Took my car to a friend's shop and he confirmed I have rod knock. Sucks with me being only at 60k and needing a new motor. I kind of got lost on all the options he was telling me on the paths I could take.

IIRC, he told me:
1) USDM shortblock EJ20 or JDM longblock EJ20.
2) Try and source a EJ22T and use that.
3) Rebuild it. He's worked 15+ years as a crankshaft designer so I'm sure he could do it.
4) USDM EJ252 or EJ257 short block.
5) Any input from you guys?

Also, any vendors that have sources could you guys PM me prices?

go big or go home.

ej257 for sure.

EJ22

i have been looking for two months now
and i have been looking in washington and utah so its kinda hard

but that is my choice

second is JDM 2.0

I haven't had any success with a hybrid set up. Nothing but problems. If I were to do it again, I'd get a complete STi long block or a JDM 2.0 long block.

If you are still looking for a ej22 I have one that is brand new out of the box.
If you want it let me know.

EJ257 Hybrid FTMFW!!!! Just did it on mine and am very happy. If you have any questions about it, let me know..
Best of luck, i know how it feels to have a perfectly good motor spin a bearing