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Just for kicks, try starting it with the maf sensor unplugged.

+1 head gasket. Less heat in cabin. Coolant overflow tank rising. Temperature fluctuations. Listen for gurgles in the dash. Exhaust gas in the coolant. All +signs.

As stated. Now here’s a tip. Over on the dreaded face book there’s a guy on a few of “our” forums by the name of David Melcher. I suggest you contact him immediately. He has supplied to me the exact same parts. Mine were for EA71 1970’s Subarus but it’s the same situation through the 80’s and the EA82 here. I do realize it’s more common on the earlier ea71 and ea81 vehicles but has also happened on Loyales. David is top notch. Great person doing extraordinary things for the used Subaru owners community. I just received two boxes of vented disk calipers with parking brake lines and backing plates from David to upgrade my 79 wagon from the nasty first gen calipers and solid rotors. And I’d gladly continue to buy from a guy like him. Best of luck !

valid reason, then.. The major difference is in the catalyst material itself, as ido said above... and would be related more to emissions, not fuel consumption. fwiw - slightly raising tire inflation will net you more in the way of fuel mileage than any cat would. I usually go with about halfway between recommended pressure (on the car's info tag) and max pressure listed on the tire.. and check it regularly..

Great day out at Flatnats 2022! Some very fast subies there and a few other old school subies. Even took her for 5 laps at Ruapuna Raceway! And a shot of the old head gasket. Definitely blown.

So, today I got her back from Crowesport (my local Subaru expert). The head gasket was the culprit in the end. All back together and running smoothly! Off to Flat Nats tomorrow.