Personally if you had the $, go the axis direction.

The V7 complete engine (only) can set you back around $3k for one that's done around 50,000-70,000ks from japan. Less k's, like 5000ks will be rare and expensive, around $5-6k

See if you can source a complete frontcut, with the gearbox and all. You might be tempted to do the 6 speed conversion (with or without DCCD) as well if the price is right. I was offered a V8 JDM STi front cut for $17k, apparently only done under 10,000ks (with cluster), complete with the engine (twin scroll i was told), 6MT, DCCD, ECU and loom.

Best of luck with the choice - but remember, do it right the first time and its all sweet