Positioning:
Performance-oriented compact sedan/hatchback, rally homologation special, enthusiast vehicle
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (standard), Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Nissan Silvia (older models)
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged boxer engine, performance-tuned suspension, powerful Brembo brakes
Enthusiast Appeal:
Legendary handling, strong aftermarket support, rally heritage
Engine:
Complete engine mechanicals, tuning, diagnostics, removal/installation, overhaul
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (TY75 series), All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), driveshafts, axles
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, brake fluid, ABS, EBD, parking brake
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ECU, sensors, ignition system, charging system, lighting, power accessories, diagnostics
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, underbody, structural components, crash repair data
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, O2 sensors
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, wheel alignment
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or equivalent diagnostic tools
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential rebuilds
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Configuration:
2.5L Turbocharged Flat-4 Boxer Engine
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Redline:
7000 RPM (approx.)
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 RPM (US Spec)
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
Turbocharger:
IHI VF48 Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Likely, based on contemporary Subaru standards)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (Likely, based on contemporary Subaru standards)
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with AWC mode
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Ring-shaped reinforcement frame, energy-absorbing crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) - Consult manual for exact Subaru recommendations.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (NGK Iridium recommended)
Coolant Replacement:
First replacement at 30,000 miles, then every 15,000 miles or 12 months thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (Subaru Extra Protect 5W-30 recommended, API SN or ILSAC GF-5)
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.8 US quarts (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S or equivalent (75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil for front and rear differentials)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S or equivalent (75W-90 GL-5 Gear Oil)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Knock Detonation:
Susceptible to detonation on lower octane fuel or if detonation control is compromised (e.g., faulty knock sensor, boost leaks).
Ringland Failure:
Early EJ257 engines in some models were prone to ringland failure, especially if not properly maintained or if subjected to aggressive driving without adequate cooling.
Clutch Wear:
Performance-oriented clutch can wear faster with aggressive driving. Flywheel chatter is also common.
Dccd Malfunctions:
The Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) system can develop electronic issues leading to an 'inoperable' state, often defaulting to a 50/50 split.
Turbo Oil Feed Line:
The banjo bolt on the turbo oil feed line can become restricted, starving the turbo of oil and leading to failure.
Subaru Heritage:
Japanese automotive manufacturer known for its boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Strong ties to motorsports, particularly rallying.
Impreza Lineage:
The Impreza WRX STI is the halo performance variant of Subaru's compact Impreza line. Introduced in the 1990s, it quickly gained a reputation for its rally-bred performance and AWD capabilities.
2008 Generation Update:
The 2008 model year marked the debut of the third generation Impreza (GE/GH/GR/GV), which controversially moved away from the sedan-only platform to include a hatchback body style. The WRX STI also gained a more aggressive styling, wider track, and improved chassis rigidity.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan