You have sort of hit the nail on the head,and by your 1st post it dont seem like it is a one off . A classic sti will rev to 8000+ rpm but you aren't actually going any faster just making more noise as said elsewhere and putting unnecessary strain on your gearbox/engine ,etc.
My 2000 uk turbo will hit the limiter at 7,100 rpm,but the power starts dropping off at about 6,200 rpm,which is when i change up .
Also not really a good idea to be 'ragging it ' until you have found out a little bit more about the car, ie:state of tune,cambelt ,service,etc as the sti engines are pretty rapid in there own right.

 

Of yes indeed. I brought it as a gl registered but when I went to to tell the I insurance it had a engine change they required a engineers report. So had to get that done but it's all complete now. You rather be safe than sorry