Ok so if im a subscriber playing on normal non elite. And i get those things that open the head hunting caves. Once i go to elite mode, are they stuck on normal?

Yes, elite and normal have seperated items.

Just like normal and hardcore.

Besides, when you "go" to elite, u will have to start new character. One does not simply GO into elite! After you have killed normal endgame boss once, then you can start creating/playing "elite" characters.

Also, you DONT need to be subscriber to be able to play elite, BUT you need to be subscriber to be able to play hardcore AND hardcore elite.