When my bottom end went on my 98 forester, I found that if I just gently revved her up around that 2500-3000 revs, she went clattery clattery clatter!!!
As above, check with some of our traders to confirm the issue and price up rebuilding your own motor with with forged bits, Maybe even a 2.1 stroker!!
OR a brand new 2L or 2.5L sti motor!
Either way she'll be stronger that a classic sti motor
Where are you based?
Dan