So the day has finally come.
It all started when I put my car up to adjust my coilovers and saw a coolant drip. To the right side of the car directly under the motor. Fortunately, I checked my coolant and it was still mostly full. I believe I caught this early.

So, time to do the HG's! I'm researching as much as possible and there seems to be a few good write ups about it. Of course know one does a DIY on why they failed, which leads me to this next part.

I have a couple of questions first. Has anyone had any horror stories trying to do this for the first time? Are the triple layered STI gaskets still good for N/A 2.5L?

I have a 60ft x 30ft shop to work in, jack stands, cherry picker, 3 full snap on tool boxes with more tools than I know what to do with. The full multi-thousand page service manual. A strong mechanical knowledge and ability to read and follow directions.

Do I have anything to worry about? W

What else should I swap/service while the motor is out? I'm at 80K miles roughly.

I'm still researching but any info/advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
-Robert

 

Might be a good/easy time to just do an early 105k service

 

Sweet! I'm trying to find a timing belt DIY but I'm unsure if N/A and F/I are the same. This is a huge learning experience for sure. If I have any doubts I'll just take it to Paul instead but I'm pretty sure this is doable myself. Right?