So after sifting through a ton of forums and websites, I have gathered some general info on these variations but as most would no doubt agree with me re: forums- I've found I'm actually not that much closer to the defining answers!

My search is due to currently running an RA long motor and wanting to know the basic specs of engine and heads. When purchased I was told that to the best of the blokes knowledge it was a 97-98 v3/v4 model. It came with a VF22, plain metal manifold (not red), heads contain solid lifters and I was told that the engine was closed/ semi-closed? and heads were apparently one of the highest flowing in the series, but did not contain lumpier STi cams and forged pistons etc.
Not being able to crack it open, and not having any original chassis codes I have so far been unable to find 'closure' on the following:

* As a general question- is an STi RA simply an WRX RA with forge pistons and uprated cams?!!
* What year can I assume mine is- v3 due to VF22, or v4- any tell tale signs?
* What is the standard compression ratios of an RA vs STi RA of same years?
* Confirmation that RA heads are identical to STi RA, just minus STi cams?
* Given the above answer- if heads are same as STi in basic profile (just minus cams), will they fit MY01 EJ207 short motor without detonating/ issues?? (therefore same compression ratio as standard etc).

Any help, links or info will go to towards releiving my annuersim guys!!

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"...even my Grandma can drive fast in a straight line"