts" correctly in the headline 

They aren't torque-to-yield bolts, they are reusable. Don't worry about spelling bolts wrong, they're studs anyway. 

DO resurface heads. i dont think ive ever seen an engine that worked if that wasnt done after the heads were removed. Que up the contradictory responses...

Agreed on always resurfacing heads. These heads aren't the most modern technology, and they can and do warp, and the resurfacing gives you a bit of compression, which is always good!

Awesome, not needing to buy new studs will save me some $$.

 

Any tips on what to use for a socket? Again I know Subaru has their special one but I had herd that you can make a 17 mm work?

 

Thanks for the input guys I really appreciate it.

 

On a side note I'm headed down your way tomorrow djcommie! Wish I could bring braticus but I don't think he'd appreciate a 200 mile trip with leaking gaskets right now.

A really short 17mm socket (that you're willing to grind on a little bit) and a 3/8" extension may clear . I suppose you could just remove the rocker assembly to gain the necessary clearance, since you may want to anyway to get the heads skimmed and checked for cracks.