I've been seeing a lot of STI shortblocks for sale around $1,300-up nowadays...I wouldn't mind building an engine up for my 02 wrx(possibly 2.0 to 2.5 or 2.2) but I don't really know what components and parts I need in order to make this work?
I appreciate any suggestions that would help, thanks!!

Ask the seller what it comes with, but most shortblocks are just that blocks. Blocks with crankshafts, pistons and connecting rods, and all the internal bearings that go with it. You usually need heads with everything that goes along with them, intake and exhaust mainfolds, and all the small stuff that goes on the engine (water pump, iginition components, etc.). Again, check with the seller to make sure exactly what parts you need.

I don't know if these people are any good to deal with, but
www.nippon-motors.com
has some really good deals on wrx engines, especially the TT

bump

Wow there is absolutely nobody that has knowledge in this topic?
(...maybe there's not enough people in this section)

if you have a 02 wrx, using a 2.5 sti block is not a problem. all you'll need is the shortblock, gasket kit, and new fluids. a reflash wouldnt hurt at that point.

how does it hold up with just the shortblock, gasket kt and etc...? Do I have to use some parts from my 02 engine to make this work because I thought that there are other parts that are needed like pistons/rods/etc...Thanks for the info!!

Andrew

shortblock includes pistons, rods, crank, and bearings etc. you will use your heads, manifolds, ic, ect.

all your really doing is swaping out your 2.0 shortblock for a 2.5 shortblock.

any help?

so EJ257 short block swap will keep the compresion about the same?

the compression will drop a little over a stock wrx, but not very much.

just means you can run little higher boost too

how about putting a sti shortblock into a 2.5 rs?
the idea hit me a few nights ago, and then eventually adding a turbo kit to that

that would be alot of work to bring a RS up to STI power handling and braking
a RS even a 98 is still over 9k-10k so if you want to do that just buy a old L with no power options and start from there