Having just bought another engine for my V3 type R and heard it running fine before removal I am wondering if it is possible to re-new the bottom end bearings without stripping the engine completely? Ie can the block be split with the heads on?

 

No, you wont be able to get at the case bolts.

Personally, I'd run the engine if it was OK and the power I was going for was standard(ish).
Splitting ends up costing quite a bit with headgaskets etc etc even if you do all the work yourself, and with the price of subaru engines coming down I wonder if it's worth just replacing the engines as and when they break?

Obviously if you're going for a high power build etc, do it right, but for a standardish road car - meh

 

Unfortunately not - there are several bolts under the heads inside the water jacket that hold the two halves together.