207 wont work with early head only from 98+



just use subaru gaskets, like you said its a budget rebuild..... no need for cosworth.


my bottom end rebuild is costing my 7k


correct 97 wrx was tuned for 12 psi

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Ok so there would be no benefit at all? I mean its like a $30-$50 differance. Seeing as this is our second set of headgaskets I'm sure you can see why I'm worried about using better parts and going through and doing everything then finishing off with a new tune because I am getting over this specific problem with the ej20 fast. I guess after 2 sets I am just finding it hard to believe the standard gaskets are any good... obviously something has caused it to blow but thats why I am going through everything and doing it properly.

BTW this is a 95 wrx motor not a 97/98/00 its the early ej20g.

i would use a factory sti 3 layered gasket, i also have no issue reusing the sti headgasket if its in good condition (ie not pitted out), it sounds like a block or head defect, or assembly issue if you are on your 3rd stripdown?

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Yeh theres something going on, I'll be checking it out when its all apart.

So STI 3 layer metal head gaskets > Cosworth metal headgaskets.

As for the bearings and things Ive seen on the forum that seems to be the next thing that goes? I've been doing a search for weak parts thats all. Aftermarket bearings seem to be around the $200 mark?
I dont mind spending the extra $100 here and there this build isn't meant to be "on the cheap" its just not the sort of build where we are looking at doing a 207 conversion or dropping 3grand worth of forgies into it. The aim is to have a highly reliable mid tuned streeter and weekend fun car. Not a Time trial breaking / WRC top 3 contender or Standard automasters cheapo strip and replace one standard gasket build.

stock 207 is more then adequate, i wouldnt upgrade any of the components.

factory sti gaskets are also more then capable,

for catastrophic failure on sti gaskets, i logged up around 3.6 bar of boost, so they will handle 1 bar with ease.

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warped heads yo

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This is not my old STI, this is my fiances wrx? We dont have a 207? And as for the STI gaskets if thats the case then it seems like a goer. Thats the sort of answer I was looking for, one where you have actually tested them cheers.

Yeh heads will be going in to get checked/skimmed/replaced/whatever.

EDIT: Also forgot to ask what thickness headgasket providing the heads don't need to be skimmed?

Have the heads actually been off his motor?
I thought this motor came from a front cut and went straight in

When a headgasket fails, it's rarely the gasket that's at fault. Certainly not if the gasket is less than 10 years old.
Surface finish and cleanliness is important, not only must it be flat, but must have the correct finish for the gasket used. Multi-layer metal shim gaskets need a finer finish than composite gaskets. If you were unable to machine the heads a composite gasket is more tolerant of imperfections, shim gaskets need perfect, mirror finish, flat surfaces but do offer better sealing when everything's perfect. If you're doing a cheap backyardie, then consider the original equipment composite gasket that's specified for the EJ20G. That will give you more chance of a good seal and be adequate on a low output application.

Yeh and sorry I musnt have mentioned this is not the same motor, i was on my iphone and forgot to read my posts, the heads will be off hopefully in the next few days, I've stripped the motor and just need to go grab an engine crane from my mate.

I'm not blaming the motor at all its practically new, what I'm saying is I am just sick of these gaskets and considering we arent running much boost or anything I DONT want to blow anymore gaskets. I want to take every precaution. Im going through everything from the ground up and replacing it with new seals, gaskets, thermostat, timing belt, checking the heads, injectors, tune, etc. Everything I possibly can to make sure I've done all I can to stop this from happening.

Doug by original gaskets are you talking about the STI multilayered gaskets or the original stock standard 95 wrx headgasket?

I know it seems like I just want to do meaningless stuff to this motor but you need to understand how frustrating it is when Jemma doesnt even hit boost in this car, it gets babyed everywhere, it hasnt even seen its first track day or car cruise since we bought it and we are already on our second motor and second set of head gaskets.