Positioning:
Performance variant of the Subaru Impreza, focused on rallying heritage and driver engagement
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Escort Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engine, performance-tuned suspension
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from WRC-winning vehicles, emphasizing durability and handling in various conditions
Engine:
Full engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, overhaul, diagnostics, tuning
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (Type RA/STI), clutch system, drivetrain components, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads), hydraulic system, ABS (if applicable), parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, lighting, starting and charging system, ignition system, audio system
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, fuel lines, evaporative emissions control
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan system
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, O2 sensors
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, frame alignment, glass, seals, interior trim
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, timing belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, common issue resolution
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including torque specifications and clearances
Calibration:
Wheel alignment specifications, sensor calibration procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic adjustments to full engine rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or equivalent diagnostic systems
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer) Turbocharged 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1994cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Horsepower:
215-280 PS (158-206 kW; 212-276 hp) depending on market and specific WRX variant (e.g., STi)
Torque:
290-350 Nm (214-258 lb-ft) depending on market and specific WRX variant
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Sequential Injection
Turbocharger:
TD04-13G or similar IHI turbocharger with intercooler
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON or higher)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional Transmission:
N/A for WRX performance models of this era
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous center differential, driver-controlled center differential (DCCD) on some STi variants
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios vary by model and market; detailed in manual
Transmission Fluid Type:
GL-5 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific Subaru part numbers and capacities)
Length:
Approx. 4,340 mm (170.9 in) for sedan, 4,405 mm (173.4 in) for wagon
Width:
Approx. 1,730 mm (68.1 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,405 mm (55.3 in) for sedan, 1,420 mm (55.9 in) for wagon
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,515 mm (99.0 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,350-1,450 kg (2976-3197 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle VIN plate or manual
Fiat Crash Test Results:
N/A for this specific model year, as FIAT did not exist then.
NHTSA Ratings:
Not directly available for this era's specific WRX model in many markets. General Impreza safety was average for its time.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) often standard or optional depending on market and trim
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides enhanced traction and stability
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system, often with 4-6 speakers. Aftermarket upgrades common.
Gauges:
Performance-oriented dashboard with tachometer, speedometer, boost gauge (on some models), and auxiliary gauges.
Cruise Control:
Optional or standard depending on market and trim level
Traction Control:
Generally not present on this era's WRX; AWD system is the primary traction management
Connectivity Features:
Limited to factory-fitted audio systems; no modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity without aftermarket modification.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions (refer to manual)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (100,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years, critical for interference engines
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km) depending on plug type
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic/Semi-Synthetic (API SG or higher, ACEA A2-96 or B2-96), check manual for specific viscosity and API rating
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual)
Head Gaskets:
While less common on EJ20 compared to later EJ25, proper maintenance is key. Manual covers inspection.
Turbocharger Wear:
Regular oil changes and avoiding prolonged idling after hard driving are crucial for turbo longevity. Manual provides lubrication details.
Clutch Wear:
Performance driving can accelerate clutch wear. Manual details clutch replacement procedures.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older vehicles may develop wiring harness issues or sensor failures. Comprehensive wiring diagrams in manual are invaluable.
Subaru Brand:
Known for its Boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, with a strong motorsport background
Impreza Lineage:
The WRX (World Rally eXperimental) variant was developed for homologation in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
Gc Gf Platform:
This generation (GC/GF/GM) marked Subaru's entry into serious global rallying with the WRX
Production Years:
First Generation Impreza: 1992-2000
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan
Rally Success:
Subaru Impreza WRX achieved significant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), including multiple driver and manufacturer titles.
Car And Driver Best 10:
While not every year, the Impreza WRX platform consistently earned praise from automotive publications for its performance and handling.
Enthusiast Following:
Cult following among performance car and rally enthusiasts due to its accessible performance and tuning potential.
