quadrozontal

You can use a 2.5 crank in a 2.2 to to achieve 2.3 liters, or a 2.0 crank in a 2.5 to get to 2.3, I believe. You have to mix and match different rods and pistons to make it work out and I have only read about it, I have no personal experience but if you do some research you'll find info. Delta does cam regrinds, techworks(http://www.techworkseng.com/Products/Subaru_Engine_Cams.htm) does stuff for the 2.5 and 2.0, but if you could use the 2.5 or de-stroke a 2.5 to 2.3 then they might be a good resource, according to them(check out the "news" "press release section on their sight) they were able to build a 300 hp N/A 2.5.

1998 = OBD II

Why not use the EJ22t block, it's a closed deck block, it's one of the strongest if not the strongest block Subaru ever made. It's a 2.2 and it's a turbo so it is already set up with low compression pistons, slap on some WRX heads and call it a day.

I like the way you think.

If done right a Weber 32/36 carb and an exhaust shouldn't have an adverse effect to economy, reliability or engine wear.

What do you guys think would be a reasonable price to pay for a 1978 leone thats in good shape with supposedly around 59,000 miles?