I have a rod bearing going bad in my ej20. I got a used block with 800 miles on it and I'm getting ready to start swapping things over. I'm going with a vf34 and pinks or modded injectors setup. My question is will stock head gaskets be ok to use or should i go with a performance set? I was also wondering if I should buy a good set of head studs or will oem be ok for what i'm going to do? Thanks in advance guy's.
-Brad

Come on guy's, anybody?

stock metal one is fine...and oem studs is good too...however..if you can get them for the same or close price just go w. the aftermarket stuff..

stock headbolts and gaskets are more than enough for your setup.

I run them with a t3/t04s and push 30 psi at the strip and they work fine. The headbolts have even been resued twice now.


disclaimer:
Although I reused my headbolts I would never recommend it. I am just crazy that way and don't mind pulling the motor.

stock gaskets and stock bolts are fine. I personally used ARP head studs....the studs are the same as replacing the stock rod bolts, and seeing as I'm running cams, head work, etc with my EJ207 short block, it was a perfect match for that setup :)

i would say got ahead and get the head studs, b/c you will end up wanting more power and you will need them.... get the arp head studs and you can use the oem gasket kit

I am finishing my build on my ej205 and I used stock subaru gaskets and arp headstuds.

ARP Headstuds are so cheap its worth buying them the first time around...what block are you putting in there? another EJ20 or a EJ25?

-J

^^i'm putting another ej20 back in. i was kinda going in the direction of ARP studs with stock head gaskets. what about all of the other gaskets. should i buy the engine rebuild kit with all of the gaskets or can i re-use some?

I would just buy the whole kit and replace everything now rather than taking a chance, I think the whole kit is only a couple hundred, if you want good pricing, call Tristan in Parts @ Fred Beans Subaru (its in PA) they were the best price when I was doing my 2.5

-J

I would definately not reuse any gaskets... Get an oem gasket kit and put it together right. Theres no point in having to tear it all apart again. Stock head gaskets work much better than any aftermarket metal gaskets. If you are looking for a compression bump, take the block to your local machinist and have them take a couple shaves off the top.

Just went through this with my 207, oem gaskets are as good or better than aftermarket, arp headstuds, for the money are great, the oem head bolts are stretch bolts, so certainly shouldnt be used again, you should also have your heads resurfaced, to be assured of no leaks, which often happens in these cases.

Just went through this with my 207, oem gaskets are as good or better than aftermarket, arp headstuds, for the money are great, the oem head bolts are stretch bolts, so certainly shouldnt be used again, you should also have your heads resurfaced, to be assured of no leaks, which often happens in these cases.

if i have the heads resurfaced will i have to remove the cams, valves, etc,etc?

i have heard from multiple builders that stock gaskets handle 400whp, but the Arp studs are worth getting, i have them on my car.

you can get it done for like 80 a head, the machine shop can take them apart clean them, pressure test, clean and put back together. its worth it in my opinion, to do it the right way the first time.

Could even do some p+p while your at it...