Segment:
Performance Sedan/Hatchback (Compact)
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, rally sport followers, performance car owners, professional mechanics.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI/R32, Honda Civic Type R.
Distinguishing Features:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engine, rally-bred performance, DCCD, strong aftermarket support.
Performance Focus:
Engineered for high-performance driving and motorsport applications.
AWD Capability:
Legendary Subaru Symmetrical AWD system for superior traction and handling.
Driver Centric:
Emphasis on driver engagement and control through features like DCCD.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Included Sections:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Body, Electrical, HVAC, Fuel System, Emissions
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Engine Management:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul procedures for the EJ207 engine, including timing belt, turbocharger system, intercooler, and ECU.
Drivetrain:
Comprehensive coverage of the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), gearbox (6-speed manual), differentials, and driveshafts.
Suspension Steering:
In-depth instructions for front and rear suspension components, including struts, springs, control arms, bushings, and power steering system.
Braking System:
Detailed procedures for ABS, brake calipers (e.g., Brembo), rotors, pads, lines, and hydraulic system.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of ECUs, sensors, ignition system, lighting, and body electronics.
Body Interior:
Panel removal/installation, glass replacement, interior trim, seat removal, and body panel alignment.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues, including DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
Major Repairs:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, turbocharger replacement, clutch service, suspension component replacement.
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed guides for removing and installing all major and minor components.
Specifications Torques:
Precise torque specifications for critical fasteners, fluid capacities, and component clearances.
Depth:
Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Diagnostic Tools:
Mentions and procedures for using Subaru-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., Subaru Select Monitor) and generic OBD-II scanners.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed turbocharged 4-cylinder (Boxer)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 Valves (4 valves per cylinder)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control
Turbocharger:
IHI VF37 twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler
Horsepower Usdm:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, depending on market and specific tuning)
Torque Usdm:
250 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Fuel Pump Pressure:
Consult manual for specific pressure specifications.
ECU Type:
Denso or Hitachi ECU (specific part numbers in manual)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 Liters (refer to manual for exact)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (refer to manual for exact)
Oil Type Viscosity:
5W-30 or 10W-30 Synthetic (refer to manual for exact specifications and temperature ranges)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Model:
TY856WB1CA (example, check manual for specific code)
Dccd System:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (manual control with automatic mode)
Optional Transmission:
None available for WRX STI model in 2005.
Gear Ratios:
Specific gear ratios for each of the 6 speeds and reverse are detailed in the manual.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, multi-plate dry clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent (refer to manual for exact part numbers and specifications).
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 Liters (refer to manual for exact capacity and fill level)
Front Differential Fluid:
Subaru Extra S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
Rear Differential Fluid:
Subaru Extra S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent.
Length:
4415 mm (173.8 in)
Height:
1440 mm (56.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2625 mm (103.3 in)
Track Width Front:
1530 mm (60.2 in)
Track Width Rear:
1525 mm (60.0 in)
Ground Clearance:
135 mm (5.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult manual for specific GVWR.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft (sedan); varies for wagon.
Standard Wheel Size:
17x7.5 inches (sometimes 18x8.5 inches for STI)
Standard Tire Size:
225/45R17 (often performance-oriented tires)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
NHTSA Front Impact:
Refer to NHTSA data for specific year and model; likely good ratings for the era.
IIHS Front Impact:
Refer to IIHS data for specific year and model.
ABS:
Standard, 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution).
Traction Control:
Standard, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) integration with AWD system.
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with DCCD for enhanced stability and control.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags (standard).
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for impact energy absorption.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis with high-tensile strength steel for improved rigidity and crash protection.
Head Unit:
Factory fitted single-DIN or double-DIN audio system (radio, CD player). Upgrade options are common.
Speakers:
Premium speaker system often included in STI models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control system.
Aux Input:
May be present on later models or aftermarket head units. Original likely lacks USB/Bluetooth.
Instrument Cluster:
Performance-oriented with large tachometer, speedometer, boost gauge, and DCCD indicator.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, or 7,500 miles/12 months with synthetic oil and filter (refer to manual for specific conditions).
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium spark plugs typically last 60,000-100,000 miles (consult manual for specific type and interval).
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 7 years (critical interval for the EJ207).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years for manual transmission and differentials.
Engine Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/Mercon ATF.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Ring Land Failure:
Common issue on EJ207/EJ257 engines, especially with aggressive tuning or detonation. Manual covers engine build and diagnostics.
Clutch Wear:
Performance-oriented clutch can wear faster under aggressive driving. Manual details clutch replacement procedure.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in control arm and sway bar bushings can lead to degraded handling. Manual provides replacement instructions.
Dccd Actuator Failure:
The DCCD system can sometimes develop faults. Manual provides diagnostic steps.
Subaru Motorsport:
Deep roots in rally racing (WRC) influence the WRX STI's design and performance ethos.
Gc8 Legacy:
The 2005 WRX STI is part of the 'GDB' generation, evolving from the rally-proven GC8 platform.
Jdm Vs Usdm:
The 2005 model year saw the introduction of the STI to the US market, initially featuring the EJ257 engine, while JDM models retained the EJ207 with higher specific output and different tuning.
Manufacturing Location:
Ota, Gunma, Japan
Generation:
Third Generation (GDB, specifically a mid-cycle refresh of the Hawkeye model for some markets)
Performance Accolades:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its rally-bred performance, handling, and AWD capabilities.
Rally Heritage:
Strong association with Subaru's World Rally Championship (WRC) success, enhancing its enthusiast appeal.
Handling Dynamics:
Widely recognized for class-leading handling and driver engagement.