HolyCrapItsFast
Drinks beer!
I'm in the exact same boat. I have an 04 Sti completely stock that just threw a rod bearing. Sad thing is it only has 86,000 miles on it. I am just going to go with an oem block. The big thing I'm wondering about is an 10103AC050 vs 10103AC030. I read that either will work but the AC050 has a nitride crank. Which one should I order? Also, What is the deal with the 704 casting? Any advice would help. I figured it would be applicable to the op because they have the same problem
Jeremy
Here is a discussion on the 704 casting that you may find interesting.
http://www.igotasti.com/vBforum/showthread.php?4101-Issues-with-the-704-Casting&highlight=casting