+1 - Ironically i think i'm right in saying that from this thread Chopperman, Pramas, Tidgy and myself have recently answed '2.5 failed and rebuilt' in a recent poll. The irony being we are all here with the positives of the 2.5 it seems despite the issues experienced

 

Correct. mine was tuned and running 360 when i suffered #2 and #4 piston fail. Yes i was p'ed off but i cant really blame subaru as that's 14% more power than standard. I always intended to forge anyway so it was no big deal really. Thing is the 2.5 is such a great fast but usable road car. Its easy to drive around town and effortless on motorways and a real pleasure to drive. The car is not as raw as older models so quite a relaxing drive on long trips. The 2.5 is a great engine, as i'm sure you will agree it's even better when you have that over engineered safety buffer built in.

 

Big +1 for sure there mate (saftey buffer especially!). My 2000 PPP Wrx wagon was sooo raw... sat lower down too which helped the feel of speed but i'd take the 2.5 'lazy when you want it to be' any day! Barely even on boost at 80 on the motorways too.

The WRX look of the Spec-D makes Focus ST drivers think they have a chance... poor buggers

 

With the price difference over similar Imprezas could £1500 not be spent forging it and upgrading the head gaskets, getting rid of the issues and landing you with a bit of a bargain?

 

I have had a Bug WRX, A Blob STI Type UK with PPP and now I have a Hawkey STI Type UK Remapped to 380BHP.

I dont Bollock it but the power is there if I need it. The best bit is the Torque. You don't get that in the 2 litre.

If it goes pop. I will upgrade and strengthen.

But presently i am trying very hard not to go and sell it.