Segment:
Compact performance sedan/coupe, rally-bred homologation special.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, rally fans, owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicles.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo), Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four, Nissan Pulsar GTi-R.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on turbocharged boxer engine, all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, and sporty handling derived from rally heritage.
Technical Content:
Provides deep technical insights crucial for understanding and maintaining a performance vehicle.
Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Page Count:
Detailed page count not specified in product info, but typical factory service manuals for this era are extensive, often 1000+ pages.
Type:
Service Repair Manual
Searchable:
Typically, PDF manuals are searchable by text, enabling quick access to specific information.
Printable:
PDF format allows for selective or full printing of pages.
Quality:
Digital scans of original manuals, quality may vary but should be legible and contain all diagrams.
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Engine:
Complete engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing belt, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication systems.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, drivetrain components, differentials.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, ABS (if equipped), brake pad and rotor replacement, brake bleeding.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component inspection, repair, and replacement; alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack and linkage service.
Electrical:
Full electrical system diagnosis, wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments.
Body And Interior:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service and repair.
Emissions:
Emissions control systems, diagnosis, and repair procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components and systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level technical data, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Codes:
Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings for engine management and other systems.
Torque Specs:
Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners and bolts.
Clearances:
Engine component clearances (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearance) and chassis measurements.
Engine Code:
EJ20G (most common for WRX)
Engine Type:
2.0L DOHC Turbocharged Boxer-4 (EJ20G)
Horsepower:
Approx. 240-250 PS (177-184 kW) depending on market and specific variant.
Torque:
Approx. 304-324 Nm (224-239 lb-ft) depending on market and specific variant.
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (95-98 RON recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition with coil-on-plug or distributor-based system.
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (less common for WRX models of this era)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with viscous coupling center differential.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios detailed in the manual.
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (for manual).
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 2-door Coupe (less common for WRX in this generation).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2515 mm (99.0 in)
Length:
Approx. 4335 mm (170.7 in) for sedan
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1405 mm (55.3 in) for sedan
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1350 kg (2755-2976 lbs) depending on specification.
Gross Vehicle Weight:
Detailed in manual.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for performance models.
Crash Test Results:
Limited official crash test data available for this specific early generation WRX in many markets. Manual will focus on component safety features.
AWD System:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides enhanced traction and stability.
Brakes:
Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard on WRX). ABS was often optional or standard on later models within this range.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard for most WRX models).
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6 months, but performance driving may necessitate shorter intervals. Refer to manual for specific conditions.
Timing Belt:
Critical: Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure is catastrophic. Manual provides detailed replacement procedure.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual; often iridium or platinum plugs with longer intervals, but performance use can reduce lifespan.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual, typically 10W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic recommended for performance. Capacity around 4.5 liters.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant. Capacity approx. 7.0 liters.
Transmission Oil Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Capacity approx. 2.2 liters.
Transmission Oil Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent. Capacity approx. 4.3 liters (drain and fill).
Differential Oil Front:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Capacity approx. 1.3 liters.
Differential Oil Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Capacity approx. 1.3 liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Manual specifies which to use.
Engine Sealing:
Potential for head gasket leaks (though EJ20G is generally more robust than later EJ25s). Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan seals are common due to age.
Turbocharger:
Turbocharger seals can degrade, leading to oil consumption or loss of boost. Wastegate actuator can seize.
Suspension Bushings:
Worn suspension bushings are common, affecting handling and ride quality.
Rust:
Rust can be an issue, particularly around wheel arches, sills, and strut towers, especially in regions with road salt.
Electrical Connectors:
Corroded or loose electrical connectors can cause intermittent faults.
Rally Origins:
Subaru's extensive success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) cemented the Impreza's performance image.
Generation:
First generation Impreza (GC/GF chassis) introduced in 1992. The WRX variant debuted shortly after, focusing on performance.
Wrx Purpose:
Homologation special for WRC Group A regulations, featuring enhanced engine, suspension, and AWD.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Key Markets:
Primarily Japan, with select export markets (e.g., UK, Australia). North American market received the WRX significantly later.
Wrc Success:
Subaru Impreza WRX achieved significant success in the WRC, winning constructor's championships with drivers like Colin McRae and Richard Burns, driving models from this era and later.
Performance Acclaim:
Praised by automotive press for its potent engine, grippy AWD system, and accessible performance for its price point.
