i just bought a jdm 3sgte, with 45,000 miles on it, and was wondering if I should put a new head gasket and timing belt in it, before i run it in my mr2, plus what do you guys think of valvoline vr1 racing oil, good for an mr2? any suggestions would be appriciated

Timing belt: yes. Head gasket: up to you.

I'm a big fan of Redline 40w racing oil... but that's just me.