Segment:
Performance Compact / Rally Homologation Special
Reputation:
Renowned for its rallying heritage, potent turbocharged engine, and advanced All-Wheel Drive system
Key Competitors 2005:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STI), Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (in some markets)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) on STI models
Engine Sti:
EJ257 turbocharged Boxer engine (2.5L)
Engine Wrx:
EJ205 turbocharged Boxer engine (2.0L) or EJ253 naturally aspirated Boxer engine (2.5L) depending on market
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on handling, grip, and driver engagement
Body Style:
Available as a 4-door sedan and 5-door wagon
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components (EJ20/EJ25 series)
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing
Transmission Manual:
Disassembly, inspection, repair, and adjustment of 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions (TY757/TY856)
Transmission Automatic:
If applicable to 2005 WRX/STI models, coverage of automatic transmission service
Drivetrain AWD:
All-Wheel Drive system, center differential, rear differential service and repair
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment procedures, shock absorber/strut replacement, bush inspection
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, alignment
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, parking brake, hydraulic system service
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, power accessories
Body And Trim:
Exterior and interior trim removal/installation, body panel repair, glass replacement
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and servicing
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and replacements, belt inspection
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
System-by-system troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all serviceable parts
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for complete engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly
Transmission Overhaul:
In-depth guidance for complete transmission disassembly and rebuilding
Suspension Geometry:
Wheel alignment specifications and procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Testing procedures for all electrical components, including wiring harnesses and connectors
Torque Specifications:
Comprehensive list of all critical torque values for fasteners across all systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for Subaru-specific special tools required for certain repairs
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures
Detail Level:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and exploded views
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Sti Engine Type:
2.5L DOHC turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder
Wrx Engine Code:
EJ205 (Turbo) or EJ253 (NA)
Wrx Engine Type:
2.0L DOHC turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder (EJ205) or 2.5L SOHC naturally aspirated Boxer 4-cylinder (EJ253)
Sti Horsepower Net:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (JDM/UKDM), 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (USDM)
Sti Torque Net:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (JDM/UKDM), 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (USDM)
Wrx Horsepower Net:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm (Turbo USDM), 165 hp @ 5600 rpm (NA USDM)
Wrx Torque Net:
217 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (Turbo USDM), 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (NA USDM)
Fuel Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Turbocharger:
IHI VF39 (STI) or TD04L-13T (WRX)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended for STI)
Sti Pistons:
Forged pistons
Sti Connecting Rods:
H-beam connecting rods
Sti Crankshaft:
Nitrided crankshaft
Sti Cylinder Head:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) with 4 valves per cylinder
Sti Transmission Type:
6-speed manual (TY856)
Wrx Transmission Type:
5-speed manual (TY757)
Automatic Transmission:
Not typically offered on STI, may be available on some WRX variants in specific markets
Sti AWD System:
Symmetrical AWD with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Wrx AWD System:
Viscous coupling center differential
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5 75W-90)
Rear Differential Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (or equivalent API GL-5 75W-90)
Sti Final Drive Ratio:
3.545
Length:
4,485 mm (176.6 in) for Sedan
Width:
1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
1,410 mm (55.5 in) for Sedan
Wheelbase:
2,625 mm (103.3 in)
Sti Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,430 kg (3,153 lbs)
Wrx Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,360 kg (2,998 lbs)
Gvw:
Varies by model and market
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not directly rated for 2005 model, but typically performed well in its class.
IIHS Rating:
Not explicitly rated for 2005 model year by IIHS.
Traction Control:
Available on some WRX models, less common on STI (focus on AWD)
Electronic Stability Control:
Not standard on 2005 models
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Available as an option or standard on higher trims/later models
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
At every oil change
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs: 100,000 miles. Platinum: 60,000 miles. (Check specific type for model variant)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 7 years (for EJ257 and EJ205 engines). Essential maintenance item.
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, OAT-based antifreeze
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Active Power Steering Fluid or equivalent ATF Dexron III
Engine Ringland Failure:
Potential issue on EJ257 engines, especially if poorly maintained or subjected to aggressive driving without proper cooling. Manual will detail inspection procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Wear items, replacement procedures are detailed. STI clutches can be heavy-duty.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear on suspension and differential bushings over time, affecting handling. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Turbocharger Failure:
Can occur due to oil starvation or age. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Cracked Exhaust Manifold:
Reported issue on some EJ engines, especially turbocharged ones.
Subaru Rally History:
Subaru's extensive motorsport heritage, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), heavily influenced the development of the Impreza WRX STI.
Gd Generation:
This 2005 model represents the second generation (GD/GG) Impreza, commonly known as the 'Bugeye' or 'Blobeye' depending on the exact year and market facelift.
Sti Vs Wrx:
The STI variant is a homologation special derived from the rally car, featuring a more potent engine, enhanced drivetrain, and superior suspension tuning compared to the standard WRX.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Period:
The GD/GG generation ran from 2000 to 2007, with facelifts occurring in 2002 ('Blobeye') and 2005 ('Hawkeye'). This manual covers the 2005 model year updates.