🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza P1

Model Year:

1999-2000

Chassis Code:

GC8 (specific to P1)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Subaru Impreza P1 was a highly specialized, limited-edition performance model produced for the UK market, based on the GC8 chassis. It was positioned as a homologation special for rally racing, offering enhanced performance and handling over standard Impreza models.

Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, Ford Focus RS (later model), Honda Civic Type R (later models).

Performance Focus:

The P1 was engineered for superior driving dynamics, featuring specific suspension tuning, lightweight components, and a potent turbocharged engine, making it a track-day and spirited driving enthusiast's car.

Value Proposition:

This FSM is invaluable for owners and mechanics of the rare Impreza P1, providing detailed, factory-accurate information essential for maintaining and repairing this unique performance vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1000-1500 pages (typical for full FSMs of this era, though exact PDF page count can vary based on layout and embedded images)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharger system, exhaust system

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (Type RA, 5-speed), all-wheel drive system (Symmetrical AWD), differentials (front, center, rear), driveshafts, CV joints

Chassis:

Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power-assisted rack and pinion), braking system (four-wheel disc, ABS)

Electrical:

Starting system, charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, body electrical systems, engine control unit (ECU) wiring diagrams, anti-lock braking system (ABS) wiring diagrams

Body:

Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, seating, HVAC system, airbags

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter motor and alternator repair, fuel pump replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for engine performance, electrical faults, and drivetrain issues

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances and tolerances for engine and transmission components, electrical component specifications, dimension data

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Searchable Text:

Yes (typical for properly converted FSM PDFs)

Printable:

Yes

Image Resolution:

High (expected for factory documents, suitable for clear viewing of diagrams and illustrations)

Binding Type:

Digital Download (PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, File Compression Utility (e.g., WinZip, 7-Zip)

Operating System Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ20G (modified version for P1)

Engine Type:

2.0L Flat-4 Turbocharged Boxer Engine

Horsepower:

276 bhp (206 kW) at 6,000 rpm (UK market, '1-litre' version of EJ20)

Torque:

242 lb-ft (328 Nm) at 4,000 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Multi-point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (98 RON recommended)

Turbo Model:

IHI VF23 Ball Bearing Turbocharger

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or SH, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific seasonal recommendations)

ECU Type:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) with specific tuning for P1

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Type RA gearbox variant)

Optional Transmission:

N/A (P1 was exclusively manual)

Drivetrain:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Center Differential:

Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential

Rear Differential:

Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (check manual for exact Subaru specification)

Front Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil

Rear Differential Fluid Type:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (LS rated for LSD)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4,340 mm (170.9 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,730 mm (68.1 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,405 mm (55.3 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2,510 mm (98.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not specified, but typically around 1,700-1,800 kg

Towing Capacity:

Not specified or recommended for towing

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Not specifically rated by NHTSA for this limited UK model. Standard GC8 models had varying results based on year and testing protocols.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

AWD:

Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and stability

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point front and rear seatbelts, driver's pretensioner

Chassis Design:

Reinforced chassis structure for impact protection.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette player, often with CD changer option. Manual covers basic wiring and speaker replacement.

Traction Control:

No electronic traction control systems in the modern sense, relies on AWD and mechanical grip.

Cruise Control:

Available on some models; manual details operation and troubleshooting.

Bluetooth:

N/A (not equipped with Bluetooth from factory)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe service recommendations may apply for performance driving).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Refer to manual, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first (critical for interference engine).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4, check manual for specific Subaru recommendation.

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) or equivalent power steering fluid.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 liters (7.4 US quarts) (including heater core)

Ring Land Failure:

Common issue in EJ20 engines, especially when modified or driven hard without proper maintenance. Manual provides diagnostic and repair procedures.

Turbo Wear:

IHI VF23 turbocharger can experience wear; manual covers inspection and potential repair/replacement procedures.

Suspension Wear:

Components like bushings, ball joints, and dampers can wear over time, especially with performance driving. Manual provides specs for replacement and alignment.

Oil Filter Example Part Number:

Subaru: 15208AA031 (or equivalent aftermarket, e.g., WIX 51365)

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Rally Heritage:

Subaru's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC) heavily influenced the development and appeal of performance Impreza models like the P1.

Impreza Generations:

The P1 is part of the first-generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM chassis), known for its rally-bred performance and distinctive boxer engine.

Production Location:

Japan (chassis and engine components), assembled and tuned in the UK by Prodrive for the P1.

Production Volume:

Limited production run, approximately 500 units for the UK market.

P1 Significance:

The P1 was a special collaboration with Prodrive (Subaru's WRC team) to create a road-legal homologation special, bridging the gap between WRC cars and customer vehicles.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Press Reviews:

The Impreza P1 received widespread acclaim from the automotive press for its performance, handling, and rally-bred character upon its release.

Performance Awards:

Often praised in contemporary reviews as one of the best handling four-wheel-drive cars available for road use, comparable to its rally-bred siblings and competitors.

Homologation Status:

Produced as a homologation special for motorsport, although its direct competitive use in WRC was limited to its base platform.