they are boost friendly to about 8psi in stock form

 

Yeah those pics are the 99-01. And no they are not forged. You'd probably be best of trying to get some sort of STi engine+tranny swap. I think they usually go for like 5k.

 

So the STI and the RS have the same motor except that the STI is turbo'd? Also is the body style the only change from 99-02 and 02-up RS?

 

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.

 

I don't believe so. I think you even need new motor mounts - maybe they are just harder - for the swap. Maybe not. I remember when I was looking around for a 2.5RS Cobb was selling one that they basically were turning into a STi. It had everything except probably the most important bits, motor and tranny.

 

as far as displacement...yes. they share the same 2.5 liters.

but anything else...absolutly not.

sti has sodium filled valves, semi closed deck, oil squiters, sold lifters, forged rods, high strength cast pistons, blah blah blah...

 

some good advice right thur.

 

http://www.totaljdm.com/index.cfm/fu...dm_engines.htm

The 2.5L USDM motor would probably be much nicer, especially with the displacement differences, but I'm sure it's very expensive.

 

Um, I'm gonna have to think about these choices. Thanks for the info.