Is it worth fitting forged pistons,uprated valves and crank in a 97 uk or would an sti bottom end fit, price terms what would be the simplest and less costliest, bearing in mind I am soon to be chasing 350bhp..

Cheers Nick

 

The difference with the heads is very small, possibly the main improvement is with the camshafts ( if they really are that much different )
As for the crank and rods, they are identical for UK and sti. In the bottom end of the engine, the only difference is the pistons.
A UK motor is capable of 350bhp, and this has been done by a few people. However, uprated pistons ( sti, or whatever ) and rods ( aftermarket ones ) are to be recommended.

 

I dont suppose you would know how much a set of pistons and rods would be fitted by any chance, also would it be worth having a steel head gasket fitted while that job is done?

 

I have an Sti5 short engine (block, crank, rods, pistons all assembled) for sale if you're interested.

If you want I can put some uprated rods in, so it's ready to mate to your existing heads.

Paul