Morning all,

I have a reasonably modified 2008 WRX (described below) and the situation as of this week is my #4 cylinder has lost compression. Recommendation from my mechanic/tuner is to rebuild the engine with forged parts.

Some car details:
- Owned for about 5 yrs (stock when purchased)
- 120k km
- Major service has been done
- Mechanically the rest of the car appears in good shape
- 240kw atw (not chasing more power, but a little flexibility for the future would be good)

Mods (I'm pretty loyal and all have been done by same Sydney based mechanic/tuner across the years):
- Blouche 1.5XTR Dominator Turbo
- TurboSmart Adjustable Waste Gate Actuator
- PW Verticooler
- High flow fuel pump
- 1000cc injectors
- TBE
- CAI
- BOV
- Subaru 4-pot calipers, RDA slotted rotors + RDA performance pads
- GFB Short Shifter
- .....next would have been sway bars / suspension mods.....but alas....

I have called around seeking various options to move forward. In summary thus far:
- Rebuild existing engine with forged parts (~$10-$12k, including tune)
- New EJ257 shortblock with forged STI crank, forged Cosworth rods and pistons (plus oil pump, gasket kits etc) ($11-$12k, including install & tune)
- New stock STI EJ257 shortblock ($7k, including install & tune)

Frustrating situation so any experience, thoughts or feedback would be great. Ultimately I'm after the best bang-for-buck solution that will reliably handle the current power. I don't particularly wan't to be back here again facing another rebuild.

Many thanks,
Cheers.