^^ The rice would be useless if you end up in a hole when the engine water pump gives up and you end up with a dead engine.
I think you are not fully grasping the concept of its failure - go ask your favourite mechanic about how a subaru 3 cyl water pump is tied to the engine oil pump. Spend your money wisely - when the engine/tranny/electrics are top notch - go ahead with all the ricing you want.
These cars were the cheap cars of choice for my very old college and neighborhood freinds - they would buy them as dead cases and I would make them work. Similarly a freind bought a Subaru Sedan and he got a very cheap bargain - after some parts from S'pore the car was very very reliable - almost industrial strength, It was very bland from the inside - but Fuji Heavy Industries spent all the money where it matters the most.
ENGINE, TRANNY, STEERING, SUSPENSION, BRAKES and a rock solid BODY - the kind that when you close the door it THUDS shut like a 124 mercedes.
a little hint on Subaru quality - even the little justy used a heavy duty all metal copper radiator (the best heatsink) from the factory, most of them were swapped out by our "radiator wala shops" as copper is quite a bit more expensive than brass and aluminium. The owners who didnt care - got duped.