New to me torn down 2002 Subaru WRX....guidance?

I'm taking into possession a friend's 2002 Subaru WRX sedan. Know history/issue is as follows:

170,000 miles, no drivetrain issues before motor issue, shop began with a quote for headgasket replacement then found bad valve and bill became far too much for my friend leaving me with a $1000 Subaru with newly rebuilt heads I can hopefully sell to recoup my cost if this doesn't pan out.

Vehicle had consistent misfire, brought into shop and found burnt valve in cylinder head. Heads are rebuild and wrapped up from machine shop. Heads were removed with engine in vehicle so radiator,turbo, etc. Is in trunk of car (hopefully I can piece this all back together) I've never owned a Subaru and not very familiar with the boxer engine. I have read a ton about burnt valves and also bad ring lands, and of course timing belt waterpump, which unsure if has been done or not, all of these things have me questioning whats the next step. Goals for vehicle are to get rid of my Saab 9-3, and drive this year round, most likely follow the path of my Saab also with some upgrades of course but I need it running right first!

Do I pull the motor and check piston rings? Or is this a non issue? I'm guessing at this point it won't take much time to get to that point. And tips, secrets, for head gasket replacement, what's the best brand, oe or felpro?

Just looking for some guidance from some experienced people who know these ej205 engines, everyone on here is extremely knowledgeable! Thanks for any help!

I have a low mile engine if you need a bottom end and are anywhere near ohio.

I ditched mine when i found rot in the rear framerails flanking the spare tire well dangerously close to the suspension subframe mount points.

The 2.0L doesn't pop the ringlands. That is the 2.5L turbo and unless that 02 has been swapped it doesn't have a 2.5.

With 170k miles, I would talk to patgizz about his engine. High mileage 2.0L WRX's will tend to lose a main bearing or 2.

NGTD wrote: The 2.0L doesn't pop the ringlands. That is the 2.5L turbo and unless that 02 has been swapped it doesn't have a 2.5. With 170k miles, I would talk to patgizz about his engine. High mileage 2.0L WRX's will tend to lose a main bearing or 2.

This is reassuring, I wonder why the 2.5 turbo is more likely than the 2.0 turbo? Well then naybe the plan then will be to bolt up the new heads and hope for the best. At least through the winter, it also seems so common for the 2.5 STI swap for nearly every year impreza, I haven't even looked into used motor prices.

Also thank you patgizz, this is other useful things I'd like to hear, things to look out for or common issues. I'll send you a message about that engine if needed also

Head gaskets - you need the multi-layer steel (MLS) that is meant for the WRX,

Well it's finally back and devoured quite a bit of time. Heads on, valve covers on, intake on, now tracking down all the vac lines, man these engines have a crazy amount of vacuum lines! Their everywhere! Next timing belt and components and hopefully it actually starts smoothly...