Similar situation here, what i found interesting is the oem seals seemed to have a very very slightly smaller ID. They also “clicked” into place more audibly vs the fel-pro. If anyone is looking for a reason to go with oem, this is it. Felpros i’m sure work fine for a car with good guides. But my guides didn’t seem excessively worn. In my case, i could not justify pulling the head again just to do redo the lapping, guides etc. It’s just a 1.6 after all.

 

Mhhh, weird. I had some issues with supertech valve seals that the machine shop put in. Was smoking out the back when under vacuum. Friend had the same issue. There was a closeout sale on rockauto for Felpro valve seals and they worked great. Solved both issues.

Don't think my valve guides were worn but that's a good heads up. I could have sworn I read somewhere that the FelPros were better than OEM. Guess not.

 

Supertechs have a known issue, which is what started the 'which valve stem seals leak' thread. I think supermiata should be the go to for now if one doesn't want oem. Felpro is fine too I guess, but the price difference isn't high enough to justify it imho. If you're getting a rebuild gasket kit and the felpro ones come along in there and you want to go for it then I guess that's a thing.