New headgaskets for JDM engine?

[Stevo F]

I’m having my mechanic replace the tires engine in my 2003 Forester. He ordered and received a 62K miles JDM EJ25 and he should be installing it this week. Should I have him replace the headgaskets before it goes in, or were the headgaskets on the JDM NA motors better than the cheap composite headgaskets used on the USDM engines?

[el_freddo]

Replace them with the MLS units. I can’t remember the part numbers but others will. They’re from the EJ25 STi WRX model. 

You’ll thank yourself for going to that effort later. If you don’t, they’ll end up doing the external coolant leak thing. 

If money is tight, drop it in and run it. Over time you’ll see the leak develop. It won’t damage anything, especially if you regularly check the coolant levels. 

Cheers 

 Bennie