Honestly not too sure about the specs on 2.2L. I purchased my 99 with 70k miles (highway, thank god) power everything, for $7995, rolled my previous loan into it and brought it up to like $8995.

I'd say you could easily get one about as old as mine with 50k miles for under 10k. Check kelly blue book value on a car with full options 50k miles and 99 2.2L, and they should give you a rough estimate. A lot of personal dealerships will go under KBB value by almost a grand.

 

I would stick with your plans keep it simple looking so when you drop in the WRX engine they won't know what hit them. If I am correct I am sure you know this but the biggest thing you'll need is a cross member from a WRX and various other parts a local guy dropped a WRX engine in his RS looks good. Fellow member got into wreck so the motor was cheap plus he works for Subaru and a mechanic so he had all the knowledge. Should be faster than a stock WRX due to weight difference. but this is all my $.02
Keep it up I kinda wish I would have not gotten rid of my 2001 RS should have just dropped ina WRX engine like I wanted. Fell prey to the STI...

 

keep the pinstripe if you want. its not bad IMO like many others