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Your Subaru’s flat-four engine is famous for one job: making power reliably. But that same horizontally-opposed layout puts sideways stress on the head gasket, and when it lets go, you get the dreaded white milky oil or a misfire you cannot chase down. The fix is a new gasket, but the wrong one will leak again in a few thousand miles — or blow entirely. This guide lines up the six head gaskets that actually fit the EJ20 and EJ25 turbo engines, so you pick the right stack of steel the first time and get back on the road.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind GoCarLife. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Your engine bay does not forgive guesswork, so we matched every gasket here to a specific Subaru model-year range and checked what real owners experienced after the install. That is what the best wrx head gasket actually needs to deliver — a leak-free seal that holds boost and does not ask you to pull the engine again next season.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best WRX Head Gasket
A blown head gasket on a turbo Subaru is a ticking-clock repair. You need a seal that handles high cylinder pressure, resists the sideways loads of a flat engine, and fits the exact deck surface of your block. Here is what separates a gasket that lasts from one that fails again.
Multi-Layer Steel (MLS) vs Composite
Modern turbo Subarus left composite gaskets behind years ago. MLS gaskets use several thin layers of stainless steel bonded together. That construction maintains clamping force as the engine heat-cycles and allows the head to lift slightly under boost without tearing the seal. Every gasket on this list is MLS — do not consider anything else for a WRX or STI.
Combustion Seal Technology
The ring around each cylinder bore is the most stressed part of the gasket. A plain embossed bead can flatten out over time. Look for a dedicated stopper layer — a welded wire or a folded steel ring — that physically stops the combustion flame from pushing past. That is what prevents the blow-out that dumps coolant into the oil passage.
Single Gasket vs Full Kit
A head gasket alone gets the job done if you are re-using the old intake and exhaust manifold gaskets. But a full kit adds the cam seals, crank seal, and exhaust port gaskets you will want to replace while the engine is apart. The trade-off is cost: a single premium gasket may, while a complete OEM kit can exceed. Decide based on whether you are doing a head-gasket-only repair or a full top-end rebuild.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Construction | Count | Engine Fit | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fel-Pro 26415 PT★ Best Overall | Best Overall | Multi-Layer Steel | 1 Gasket | EJ25 / EJ20 (98-10) | Amazon |
| Subaru 11044AA770 (set)OEM Turbo Set | OEM Turbo Set | Multi-Layer Steel | Set of 2 | EJ255 / EJ257 | Amazon |
| Subaru 11044AA483 (pair) | EJ205 Match | Multi-Layer Steel | Pair (x2) | EJ205 (02-05 WRX) | Amazon |
| Fel-Pro HS 26531 PT-1 | Full Set Value | Multi-Layer Steel | Full Set | EJ25 (07-14) | Amazon |
| Subaru 11044AA770SK | Full OEM Turbo Kit | Multi-Layer Steel | Full Kit | EJ255 / EJ257 (06-17) | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. DRiV Fel-Pro Engine Cylinder Head Gasket – 26415 PT
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 400+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The crowd-favorite MLS gasket that owners trust past 50,000 miles without a single leak.
You get a multi-layer steel gasket built with the proprietary blue coating that Fel-Pro calls its sealing technology. That coating works on imperfect deck surfaces up to 80 Ra roughness, which matters because your old block might not be perfectly flat after a heat cycle. The stainless steel construction runs three layers thick to maintain clamping force when the head lifts under boost. Owners consistently report that fit and function matches or beats the factory part, with several verifying zero coolant leaks past 50,000 miles of daily driving and pulls.
The honest catch is count: this is a single gasket per unit. If you are doing both heads, you need two. And the leak-proof aspect draws mixed feedback — a small number of owners had to re-torque the head studs to get a perfect seal. But at a price point well below an OEM-pair, the value is hard to match when you only need one side or you are building a parts inventory.
Fel-Pro durability leader
- Proprietary coating seals rough deck surfaces that other gaskets would weep on
- Three layers of stainless steel resist blow-out better than a single-layer design
- Owners consistently call the fit “as good or better than factory” with confirmed 50,000-mile leak-free runs
limited WRX fitment
- Sold as one gasket — you need two units for a full engine job
- Leak resistance is occasionally mixed; a careful torque sequence is still required
best for OEM replacement: you are replacing a single damaged gasket, building an EJ-series engine, or want Fel-Pro’s coating advantage on a used deck surface.
skip for high boost builds: you need a complete job-in-a-box with intake and exhaust gaskets included — this is just the head gasket.
2. Subaru WRX STI Cylinder Head Gasket Set 11044AA770
The factory-correct MLS pair for EJ255 and EJ257 turbo engines from 2006 through 2017.
This is the genuine Subaru part number for the multi-layer steel gasket that came on the 2.5-liter turbo cars from the factory. It fits the 2007-2011 Outback and Legacy GT, the 2006-2014 Impreza WRX turbo, the 2007-2017 Impreza STI, and the 2006-2013 Forester XT. Buyers who received the correct two-gasket set report that “all fit perfects, the set was complete” — the exact reassurance a first-time builder wants when the engine is already split.
The recurring frustration is packaging. A handful of owners received only one gasket inside a box labeled as a set, and the listing description can confuse whether you are buying one or two. This makes it risky for a same-weekend repair if the wrong quantity arrives. But when you get the full pair, the steel MLS construction is the same part the dealer charges more for, and it seals the 2.5-liter combustion chamber exactly as Subaru intended.
OEM STI precision: you know you need two gaskets, you verify the box contents immediately, and you want the identical OEM part without a third-party coating.
costly single gasket: open the package the day it arrives — if only one gasket is inside, you need to start a return immediately rather than discover it mid-rebuild.
grab for exact match: you are rebuilding a 2.5-liter turbo and want the exact MLS gasket Subaru spec’d for the EJ255 or EJ257.
skip if budget tight: you cannot afford a two-day shipping risk or prefer a known-single-pair listing that does not require contents verification.
3. Subaru Impreza WRX EJ205 2.0 Turbo MLS Head Gasket Set 11044AA483
The direct-fit pair for the 2.0-liter EJ205 that powered the 2002-2005 WRX and the EJ207 STI.
If you own a Bugeye, Blobeye, or early Hawkeye WRX, this is the gasket set you need. Subaru’s part number 11044AA483 comes as two multi-layer steel gaskets specifically gasketed for the 2.0-liter turbo deck. The package dimensions sit around 12.3 x 9.3 x 0.8 inches, and the pair weighs only 13.1 ounces. Owners confirm a quality OEM build that fits without modification and handles the factory boost levels and upgraded tunes alike.
The listing saw a small quantity-description issue early on that the seller corrected quickly, and the overwhelming feedback lands at “great deal” and “nice set” from verified purchasers. Unlike the larger 2.5-liter kits, this pair covers both heads in one purchase, so there is no math. The only thing to note is that this is strictly the head gaskets — you will still need to order the intake and exhaust manifold gaskets separately if those are old.
perfect for EJ205: the 2.0-liter WRX or early STI builder who wants factory MLS gaskets in a single-box pair.
not for complete rebuild: a full top-end rebuild that needs cam seals and exhaust gaskets — those are separate purchases here.
4. FEL-PRO HS 26531 PT-1 Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Set for Subaru Impreza
The complete gasket set with Fel-Pro’s exclusive coating designed for imperfect sealing surfaces.
This is not a single gasket — it is a full set that includes the head gaskets plus intake and exhaust manifold gaskets, bringing everything you need for a single-bay job. The multi-layer steel construction uses precise embossed sealing beads at every fluid passage to block leak paths. Fel-Pro’s proprietary coating is engineered to seal surfaces with roughness up to 80 Ra, which is the real-world condition of an engine block that has been heat-cycled for a hundred thousand miles. The set fits the 2013-2014 WRX, plus a wide range of Forester, Impreza, Legacy, and Outback models from 2007 onward.
You save money because the kit costs less than buying each OEM gasket one by one. One owner said a repair shop quoted just for labor, and that same owner finished the swap in under an hour and reported “3 days and no leaks.” The trade-off: a few buyers got a different gasket color than advertised, which made them doubt the parts. Use the Amazon Confirmed Fit tool to double-check your exact year, make, and engine before buying.
choose for full set: a single-engine gasket refresh where you want the intake and exhaust gaskets included without sourcing them separately.
think twice if EJ207: you are only replacing the head gasket and already have fresh manifold seals — you pay for gaskets you do not use.
5. Genuine Subaru MLS Head Gasket Kit Impreza WRX STI Forester XT EJ255 EJ257 TURBO
The premium OEM kit that wraps the head gaskets, cam seals, crank seal, and turbo gaskets into one Subaru-boxed set.
This is the comprehensive kit for the 2.5-liter turbo crowd. Inside the box you find the pair of MLS head gaskets (11044AA770 x2), intake and exhaust port gaskets, the four cam seals (two inner, two outer), the front crank seal, and the up-pipe and down-pipe gaskets that most kits ignore. Buyers confirm “all the gaskets were OEM and came in a Subaru box” — that packaging confidence tells you the parts are not aftermarket re-boxes. For the EJ255 and EJ257 engines that live in the 2006-2017 WRX, STI, and Forester XT, every seal here matches the original assembly-line spec.
The only real decision point is cost. This kit carries the highest price on the list, but you are buying an entire engine seal package — not just the head gaskets. One owner put it simply: “Going OEM you never go wrong.” If you are pulling the engine for a full refresh, the price per individual gasket works out cheaper than sourcing each one separately, and you eliminate the risk of a missing seal stalling your build mid-weekend.
reach for OEM: you are doing a complete 2.5-liter rebuild and want OEM turbo gaskets included without extra trips to the parts counter.
consider if single needed: your manifold and turbo gaskets are still fresh and you only need the head gaskets and cam seals.
Understanding the Specs
Multi-Layer Steel (MLS)
An MLS gasket stacks two or three thin sheets of stainless steel instead of a single thick composite layer. Each layer moves independently as the engine heat-cycles, which prevents the gasket from crushing flat over time. For a turbo Subaru that sees boost spikes and temperature swings, MLS is the only construction that holds the seal between the cylinder head and the block without leaking coolant or compression.
Combustion Seal (Stopper Layer)
The stopper layer is a folded steel ring or a welded wire embedded around each cylinder bore. Its job is to physically stop the combustion flame from eating into the gasket material. A gasket without a stopper layer can burn through at the fire ring after extended high-boost use, dumping exhaust gas into the water jacket. Every gasket on this list uses a dedicated combustion seal — do not install a gasket that lacks this feature on a turbo EJ engine.
FAQ
Can I use the Fel-Pro 26415 PT on both my EJ205 and a friend’s EJ257?
Does the Subaru 11044AA770 set come with two gaskets or just one?
Is the FEL-PRO HS 26531 PT-1 safe for a modified WRX running higher boost?
Will the Subaru 11044AA483SK kit work on my 2004 WRX with a stock EJ205?
Do I need to replace the head bolts when swapping a head gasket?
What is the difference between the Fel-Pro 26415 PT single gasket and the HS 26531 PT-1 full set?
Can the Subaru 11044AA770SK kit be used on a naturally-aspirated EJ25 engine?
How do I verify that the gasket I received is genuine OEM and not a counterfeit?
What is the “proprietary coating” on the Fel-Pro gaskets supposed to do?
Should I choose the single-gasket Fel-Pro or the full-kit Subaru option for a 2005 WRX build?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most owners, the best wrx head gasket is the Fel-Pro 26415 PT — it delivers proven 50,000-mile leak-free runs with a three-layer steel build at a price that beats OEM. If you want a full OEM seal kit for a 2.5-liter turbo rebuild, the Genuine Subaru 11044AA770SK includes every gasket and seal in one box. And for the 2.0-liter WRX owner doing a top-end job, the Subaru 11044AA483SK kit eliminates the trip to the parts counter.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, GoCarLife earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.