Problem is I plan on doing forged pistons later in a few years. Not now. So on the opposite side of saving a dollar now, I've already bought the 440xt, saving me buying a larger turbo later when and if I do the forged pistons when I'm looking to go beyond 200kw.
You see the car is currently my wife's daily drive (I'm still in the jeep) and really just a baby chariot for the next 2 -3 years anyway. Once my drivers licence history is cleaned up over time I will drive it more often and then start pushing its limits. I had a bad run last year with 2 major traffic hits. One more and its bye bye licence for 5 years. Speed related. Hence the sale of my 2012 STI..
There is a lot of talk on the internet about these stock pistons being garbage and I agree to a point. But people with their opinion of them not lasting a week are mislead and it seems to be the talk..
Sure if I want to run 25psi It will reduce the life of it or bust a ringland but I'm only looking for 20psi on occasion and around 16-17 as a daily. Safe levels for this type of engine.
I never planed on going crazy with this car however being stung and buying this thing to learn of its head gasket issues later on, it was going in for some major work. As a precautionary measure now I have replaced the bottom end at this stage so that its basically a new engine, reliable and a fresh start for me to look after as I have all my cars. Not continually think about whats going to happen next. So all in all I probably don't need this turbo at this stage but my (limited) research into this set up on a mild tune will net me over 200kw at the wheels safely and more efficiently than pushing the VF46 to its max. In turn running hot and causing detonation.. My wife drives around all day oblivious to what she's driving and putts around in Intelegent mode so lag will not be a problem for her. The 2.5l is still fine under 3000rpm for her in that manner.
I am very familiar with Subarus and well aware of the capabilities etc. A brand new, run in by me, stock EJ257 will be fine for my needs for now. And when and if it does a piston down the road I won't need to touch much else at that point.
Call me mad, but there's method to my madness..