OK, since the inevitable happened and by all looks I cracked a piston or 2 finally on the stock bottom end I'm going with the pre-built short block route. I know someone said they were going to order from these guys but I don;t know if they did or not...
http://rpmxtreme.homestead.com/blocksmitsubishi.html

Any input as to turn around times(they quoted me a week to my door)?
Also, when I pull the engine, is it easier to take the head and all off first of just pull it as one whole unit?

Also, since I will have everything apart, what are the part #'s for the turbo Exhaust mani studs so I can ditch the POS allen head ones that came with my HRC kit while I'm at it.

So far with getting the shortblock I know I need to get another Upper Gasket Kit and probably a new timing belt. Anyone think of anything else I might need to pick up for the task???

TIA

Don

biatch was the board name of the person who ordered from them, ASOG member from ohio.

havent seen him on the boards lately, i would try finding his email thru his SN

95 Avenger
ATX->MTX Swap
Holset HX40 @ 26 psi

i decided to stick with Howell. most people have good luck with them, even know they're more expensive than some other vendors. i wanted to buy my engine from a trusted company; "you get what you pay for" is often true with cars.

although, i've certinly been waiting long enough. my engine died thanksgiving weekend 2002, i ordered the shortblock about a week or so before christmas, and i'm still waiting for it.

2016 WRX STi Limited (current)
2001 A4 1.8tqms (donated)
1991 GVR4 #1933 (sold)
old.dsmregistry.com/detail.php?carid=218 (dismantled)

Yeah I would like to say I trust Howell but being a 2 time loser with them my trust factor is toasted(they screwed up my firends UDP order and totally fucked up my turbo kit order) I'm gonna have to wing it and go with someone else. Just something to be said about having to spend 2 days yelling and screaming with Gary himself about the fact that a 96 IS NOT and OBD1 car........and then having to pay for shipping the wrong fuel system back to them out of my pocket even though it was their mistake. Anyone have any info on the other things I asked about?

TIA

DOn