I'm looking to get a full gasket kit for my 96 5sfe. I want to upgrade to the 98+ 5sfe head gasket because they use a metal head gasket, but if I get a full gasket kit, will the rest of the 98+ gaskets work for my 96? Also, I'm looking around around at prices and usually I go with all OEM toyota parts. Would you recommend I pay more and go with OEM genuine toyota parts (gasket set and head bolts), or are all gasket sets out there practically the same anyways?

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get the OEM kit, FTW.

Thanks!
What are your opinon on head bolts? Factory as well? Any reason to upgrade or to even replace them?

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yes.
replace the head bolts.
they are stretch to yeild.
meaning, they strech when you tighten them.
you "might" be able to get away with reusing them, but its best to replace them.
for a 5s, oem bolts are more than adequate.