im going to be installing my built long block this weekend and i've heard so much about people striping the cam gear bolts.. should i order new ones just in case or is it not common?

i've also heard i could use the older cam bolts that are 17mm or something like that. let me know some feedback guys.

Just make sure they are the same(ish) length. They are a cheap alternative to a headache.

I would say I round out maybe 1 in 10 of the 10mm allen cam bolts I take apart. The older 17mm cam bolts work, but are a bit shorter.

not a terrible idea. chances are if you round one off you'll need a new cam gear after all is said and done.

I think it's actually recommended to replace the cam gears and all the bolts. I have seen a cam gear shatter on the dyno and take out a set of cosworth heads.

different lengths for avcs cams & non avcs.
but you have 02 wrx?..they should be same length.

The older cam gear bolts are too short. I have a set (4) of the older cam gear bolt, BRAND NEW!!!! .......and they sit in a box. The hell with Subaru and HEX!!!!

i know seriously... wtf were they thinking.... now hopefully i dont round any of them but i should get some new bolts anyways.

Use a tight-fitting impact grade hex key and you should be fine. I've also heard of some people putting valve lash compound on the key so it fits tighter. The tigther the key fits in the bolt, the less chance there is of stripping it out.

with a good socket and the cam gears firmly held in place with most of a timing belt I've never had a problem.

Without a good socket, and without a firm hold on the cam gear, I have stripped a couple.