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Old 04-05-2022, 03:27 AM   #1
Stphnhrrng82
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Member#: 528702
Join Date: Feb 2022
Default EJ253 head rebuild

I have a trusted automotive machine shop who will P&P my heads, vac&pressure test them, surface them for head gaskets and do a full valve job for $1,000 if I supply parts.
It’s an EJ253 SOHC 5MT N/A. I need to get some strong, oversized valves, stronger springs and rockers and valve guides. I’ve been looking for days but everybody said theirs are the best. Was also thinking about doing cams at the same time if I can find affordable ones that aren’t super gnarly. It’s my DD, I need decent MPG, and good reliability. Is there anything else I need to supply for a rebuild? and what would my best options be for valve size (oversized), strong valves (intake & exhaust), how strong should the springs be and how should I chose rockers and valve guides. Is there an option to buy 2 affordable cams that aren’t super gnarly since it’s my DD? And is there anything I’m forgetting? This is my first Subaru rodeo and I love the car, want it to last me the next 10+ years. Thank you for any legit advice that doesn’t imply that I haven’t been researching because that’s all I do in my free time is look for parts I need for the head rebuilds. Thank you all from a brand new Subaru fanatic
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Old 04-05-2022, 08:20 AM   #2
Elbert Bass
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Join Date: May 2011
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: Down yonder.
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If you are putting in oversized valves you will need over size valve seats - does the machine shop price include installing OS valves/seats?

My best advice is don't waste money on heavy mods on an N/A engine. Gains are minimal. Spend that money on updating the suspension, dealing with any rust, and maintenance so the car will give you another 10 years reliable service. Buy a project WRX/STI if you want to play.

My grandson has an '02 RS that was updated with better suspension and full poly bushings. Fun as heck to drive and isn't strong enough to get you in trouble. I ALMOST like driving the RS better than his dad's WRX we just finished building around an engine we PB Blastered out of an old Grassroots Motorsports rust-bucket build.
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Old 04-05-2022, 03:39 PM   #3
Patrick Olsen
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Chapter/Region: AKIC
Location: Where the Navy sends me...
Vehicle:
1997 Legacy 2.5GT
1996 Impreza coupe

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Stphnhrrng82 View Post
I have a trusted automotive machine shop who will P&P my heads, vac&pressure test them, surface them for head gaskets and do a full valve job for $1,000 if I supply parts.
It’s an EJ253 SOHC 5MT N/A. I need to get some strong, oversized valves, stronger springs and rockers and valve guides. I’ve been looking for days but everybody said theirs are the best. ... Thank you for any legit advice that doesn’t imply that I haven’t been researching because that’s all I do in my free time is look for parts I need for the head rebuilds.
I'm curious what options you've found? I'm surprised you've apparently found more than one. And I'm curious where you've been researching that you've gotten the impression that you need to change out the valves and rockers in order to do a performance daily driver rebuild?

So, I'll save you some time and money. You don't need to change out the valves. You don't need to change out the rockers, and there are no options other than stock ones, anyway. You don't need to change out your springs, particularly if you aren't even certain if you're going to change out the cams, and if you do change the cams, you don't want anything "super gnarly".

With all of that aside, you absolutely do want to swap out the cams. I'm sure in all of researching you've read about Delta Cam, Web Cam, Kelford, Brian Crower, etc. I think Delta and Web may be the only ones with off-the-shelf options for the SOHC heads. You'll find plenty of testimonials for the Delta cams here in this forum or over on RS25.com. Call and talk to them about what you want to do and which of their grinds is best for you.
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Old 04-11-2022, 05:28 PM   #4
car_freak85
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Join Date: Dec 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Cascadia
Vehicle:
EA63 , EA81T, EJ20G,
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Give these folks a call and see what they recommend: https://www.facebook.com/NASPerformance/
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Old 04-30-2022, 01:40 PM   #5
Stphnhrrng82
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Member#: 528702
Join Date: Feb 2022
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stphnhrrng82 View Post
I have a trusted automotive machine shop who will P&P my heads, vac&pressure test them, surface them for head gaskets and do a full valve job for $1,000 if I supply parts.
It’s an EJ253 SOHC 5MT N/A. I need to get some strong, oversized valves, stronger springs and rockers and valve guides. I’ve been looking for days but everybody said theirs are the best. Was also thinking about doing cams at the same time if I can find affordable ones that aren’t super gnarly. It’s my DD, I need decent MPG, and good reliability. Is there anything else I need to supply for a rebuild? and what would my best options be for valve size (oversized), strong valves (intake & exhaust), how strong should the springs be and how should I chose rockers and valve guides. Is there an option to buy 2 affordable cams that aren’t super gnarly since it’s my DD? And is there anything I’m forgetting? This is my first Subaru rodeo and I love the car, want it to last me the next 10+ years. Thank you for any legit advice that doesn’t imply that I haven’t been researching because that’s all I do in my free time is look for parts I need for the head rebuilds. Thank you all from a brand new Subaru fanatic
I wanted cams too but read that delta will grind them for the same effect for $250(I believe that’s what they said)
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