Im gonna be rebuilding the head and putting a new head gasket on my 1.8 laser. Does it matter what brand to use, can i just order one from an autoparts store, or have to go through mitsu. or the chrysler dealer? Also how important is it to change the tensioner for the timing belt? I already put a new one on but heard your supposed to change the tensioner too. Is it necessary or just preventive maintenence?

Look at it this way... how often do you like to do this? If you spend the extra few bucks now, you won't have to later.

If it were me, it'd be a mitsu headgasket, and I'd be repalcing that tenioner. If the tensioner fails, you buy a new head.

Yeah i figured so since i will have it tore back apart anyways to take the head off and water pump. Since its a 1.8 i wasnt sure if the brand of headgasket would really matter.