IAG 950 EJ25 Closed Deck Case (w/ Bore/Hone / 14mm HSM, Fire-Lock), 2004-2021 STi & 2006-2014 WRX

It's no secret that the OEM Subaru case halves, or "block," aren't exactly the strongest. IAG has developed a process to greatly improve the strength of the OEM Subaru EJ25 Case Halves to combat the effects of high cylinder pressures brought on by increased power and boost. Our proprietary "Closed Deck" System works by supporting the top of the cylinder in the weakest areas and prevents movement and expansion which can lead to cracks and failures. Despite the additional material supporting the cylinder walls, there is no concerns with overheating or coolant flow because the area around the middle of the cylinder still maintains the same coolant area. The custom IAG closed deck inserts are machined with holes for oil and coolant to pass through the same as stock. The IAG 950 Closed Deck Case takes the strength one step further by adding provisions for our race-proven Fire-Lock head gaskets system, along with modifications for 14mm head studs. If you're one of those people who prefer to do your own builds we now offer our legendary closed deck case halves for purchase separately. Simply install your crank, rods, and pistons to your own specifications and be confident that the case halves will take the power and prevent common cylinder wall failures.
The IAG Closed Deck conversion is performed 100% in-house by our engineers and experts using state-of-the-art equipment. The IAG Closed Deck starts with a new OEM EJ25 bare case. The case is loaded and fixtured to a 4th axis rotary indexer in our Haas VF4-SS CNC Vertical Machining Center. It is supported by the main journals using a precision ground 2-inch bar and tailstock which ensures the datum is the main journals. This method gives us a true reference point to perform all machining operations. A Rennishaw probe is utilized to check that the case is fixtured true, and once confirmed the machining process begins.
Once the case is fixtured, the first step is to mill out 12 pockets for CNC inserts. Rather than attempting to install inserts into an inconsistent cast case, the pockets are milled out to exact dimensions creating a consistent area that accepts our precision inserts. Once the pockets are machined, the case is removed from the mill and placed into a block oven at a low temperature. Our pre-machined closed-deck inserts are simultaneously chilled using dry ice. When the case and inserts have reached our desired temperature, they are moved into our install station, which holds the block and lightly presses the inserts into position on one side of the deck surface. This process is repeated on the other side and then the partially completed case is moved to a cooling rack. In the next step of our process, the case is loaded and fixtured back into the VF-4SS after reaching room temperature. During this stage, the flanges left from machining the inserts are milled close to the case deck surface. Features such as coolant passages and case bolt access positions are machined. Finally, each deck surface is machined true and flat using a Poly Crystal Diamond insert.
The IAG 950 EJ25 Closed Deck Case features our provisions for our proprietary "Fire-Lock" Head gasket system. This system has been proven in our record setting race cars to be the strongest Subaru head gasket system ever produced. To achieve these results our engineers separated the combustion chamber sealing from the fluid sealing aspects of the head gaskets. Our machinists carefully machine a lip at the top of each cylinder to accept the "Fire-Lock" ring. With the ring locked in place, it stands proud above the deck, providing a superior seal. The separate gasket bodies take care of sealing oil and coolant passages and keeping them out of the combustion chamber. The IAG 950 Case is also machined to accept 14mm Head studs (Not Included) to ensure proper head gasket seal.
Our machining process converts the semi-open deck to a complete closed deck and features the use of cast insert material that closely matches the me