Hey,

I've been researching on an engine/tranny swap for my 99rs.

Im stuck, not sure to go with the Axis stage 2 w/ a rebuild on my heads OR getting an STI v7 motor.

The main reason i ask is not just about power and strengths of the two engines BUT labor. With the AXIS motor, they said i could use one of there in-house ECUs and i would be fine with that, but im wondering, on how intensive is the labor and such on the two different engine swaps... also, which one would be cheaper? I planned on putting on a GT30 (or so) and a FMIC or a bigger TMIC anyways, so the issue is motor, engine management, and uh, wires wires wires ... tuning, reliability, etc.

Not sure hoping someone might have some experience on this and help out, thanks!

p.s. yes i need a tranny too and im still doing searches so I wont ask about those til i hit a wall..

With their in-house ECU, you might want to consider if it'll still pass an OBDII test, since you possibly could be seeing E-Check in Columbus.

As far as cheaper, you need to calculate everything you plan on doing and adding it up. It'll be different for everyone.

Ah im gonna get collector's plates. no e-check!

Cost, well i know how up in the air that is. Im getting a better feel for it from reading these posts but i am thinking about doing a wrx engine/drivetrain swap and then beefing up the wrx motor with a new bottom end, etc BECAUSE i found a setup for $3,000 ... which would cut a ton of cost outta my project, the only next step is making that drivetrain handle the power Im craving ....