Best 2.2l headgasket

[School Teacher]

Hi all I have a 97 2.2legacy that had a cracked radiator and it over heated and the head gasket has gone. I want to replace it and was wondering what gaskets are good for this engine. I have done my outback already and know that the 2.5 is a different animal and needs the oem (is it the same with my engine?). Is mine a phase 2 engine? is fel-pro ok? is cheaper ok? I have searched, not being lazy. 

[idosubaru]

1997 EJ22 is Phase I

Subaru would be a slam dunk

Fel Pro is probably okay - i think for 1990-1994 models the Fel Pro and Subaru headgasket are the same part.

Unsure about 1995-1998 EJ22's.

[School Teacher]

Thanks! Does anybody know about the 1995 to 1998?

[86BRATMAN]

I'm not aware of a head gasket change on the phase 1 ej22e, I know the phase 2 ej222 has a different head gasket.

 

That said the felpro head gasket for the ej22e is a surprise are part. I purchased a pair last summer from advance auto parts and they had the Fuji stamping in the material.

[johnceggleston]

i have not done HGs on an ej22.

but the engine is pretty forgiving.

and i'm pretty sure they are graphite gaskets.

 

so almost any gasket will do.

 

one guy joked that he made a head gasket for his lawn mower out of a coke can.

and suggested the ej22 was almost as simple.

but i don't recommend you try coke cans.

 

if you have the time, order some online.

this is the only time i would even consider evergreen HGs on ebay.

but given the price of the dealer gaskets i'm not sure price is a reason to buy after market.

they just don't cost that much.

 

if time is an issue, buy from the parts store or the dealer.

dealer wholesale price is probably cheaper than parts store felpro.

 

i have never heard of an ej22 HG failing after install.

Edited March 18, 2014 by johnceggleston