Originally Posted by ZeroMR
Is that the 99-02 models you guys are talking about? Does the 2.5RS have forced internals(boost friendly)?
honestly?
no.
the phase II block had HG issues, and maybe 8psi is about as high as people can go on stock internals 220~ awhp. Its also harder to turbo it than your average inline 4.
The wrx internals are kinda crap too but far better than the na motor. I would suggest getting a gc8 ( 99-01 ) 2.5 rs and swapping motors. A wrx motor is cheap and the RS trannies bolt right up. They are also considerably lighter and the coupe is just hot. The best route wouldbe swapping in a USDM STi motor w/6spd. But buying that with a tranny will cost you. prepare about 12g's + for the whole swap.