🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza WRX & STI

Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

GR/GV (Hatchback/Sedan)

Engine Codes Wrx:

EJ255 (2.5L Turbocharged DOHC)

Engine Codes Sti:

EJ257 (2.5L Turbocharged DOHC with AVCS)

Generation Name:

Third Generation (GE/GH/GR/GV)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sport Sedan/Hatchback

Usp:

All-wheel drive performance, rally heritage, turbocharged engines

Key Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen GTI, Mazdaspeed3

Performance Orientation:

Focus on enhanced performance and handling characteristics

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) as standard, offering superior traction and stability

Engine Technology:

Boxer engine configuration for lower center of gravity, turbocharged intercooled engines

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Specific Models Covered:

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX, 2008 Subaru Impreza STI

Estimated Page Count:

2000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, assembly, disassembly, timing belt/chain, piston, rings, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, cylinder head, engine block, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system, ignition system, emission control systems, ECU diagnosis and programming, sensors, actuators, turbocharger system, intercooler

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (TY757/TY856), automatic transmission (optional, less common for WRX/STI), clutch system, all-wheel drive (AWD) system, front/rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (including Brembo on STI), ABS, EBD, brake fluid, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, brake pads, parking brake

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension (independent), struts, springs, control arms, sway bars, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, power windows, power locks, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM), engine control module (ECM)

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, climate control modules

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk/hatch, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, SRS system, body repair, paint codes

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component replacement, adjustment procedures

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, scan tool usage, sensor testing, actuator testing

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic values

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Includes information on required diagnostic tools, scan tools, and specialized equipment

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Print Readability:

High-resolution, designed for clear printing and on-screen viewing

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type Wrx:

2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged EJ255 Flat-Four

Engine Type Sti:

2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged EJ257 Flat-Four with Active Valve Control System (AVCS)

Horsepower Wrx Approx:

224 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque Wrx Approx:

226 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm

Horsepower Sti Approx:

305 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Sti Approx:

290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection

Fuel Type Recommended:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic (less common for WRX/STI models)

Sti Differential Control:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) for advanced AWD tuning on STI models

AWD Type:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with Viscous Coupling Center Differential (VCD) or DCCD

Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:

Subaru Extra Gear Oil API GL-5 75W-90

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

5-Door Hatchback (GR), 4-Door Sedan (GV)

Wheelbase In:

103.2

Length In Hatch:

173.8

Length In Sedan:

180.3

Width In:

70.1

Height In Hatch:

58.1

Height In Sedan:

58.7

Curb Weight Lbs Wrx Hatch Approx:

3290

Curb Weight Lbs Sti Hatch Approx:

3375

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs Approx:

4500

Towing Capacity Lbs:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

5-Star (for 2008 Impreza Sedan/Wagon)

IIHS Front Crash Test Rating:

Good (for 2008 Impreza)

Traction Control:

Standard (Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)

Electronic Stability Control:

Standard (Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Airbags Front:

Dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Front side-impact airbags and side-curtain airbags (for all passengers)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Srs System:

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input, optional navigation system

AWD System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) provides advanced traction and stability

Sti Driver Controls:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) on STI models for manual adjustment of front/rear torque bias

Connectivity Features:

Auxiliary audio input jack

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty/performance driving) or 7,500 miles/12 months (normal driving)

Engine Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Every 60,000 miles (NGK Iridium)

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Transmission Fluid Change Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (manual transmission, severe duty) or 60,000 miles (normal duty)

Engine Oil Type And Capacity:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher), 5.5 Quarts (5.2L) with filter (EJ255/EJ257)

Coolant Type And Capacity:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, 8.1 Quarts (7.7L)

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Subaru All-Season Synthetic Power Steering Fluid or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Issues Engine:

Piston ring land failure (especially in higher-mileage or modified EJ257 engines), oil consumption, turbocharger issues, head gasket leaks (less common than older EJ engines but still possible)

Common Issues Suspension:

Wear on control arm bushings, strut mounts, and wheel bearings due to performance driving

Common Issues Drivetrain:

Clutch wear, differential issues (less common, but possible with aggressive use)

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engines, rally racing pedigree

Previous Generation Styling:

Transitioned from a more sedan-centric design to a more aggressive, hatchback-focused design for the third generation (GR/GV), though sedan variants remained.

Key Changes For 2008:

Major redesign for the third generation, introducing the GR hatchback body style and a revised sedan (GV). STI received a power bump and chassis refinements.

Production Start Year:

1992 (Impreza model line)

Production Location:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Sport Compact Awards:

Consistently ranked among top performance compacts by automotive publications during its production era.

Car And Driver Performance:

Often praised for its handling, acceleration, and rally-inspired performance.

Emisiones Standards:

Complies with EPA and CARB emission standards for 2008 model year.