With the help of youtube and this site, did my first timing belt a month ago.  Now a different subaru (2001 OBW) I plan to do a head gasket replacement.

 

Where is a good place to order a kit that includes the head bolts.  I got my felpro kit last time from amazon for @$130 but it doesn't have the head bolt.  The bolt set runs @ $53.  I bet there a good set with all the stuff for cheaper somewhere.  

 

thanks

 

Mike

It's recommended that you use OEM Subaru or six star for the head gaskets. And there is no need to buy new head bolts. Just Re use the old ones.

You're not going to find much cheaper than that. Wholesale from NAPA is more than that. As for the bolts, it's up to you.  If you are trying to save money, just check them to be sure they are not stretched.  At the shop, we always replace them, but that's because the bolt price vs the labor to have to do it over if they fail, makes more sense to just do them. If you are doing it yourself, then you can decide. You'll probably be fine as long as they look okay, but if it were my car, I'd just replace them.

thanks guys, I should probably replace them.  Doing my own work is saving enough.

 

Michael

Subaru OE bolts only.

 

Just reuse them. They would pull out of the aluminum threads in the block before they would ever stretch

 

Subaru does not recommend replacing them. Feel pro does so they can sell you Chinese made crap.

 

Reuse the OE, high quality Japanese bolts

gloyale,

 

felpro head gasket ok?

For 2.2 maybe

 

For 2.5 OEM only

 

Ishino and Stone packaged HG sets will have OEM gaskets in them.

The 

Fel-Pro Hs26170Pt1 Head Gasket Set 2.5

I got from Amazon in nov 2014 had MLS gaskets.  The dealership buddy that put those in said those were good gaskets.

 

where do you recommend getting the ishino or stone sets?

 

where do you recommend getting the ishino or stone sets?

Feel pro sometimes uses OEM. Other times not. I generally don't like them

 

Ishino and stone can be ordered through WorldPac or IMC.......wholesalers so call your buddy with a shop to order them

thanks Gloyale,

 

I found Ishino on amazon for $117,  I've ordered it.  

From my experience, do NOT use Fel-Pro on the 2.5s. The metal they use is a lot thinner then 6-Star, the coating cannot withstand more then 20k miles before it's floating around in the cooling system (nothing like seeing blue flecks while diagnosing an overheat).

 

Check out All Wheel Drive Auto's website. They sell a complete kit with everything you'll need for the job and to do it right.

I am doing 2.5 2001 now and reusing the head bolts.  Note there are two different kinds in there. The ones in the center are different than on the outside - different color on them also.  If you get aftermarket, they're all the same.  Humm. Kind of suspicious.  Very heavy bolt - they are already stretched since they were used once.  Will not stretch again and I am re-using.  Shopping for either FelPro Reinz or 6 Star for this job. It is the second engine I have done and it is a lot easier the second time.  First time, I did them inside the car. Never again.  This time engine is out and on engine stand.  

Yeah, out of the car is much better. Pulling this engine takes no time at all, and makes the rest so much easier.