Hi all - I have been offered a 2007 Forester XT (cooked motor) for $500 - my question is it possible to fit a standard (non turbo) motor ? I can possibly get a 2.5 quad cam motor (EJ 254) ? for cheap - maybe needs head gaskets - and possibly get it on the road for $1500 all up ? Cheers

If you buy a turbo vehicle, fit a turbo engine to it. 

Fitting the NA will have wiring issues, the intake manifold may not fit, some sensors may not be the same, cam wheel trigger points could be an issue. 

Theres a reason why turbo cars can be cheap - quick sale for a not quick car. 

You could buy it and get a create engine, drop it in and make sure the initial issue that cooled the first engine is resolved. 

Cheers 

Bennie

Nope not for $1500.  You'll need intake, exhaust manifold, nonturbo computer with immobilizer key, engine wiring harness, likely rip out the dash to get wiring done.