Subaru question, JDM or rebuild?

I have an ej205 from a 2004 wrx with a rod knock. It's going in a rally car project at stock-ish power level.

A jdm engine appears to be about the same cost as a diy rebuild. Any advice on which way to go? I've done a lot of engine work before, that part is no big deal. I could put better rods and forged pistons in it while I'm there. Obviously JDM is easier. The tune is not an issue, I have ways to handle that. The rest of the engine looks good.

I have plenty to do on the car without getting into all this work, but I feel like I'll end up refreshing a long block no matter what after a while. Maybe better to just start with something fresh.

Advice, observations, random heckling?

---

Perry

FE570s course bike
KTM 950 ADV
74 Beetle turbo-efi etc..
72 Beetle stage rally project WRX powered
Attended about 15 rallies, usually a volunteer in a course car.

My experience with jdm engines is that they are hit or miss in terms of reliability. Some are good others are crap but they're all very pretty.

Today, I lean toward rebuild.

Thanks for the info.

---

Perry

FE570s course bike
KTM 950 ADV
74 Beetle turbo-efi etc..
72 Beetle stage rally project WRX powered
Attended about 15 rallies, usually a volunteer in a course car.