Ive seen the V2 described as closed deck and bullet proof before. Never had one myself though.
And not sure what sort of differences there are in the V2-3-4 long motors, some one here will though, but the V2 does have the intercooler that sits on an angle off to the passenger side.
Good idea to have a search on which year came with what turbo, they seem to change every other year as well.
I got recomended to use a 98, V4, motor in my 98 wrx. It would be the easyest to wire up, wiring being the Hardest=longest=expensive part of the conversion.
There are 3-4 good importers that get recommended all the time, call em all and pick their brains for ideas and recommendations.