What is the better of Locktite choices to use on the head bolts? I am thinking "RED". The perminent stuff

 

Also, should I go by the specs in the manual on torqing the head bolts? What do you torque yours too?

i would not use any locktite or hardening agent on the head bolts, i don't think that's a good idea and would be a PITA down the road.

 

if you follow the proper procedures for head gasket installation you should not have any problems. i'd use Subaru OEM headgaskets or something you have reason to believe is a high quality substitute. from there keep it simple and you'll be golden. follow the proper procedure. clean the crap out of the bolts holes. run a tap or clean head bolt down and out each and every hole in the block numerous times...this is where air tools help speed things up considerably but be careful it is an aluminum block. run the bolts/tap in and clean the threads when you pull it back out. do this until the bolt holes are spotless. blow compressed air down the holes too. when you install the gasket lightly coat the head bolt holes with oil to help them glide through the threads in the block as you torque them. if you follow this you won't have issues. dirty holes that don't torque properly and improper torquing will kill anything you throw at it. after that follow the torque procedure...except possibly making the final torque value higher than specification. look that up, plenty of information on the boards here about people doing that.

 

good luck with it, the EA82 isn't bad at all to do a head gasket on. i've always done ER27's so the EA82 seems really easy.

Absolutely No locktite. Some pour soul may have to tear that engine down someday.

You guys are no fun. OK, I will let it slide this time. Thanks

i put motor oil on my headbolts