Segment:
Performance Compact / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Subaru WRX owners and technicians
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four
Performance Focus:
Designed for a performance-oriented vehicle known for its turbocharged engine and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
Dealership Level Info:
Provides the same in-depth technical information typically reserved for authorized Subaru service centers.
General Coverage:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Body, HVAC, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block assembly, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Electrical:
ECU, sensors (MAP, TPS, O2, knock), ignition system, fuel injection system, starting system, charging system, wiring diagrams
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, center differential, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, axles
Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (TY75), clutch system, gear oil specifications
Suspension:
Front struts, rear struts, control arms, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, power steering fluid
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, SRS airbag system
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant, cabin air filter
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, common electrical faults, engine performance issues
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement, electrical component repair
Diagnostics:
Use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM), oscilloscope procedures, fuel pressure testing, compression testing
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Subaru-specific tools for various repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Code:
EJ20G (typically)
Engine Type:
2.0L Flat-4 (Boxer), Turbocharged, Intercooled
Horsepower Ps:
215-276 PS (varies by market and specific tune, typically around 240 PS for JDM models)
Torque Nm:
260-300 Nm (varies by market and specific tune, typically around 290 Nm for JDM models)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves
Crash Test Results:
Generally good for its era, but specific ratings may vary by region and testing agency. Lacking modern electronic stability control.
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive enhances traction and stability.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on WRX models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, potential for side airbags on later models or as an option.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions (severe use may require more frequent changes).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km), depending on plug type (iridium recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure is catastrophic.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations). Synthetic oil highly recommended.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III ATF.
Engine Sealing:
Potential for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, front main seal, and rear main seal.
Turbocharger:
Oil starvation due to blocked banjo bolt on oil feed line (requires cleaning or modification), turbo seal failure.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear and tear on control arm bushings and other suspension components, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear can be accelerated by aggressive driving.
Engine Knock:
Susceptibility to detonation (knock) if not using proper octane fuel or if ignition timing is off.
Subaru AWD:
Subaru's long-standing reputation for developing and implementing All-Wheel Drive technology in passenger cars.
Gc8 Generation:
This represents the first generation (GC8) of the Impreza WRX, a significant model that cemented its rally heritage.
Rally Success:
Developed as a homologation special for World Rally Championship (WRC) competition, leveraging Subaru's motorsport success.
Production Period:
1992-2000 (First Generation GC8)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
