Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan/Wagon
Target Enthusiast:
Rallying enthusiasts, performance car drivers seeking AWD capability and turbocharged power.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo III, IV), Ford Escort Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four, Nissan Pulsar GTI-R.
Powertrain Philosophy:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engine, performance-oriented suspension.
Rally Homologation:
The Impreza WRX was developed for Group A rally homologation, influencing its robust construction and performance focus.
Why Buy:
Essential for owners and independent mechanics wanting to perform accurate repairs and maintenance on this performance icon.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (EJ20G, EJ20K variants), Engine control systems, Fuel injection, Ignition system, Lubrication, Cooling, Emissions control
Transmission:
Manual transmission (TY752VW, TY754VW), Clutch system, Drivetrain (front/rear differentials, drive shafts)
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, Rear discs (Vented on WRX), ABS system (if equipped), Brake hydraulics, Parking brake
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link independent suspension, Stabilizer bars, Bushings, Wheel alignment
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, Steering column, Tie rod ends
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Fuses, Relays, Battery, Charging system (alternator), Starting system, Lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), Instrumentation, Power accessories (windows, locks)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Chassis structure, Interior trim, Glass, Sealants
Heating And Air Conditioning:
HVAC system components, Refrigerant, Controls, Blower motor, Evaporator, Condenser
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (if equipped), Seat belt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Oil change, Filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Coolant flush, Brake fluid flush, Air filter replacement, Timing belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, electrical, and other systems. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and their meanings.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment procedures for all major systems.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for fasteners, Clearances, Tolerances, Fluid capacities, Electrical specifications (resistance, voltage, current)
Rebuild:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, Throttle body adjustments, Clutch adjustments.
Wiring:
Complete electrical system wiring diagrams with component locations and wire colors.
Depth:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, component-level repair, engine and transmission rebuilding, full electrical system troubleshooting.
File Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (if created from original digital files), allowing quick navigation to specific topics.
Printability:
Printable (standard PDF feature), allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.
Image Resolution:
Typically high resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations (assumed from professional dealership manuals).
Binding:
N/A (PDF format, not a physical book)
Paper:
N/A (PDF format, not a physical book)
Engine Code 1:
EJ20G (likely for 1997 models)
Engine Code 2:
EJ20K (likely for 1998 models, featuring minor upgrades)
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer), turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Horsepower Ej20G:
Approximately 240 PS (237 hp) @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Torque Ej20G:
Approximately 314 Nm (231 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Horsepower Ej20K:
Approximately 260 PS (256 hp) @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Torque Ej20K:
Approximately 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (varies slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with electronic throttle control
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (Octane Rating 98 RON / 92+ AKI)
Turbocharger:
Garrett T25 or IHI VF series (specific model varies)
Intercooler:
Air-to-air front-mounted intercooler
Length:
Approx. 4345 mm (171.1 in) (Sedan)
Width:
Approx. 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1400 mm (55.1 in) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2520 mm (99.2 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1440 mm (56.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1300-1350 kg (2866-2976 lbs) (depending on body style and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Specific GVWR not readily available, but exceeds curb weight)
Towing Capacity:
Not specified/recommended for towing
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated by NHTSA for these model years in a standardized manner as seen today.
IIHS Ratings:
N/A (IIHS ratings not consistently available for this era and specific performance model).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard on WRX models)
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (Standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners (front)
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic sound system.
Speakers:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers depending on trim.
ABS System:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for improved braking control.
AWD System:
The core technological feature is the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, providing superior traction.
Bluetooth:
Not available in factory configuration.
Usb:
Not available in factory configuration.
Air Conditioning:
Available, with manual controls.
Climate Control Type:
Manual air conditioning and heating.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (4,800-8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions; more frequent for spirited driving).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (iridium/platinum recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 7-10 years. Crucial for EJ engines.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for exact viscosity based on temperature). Synthetic recommended for performance.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (for manual transmission). Check differential fluid as well.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Sealing:
Head gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, and rear crankshaft seal leaks are common on EJ engines.
Timing Belt:
Timing belt failure can cause catastrophic engine damage (interference engine). Strict adherence to replacement intervals is critical.
Turbocharger:
Turbocharger wear and failure can occur from lack of maintenance or oil starvation. Proper oil changes are vital.
Clutch:
Clutch wear is typical for performance driving. Some models may have had clutch judder issues.
Rust:
Rust can be an issue in certain climates, particularly on fenders, rocker panels, and rear wheel arches.
Subaru Rally History:
Subaru has a long and storied history in World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Impreza WRX being its primary rally car.
Impreza Introduction:
The first generation Impreza (GC/GF) was launched in 1992, with the WRX variant introduced shortly after as a homologation special.
Gc8 Chassis:
The 'GC' designation refers to the sedan, and 'GF' to the wagon body styles of this generation.
Performance Upgrades Over Time:
This period (1997-1998) saw iterative improvements on the EJ20 engine and chassis tuning for the WRX.
Production Location:
Japan (Subaru's Gunma Plant)
Model Years Covered:
1997 and 1998