That's cool, but since subaru head gaskets don't leak externally, before I spent a penny on any parts I'd do some testing, it's cheap insurance. it'll be a bummer if you pay a ton of money and not fix the problem. I'm glad to hear you have a good scooby tech, they are hard to find! I had to hire a part time dealer mechanic back in the day and he tought me a TON about these unique beasts. like the shop rate clutch change when we were rallying, not a lot was known about the EJ engine in America when stressed.. since, until 1998 no one REALLY raced them here.