Im going to get a smoke machine to find the issue once and for all. its been a headache for sure. i have a huge list of upgrades and parts ill be sourcing for a complete refresh of all my hoses and a whole new set of lungs since shes a 1999. her names Frank for obvious reasons. I. Top-End, Breathing & Performance This section focuses on airflow efficiency and thermal management to kill that heat-soak surge. Intake: Cosmo Racing Short Ram (SRI) (Includes 4-pin MAF adapter). Intake Add-ons: Hydrophobic Filter Sock & DEI Gold Reflective Tape wrap. Thermal Isolation: GrimmSpeed 3mm Phenolic Spacers (PN: 007002). Oil Control: IAG V3 Street Series AOS (Full PCV bypass for your JDM EJ20). Throttle: WRX Throttle Cable + Angry **** Delrin Bushings. Fuel System: 7ft Gates Barricade Hose (225 PSI) + 14 Fuel Injection Clamps. LOKOCAR Silicone Hose Vacuum Hose Kit Fits For Subaru Impreza GC8 GF8 STI EJ20 WRX (Replacing lines one-by-one). II. Bottom-End, Oiling & Structural Building a rock-solid foundation for the high-mileage JDM engine. Oil Pan Kit: 2006+ STI Oil Pan (PN: 11109AA151) + Dipstick & Windage Tray. Oil Pickup: Killer B Ultimate Pickup (PN: 042). Timing: Aisin TKF-001 Kit (Belt, idlers, and water pump). Oil Pump: Subaru OEM 10mm Pump (PN: 15010AA300). Mounts: Group N Engine Mounts (PN: D1010FE020). Sealant: ThreeBond 1217H (12-hour cure required). III. The "Premium" Performance Exhaust The high-flow setup we selected to maximize your JDM engine's output while maintaining the STI pan clearance. Full System: Inferno Fabrications Full Exhaust (304 Stainless, 2.25"). Header Type: Equal Length Dualport Upgrade (For maximum performance/scavenging). Catalytic Option: CATTED (To maintain NA backpressure and ECU stability). Resonator: Short MagnaFlow (Balance of high flow and refined tone). Muffler: MagnaFlow Axle-back (Included in full kit). IV. "While You're In There" Reliability Items Hard-to-reach parts to swap while the manifold and pan are off. Top-End Seals: 2x Intake Manifold Gasket sets (PN: 14035AA383) & Valve Cover Gaskets/Tube Seals (PN: 10966AA030). Sensors: New Knock Sensor (PN: 22060AA140). Cooling: Coolant Crossover O-Rings (PN: 806933080). Rear Engine: Upgraded Stainless Steel Oil Separator Plate (PN: 11831AA210) & Rear Main Seal (PN: 806786040). Misc: Oil Cooler O-Ring (Orange, PN: 21317AA040). If theres anything an enthusiast who would like to add any while im in there maintenance please do let me know. im gonna be chasing that leak and replacing those vacuum lines first and replacing my AOS at the same time. gonna find where the leak is coming from.