2003 WRX, new owner

[JohnnyWRX]

Hey everyone!

Just bought a 2003 WRX. Had it two months and took it to the dragstrip and blew the motor up. Sounds like a spun bearing. So the motor is junk with 94000 on it. Any recommendations on what I should put in it?

I was thinking on making it a hybrid using a short block ej257 or ej255. So, I know that I need to get the 2.0 heads matched to the 2.5 block by way of machine shop to reduce the CR. It appears that I should have larger injectors so that it does not run lean. A better oil pump and fuel pump. And probably a larger radiator and intercooler.

There are so many questions that I have, so I am only gonna start off with a couple.

Will my current stock intake match up with no issues?
Will the ECU work with the hybrid other than having it tuned properly?


Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[JohnnyWRX]

Also, what about the cams, timing belt, and timing gears? Will they just bolt up? Will get a new belt.