Segment:
Compact Sports Sedan/Hatchback
Niche:
Performance-oriented, rally-inspired AWD vehicles.
Competitors 2002:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (VII), Honda Civic Si, Volkswagen GTI, Ford Focus SVT.
Powertrain:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engines (EJ205 for WRX, EJ207 for STI).
Performance Focus:
Tuning potential, robust drivetrain, advanced suspension geometry.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Engine Performance:
Turbocharger system, intercooler, fuel injection system (including ECU control), ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism, differential (front and rear).
Transmission AWD:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system operation, center differential, viscous coupling unit (if applicable).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars.
Brakes:
Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads), hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, interior trim, weatherstripping.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heater core, blower motor, controls.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms, pre-tensioners.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault codes interpretation, systematic diagnosis flowcharts.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation across all major systems.
Diagnostic Testing:
Testing procedures for electrical components, sensors, actuators, and mechanical systems using specialized tools.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Precise torque specifications, clearances, and measurement tolerances for all adjustable and replaceable parts.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, enabling complex electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including specialized performance tuning aspects for WRX/STI models.
Diagnostic Tools Required:
Mention of specialized Subaru diagnostic tools (e.g., Subaru Select Monitor) and common OBD-II scanners.
Engine Type:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer), turbocharged, intercooled.
Displacement Wrx:
2.0 Liters (1994cc)
Horsepower Wrx:
227 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque Wrx:
217 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Displacement Sti:
2.0 Liters (1994cc) - JDM Spec
Engine Code Sti:
EJ207 (JDM)
Horsepower Sti Jdm:
280 PS (approx. 276 hp) @ 6000 rpm (JDM 'gentleman's agreement')
Torque Sti Jdm:
35.3 kgf·m (approx. 255 lb-ft) @ 4000 rpm (JDM)
Turbocharger Type:
Twin-scroll or single scroll turbocharger (model dependent).
Intercooler Type:
Air-to-air top-mount intercooler.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injection.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, premium unleaded recommended (91 octane or higher).
Length:
Approx. 4,405 mm (173.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb Weight Wrx:
Approx. 1,370 kg (3,020 lbs)
Curb Weight Sti:
Approx. 1,440 kg (3,175 lbs) (JDM)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
Good (IIHS - though models vary by exact year and test)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
Good (IIHS)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction and stability.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal duty) - consult manual for specifics.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or as needed based on conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (Iridium type, consult manual for exact spec).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 105 months (critical for EJ series engines).
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 Synthetic (API SG, SH, SJ, or ILSAC GF-2 or higher).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (Subaru Extra-S or equivalent recommended for high performance).
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90.
Ej Series Head Gaskets:
Potential for blown head gaskets, particularly in high-mileage or hard-driven examples.
Ej Series Ring Land Failure:
Risk of ring land failure (piston damage) in EJ205/EJ207 engines due to detonation or high cylinder pressures, especially with modifications.
Clutch Wear:
Clutches can wear prematurely under aggressive driving conditions.
Turbocharger Wear:
Turbocharger seals and bearings can fail due to age, lack of proper warm-up/cool-down cycles, or oil starvation.
