Spectre23

My '98 US spec 2.5 RS engine recently developed a crack in either the block or head. Rather than fixing it I would like to upgrade to the STi drivetrain. I can get a '96 STi drivetrain but want to know if this was a bad year for them. I have heard that '96 is one of the years to stay away from. If so, which are the best years (for reliablility more so than power) ?

Also, do you guys know of any good sources for Used STi drivetrains in Japan or Europe?

Thanks,
Dave