Thanks for response. Listen, I know this is a long shot, I'm a big Subaru enthusiast hoping to find a "been there done that" member to teach other how to fix...what seems to be a common issue for our subarus.
As for my "goals" I wanted to add more mechanical knowledge to my Subaru passion, not just be another ham and egger stock builder. Plan to do some tasteful mods, more STI type of part, I don't need to have this forums greatest, most powerful LGT! A fun, reliable car i can take out whenever and maybe add a few more subies to my collection. Truly want to learn how to work on these cars, as my hobby, pass my knowledge on to the next member to!! So i guess I am looking for someone to point fingers, give tips and help me through the rebuild. Just passing it onto a shop to do the rebuild, isn't worth it to me. I want to go through the tough/annoying, the good, bad and ugly times, bolts breaking part of any rebuild. I graduated with a automotive technology degree, but cars a passion of mine, not a career. Now that I've got me $hit together, in another field, i want to learn more with cars and being i'm a Subaru junkie. Learn on the car i already have, cheapest way for me to get that experience. Selling what I have, buying a new/er one, the issue will happens again though. Wouldn't say i don't know what i'm doing, although, i've never pulled an engine. I understand i would be sending to machine shop, wouldn't put new parts on old ones. There are enough videos out there of people doing so, working alone i wont move as quick, and well...little scared to. Once i get started it'll stay where it is until I figure it out, which is why id like someone to be there for guidance.
I'm a big fan 2000ish GC models, but they'er getting old Id' either need a swap/engine work or i'd be buying someones build. I know i am dreaming, not trying to waste anyones time. Sorry...I am not an author, i may not be expressing myself properly, but I had to ask. Doing it myself seems like that's how itll go. Thanks for your honesty!