The EJ257 is simultaneously the best and worst thing about the STI. Yes, it blows ringlands on stock tune. Yes, it's a 20-year-old design that Subaru refused to update. But when properly built and tuned, nothing sounds quite like a built EJ screaming through a Tomei. → The reality: Budget $15K minimum for a proper build → The magic: That boxer rumble and AWD grip is addictive → What fails: Ringlands, rod bearings, banjo bolt filters → Who should buy: People who wrench or have deep pockets → Pre-buy essentials: Compression test, oil analysis, service records Save this if you're considering an STI - or send it to that friend who thinks they want one but has never owned a project car. #ThreePieceUS #WRX #STI #EJ257 #Subaru #AWD #JDM #ProjectCar #CarBuyingGuide #BoxerEngine #WRXNation