unfortunately this is what happens when you modify.

Its impossible to have reliability. Was the engine forged in the first place? If not, Im surprised it hasnt cracked a ringland yet! So it actually was good going.

Even when its forged, you can expect to have to rebuild it pretty often. Its a pain in the hole tbh. Thats why I do about 20 miles a month in the MR2

Yeah, does go with the territory I suppose  Its my every day car too, so gets used a lot, sometimes for long trips, and lots of short trips.

The sti pistons are forged as standard, but arent very good still. People generally do say around 430 is safe still, but there has been some failures obviously. There is the argument that if 430 is deemed as safe, why not run say 400 to be even safer! Just one of them things I think. There is one lad who races his impreza, and is running over 500 on a standard engine.....pretty insane but it is lasting    Wont be many like that.

Think if I do get a new short block fully forged, I will get a 2.5 for the added torque and run it at 450/450 as that is definitely safe on that block. Is easy enough for a road car, but I know I would probably want more power 6 months later, lol.