[2-jaffacake-tone]

my advice steve, set your self a target, and keep to it. from what i have understood standard ej257 rods and pistons are fine for 400bhp so leave them if thats your limit.
if you do get pistons i would let the engine builder source them i would recomend pennin subaru (chy) he is amazing! easy guy to talk to,he will explane things nice and easy and work with your budget.

you will need if a bare engine
oil modine+filter
oil pump
cambelt+tensoner/guides if ness
gasket set
head gaskets (1.6mm)
head bolts uprated (APR)
oil + antifreeze

also worth looking at the clutch wile its all apart.

also if you plan on useing your 2.0 heads you will need to have the heads mechend to suit the combustion chamber of the 2.5 bore.

(dont full in the trap of while that is being done i will do that and this and them ect as it gets very costly very quick!)


good luck!