Comparison - replacing EJ headgaskets verses old stuff

[idosubaru]

I've done a zillion EA/ER head gaskets.

 

How would you folks that have done a lot of EJ head gaskets compare?

 

EJ easier or harder?

quicker or longer?

Why?

Answer in #2 pencil only.

[bheinen74]

glad i cannot tell you an answer. I 've never had a need to do a HG job.

I would think that due to the longer width of the EJ, putting it closer to the side rails, that the EJ would be more difficult for sure. Probably similar though. I did not use #2 pencil

[Gloyale]

Nothing is easier than an EA71/81

 

SOHC EJ are easier than EA82,

 

DOHC, are a bit harder, and almost must have the engine come out to accomplish.

 

In general, I prefer working on EJs. The bolts(oil pump, waterpump) are bigger and less likely to break or strip. Additionally the head studs are a size that you can actually get a tap for, so you can chase the threads to clean them(I had to cut groove down the side of an old EA82 bolt to use for those engines) Timing belts is also easier after the heads are back on.

Edited September 30, 2009 by Gloyale

[Gloyale]

I would think that due to the longer width of the EJ, putting it closer to the side rails, that the EJ would be more difficult for sure.

 

EJ22 is actually narrower than EA82/ER27, EJ25 about the same.

 

And EJ body cars frame rails are wider.

[subaru360]

EJ sohc is about the same as the old stuff time wise. EJ dohc takes a bit longer. Both are easy work. I HATE, HATE, HATE working on EA82. I like the older EA stuff.