Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan/Wagon (rally homologation special)
Heritage:
Derived from Subaru's World Rally Championship success
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R (early generations)
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on turbocharged engine, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, and handling dynamics
Durability:
Built for demanding rally conditions, translating to robust road-going performance
Enthusiast Following:
Strong aftermarket support and dedicated owner community
Engine:
2.0L EJ207 Turbocharged Flat-4 (DOHC)
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control
Transmission:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (TY856)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front, center, rear), DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link, STI specific tuning
Brakes:
Front 4-piston Subaru (Brembo optional/later models), Rear 2-piston Subaru (Brembo optional/later models), ABS system
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body electronics
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, body sealing, collision repair basics
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation system service
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, mounting points
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks/changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential service, brake system repair, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, system checks
Installation:
Component replacement, timing belt installation, turbocharger installation
Adjustments:
Valve clearance adjustment, clutch adjustment, alignment procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions, diagrams, and specifications
Configuration:
2.0L DOHC 16-valve Boxer (Flat-4)
Aspiration:
Twin-Scroll Turbocharged with Intercooler
Horsepower:
280 PS (276 hp) @ 6400 rpm (JDM Spec - varies slightly by market)
Torque:
392 Nm (289 lb-ft) @ 3200 rpm (JDM Spec - varies slightly by market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug
ECU:
ECU Unit (Specific part numbers vary, refer to manual)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
None offered for WRX STI in this period
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (Manual and Automatic modes)
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in manual (e.g., 1st: 3.600, 2nd: 2.375, 3rd: 1.704, 4th: 1.312, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.825)
Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Extra-S recommended)
Length:
Approx. 4,415 mm (173.8 in) (Sedan), 4,465 mm (175.8 in) (Wagon)
Width:
Approx. 1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in) (Sedan), 1,445 mm (56.9 in) (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,510 mm (98.8 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100 mm
Wheel Size:
17x7.5J (Standard), 17x8J (Optional)
Tire Size:
215/45R17 (Standard), 225/45R17 (Optional)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,430 kg (3,150 lb) (Sedan), 1,460 kg (3,220 lb) (Wagon)
NHTSA:
Refer to specific market regulatory data, typically good for its era but not directly comparable to modern standards.
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with DCCD for enhanced traction and stability
Brakes:
Large diameter ventilated discs, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Suspension:
STI-tuned performance suspension for improved cornering stability
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Chassis:
Reinforced body structure
Head Unit:
Factory fitted radio/CD player with basic digital display. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Speakers:
Basic speaker system, often upgraded by owners.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature.
Aux Input:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions available.
Bluetooth:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions available.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. Synthetic oil highly recommended.
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles (24,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Spark Plugs:
Iridium type: 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Refer to manual for specific type and gap.
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Crucial for EJ engines. Include tensioner and idler pulleys.
Coolant:
Flush and replace every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil:
5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher). Refer to manual for specific Subaru recommendations.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Extra-S)
Differential Fluid Front:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Extra-S)
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Subaru Extra-S)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Performance Brake Fluid
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze/coolant
Piston Ring Land Cracks:
Common on high-mileage or aggressively driven EJ207 engines due to high cylinder pressures. Requires engine rebuild.
Clutch Wear:
Can wear prematurely with aggressive driving or heavy use.
Valve Stem Seals:
Can degrade over time, leading to oil consumption and blue smoke on startup.
Oil Cooler Lines:
Can develop leaks, especially the banjo bolt seals.
Alternator Failure:
Can be prone to failure, especially with aftermarket electrical accessories.
Rally Legacy:
Subaru's extensive World Rally Championship history directly influenced the WRX and STI models, emphasizing performance and durability.
Introduction Period:
The second generation (GD/GG) debuted in 2000 (Japan) and 2001 (global markets), with the STI variant significantly enhancing performance and technology.
Key Changes 2001-2002:
Introduction of the more potent EJ207 engine for STI, 6-speed transmission, DCCD, and revised body styling (bug-eye to blob-eye transition in later stages of this generation).
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Gunma Plant)
Market Focus:
Primarily Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) for the EJ207 STI, with limited global export of high-performance variants.