Long story short I suspected head gasket failure or maybe a weak/old rad cap as was lifting, on my 1995 wrx sti RA import. Bought a 1.3bar sti rad cap, fitted it, all seemed well. Bottom rad hose has now split good and proper so I'm pretty sure its hg failure. I'm gutted just bought the car and was fine on the 200 mile journey home. Rebuild time . I've rang import parts and priced up rebuild kit, head bolts, water pump, thermostat, cam belt kit and clutch (might as well while the engine is out). Is there anything else I will need apart from fluids?

 

Big end bearings and full engine seal kit....

No change from 1k there. May aswell drop some forged bits in while you are at it

 

According to the receipts from the previous rebuild its already got forged pistons so I'll see what I find when I open her up.

 

Starting to consider buying a rebuilt engine and just fitting that straight in. Can anyone recommend a good supplier?