I hate Subarus. (Ok maybe not but shitty headgasket!!!!!)

[warrior]

This is like a mixture of a rant/question.

My head gasket decided to blow again.. I always thought it was a air pocket or some shit but yesterday confirmed it was head gasket. Got off the highway, temp started rising, blew a hole in the upper rad hose, buddy came, filled rad with water, drove to his place, bled system and then filled the reservoir up and wow.. so much oil! I put a white straw inside it since it was dark and it came out black.. disgusting. </end rant>

Now, rather than doing another head gasket on this engine, I'm thinking why not just get a JDM EJ25 for like $500 here, get some USDM heads (for EGR) and recondition them to new, put it all together outside of the engine bay and swap it out? Probably cost me the same amount I think and there's TONS of places around here for JDM EJ25 engines.

My question is what would I be looking at for like.. replacing parts? Spark plugs, etc.. is everything the same as the USDM one or would I need different parts?

Also, what benefits would I be gaining by going with a JDM short block and USDM heads? Other than the low mileage. :smt017

[warrior]

Wtf.. no replies!!!!!! :smt013

[Huffer]

The problem with going with a used block is that you don't know what kind of wear it's had. At least with yours you have a history (albeit, bad). When you replaced the HG's, did you have the heads milled flat? Did you use the steel OEM gaskets?

Personally, I would have the heads and block (outside chance) checked for flatness, milled if necessary, get some nice street cams, and just rebuild that way with the steel gaskets.

The issue isn't with the block, right? It's with the HG sealing.

[warrior]

The problem with going with a used block is that you don't know what kind of wear it's had. At least with yours you have a history (albeit, bad). When you replaced the HG's, did you have the heads milled flat? Did you use the steel OEM gaskets?

Personally, I would have the heads and block (outside chance) checked for flatness, milled if necessary, get some nice street cams, and just rebuild that way with the steel gaskets.

The issue isn't with the block, right? It's with the HG sealing.

True.. yea, the heads were machined and I used Cometic gaskets. I got a second Subaru mechanic coming to look at my car cause he wants to make sure that the head isn't cracked. He has a feeling it might be that.. only put 70,000km on my car since the last HG was replaced.. bullshit! I watched him do it too and man, he was thorough, he did everything by the book so I know it wasn't shitty quality.

This is frustrating. :smt022

There's a reputable JDM engine shop here and if I do go my original route, which I think will be cheaper cause I can do the swap myself, just get my buddy to put everything together.. would I have problems looking for parts later on?? I'm gonna go look at some engines later today.. bahhhh

[Huffer]

The major issue for the JDM engine is EGR, but you have that sorted already.
You can run a JDM block on a USDM ECU/harness.

I still think you should have the heads checked out, dipped and fitted with street cams. :grin:

[warrior]

The major issue for the JDM engine is EGR, but you have that sorted already.
You can run a JDM block on a USDM ECU/harness.

I still think you should have the heads checked out, dipped and fitted with street cams. :grin:

How much are street cams and what performance gains could I be expecting?? :twisted:

[Huffer]

http://www.deltacam.com/
IS
http://www.customimportheads.us/

And is also a vendor on this board. Hit them up, they do great deals for people all the time.