gathering info for a 5S-FE rebuild!!, Really just the head gasket. Options

[doory100]

Hello I have a 1995 celica GT st204 with a 5sfe engine. I have decided to not swap the beams because of the lack of parts that are readily available in canada and the USA. Also I like having the ability to get used parts from kenny u pull from a camry or on the rare occasion a celica for dirt cheap!! Another reason is turbo charging the 5sfe would produce more or equivalent power at less of a cost thanks to ebay turbo kits.


My head gasket needs replacing. The engine is almost at 400,000km (248500mi)
I have good power overall. Engine does not seem to lack power.
I am just wondering what else I should replace. while the head is off?
I work at Virtucom custom sheet metal shop and we have a surface grinder. Would that be significant for machining the head?
Also has anyone bought a gasket set off ebay they have one with bolts for $60usd. dealer wants $100 just for the head gasket!!
Also will a 98 camry head gasket work on my engine it looks almost similar and its metal not graphite.

I don't plan on taking the engine out because I don't want to. I really just need the oil leak to stop.
I am thinking of putting adjustable camgears but cant seam to find any that will fit my engine.

This post has been edited by doory100: Aug 17, 2014 - 9:09 PM

[Smaay]

the heads are the same. there are on O-rings on the pistons. they are steel compression rings. and no you dont have to change them if you are not burning oil.