How much better are Fel-Pro gaskets than the stock?

[justflick]

I just got done putting the engine back in the car
http://imgur.com/a/4My7k
('02 legacy. ej25 SOHC with 90k miles)

I'm hoping that the new gasket is bullet proof, but wasn't really able to find much discussion comparing brands and types.

I drove my last car for ten years and 200k until it was smashed while waiting for a green light....I was wondering how possible that might be again. (not the wreck lol)

[Grimmrican]

Working at aap I know we sell felpro and they're one of the best out there. I've yet to hear any shit on them so I'm guessing they're pretty good. Have u searched for beck/arnley products? I know they make some gaskets as well just not too sure on how wide a variety

[rkrenicki]

Felpro makes really good stuff, I recommend their gaskets for just about every application.... except perhaps Subaru head gaskets.

For those, I would go OEM only. It is nothing against Felpro, but Subaru dumped millions of dollars of research into making their head gaskets for their engines, and have redesigned them a few times along the way. The ones you buy now will be the best design. Felpro just copies subaru, but who knows what design the ended up copying?

[Thomistopheles]

I'm running the newer Felpro permatorque head gaskets on my new EJ25D. No issues. The rest of the gaskets in my kit were quality as well.

[Dead91silvia]

Will never use a Fel-Pro headgasket... Too many storys of failing, I use Subaru only... But the rest are fine...

[DarkPhoenix]

Had two Fel-Pro head gaskets fail on me in my Talon. Other gaskets are fine, and I can't say anything for the Fel-Pro Subaru HGs, but I would either go OEM Subaru or Cometic.

[Zangado1]

I have used fel-pro for exaust manifolds,headers and most recent my valve cover gaskets. Not one complaint or issue over the years. A no brainer for me. :smt023

[Odycee]

A lot of time vested in replace a HG, I use the best I can find even better than Subaru - 6-Star HG is equivalent to WRX HG I used for my EJ251 RS. Saving a few bucks isn't worth it to me IMO. After 5K miles, no leaks.

[kimokalihi]

Had two Fel-Pro head gaskets fail on me in my Talon. Other gaskets are fine, and I can't say anything for the Fel-Pro Subaru HGs, but I would either go OEM Subaru or Cometic.

I've actually read a few cases of cometics failing. I think nasioc has a thread about cometic failures.

Who said felpro is better than subaru? That's just crazy talk. Isn't that the same company that makes sells cork oil pan gaskets for multiple makes and models (including subaru) that don't even use oil pan gaskets! Then they leak and people can't figure out why.

[anothernord]

Headgasket: OEM every time, unless you're going with Cometic or another MLS type gasket.
Everything else: Fel-pro is just fine.

[DarkPhoenix]

Had two Fel-Pro head gaskets fail on me in my Talon. Other gaskets are fine, and I can't say anything for the Fel-Pro Subaru HGs, but I would either go OEM Subaru or Cometic.

I've actually read a few cases of cometics failing. I think nasioc has a thread about cometic failures.

Wow. They can't all be winners than. I have been fortunate to have great luck with Cometic in heavily boosted 4G63s (25psi+).

[CarDoc]

Fel Pro gaskets tend to be "off" just a bit and I've seen them leak prematurely.

Beck/Arnley makes the gaskets for Subaru. Buying from the dealer or BA outside the dealer parts means you get the same gaskets and proper fitment.

Same goes for the crank and camshaft seals. Aftermarket won't fit the same or not at all.