Positioning:
Performance-oriented compact sedan/hatchback, rallying heritage, enthusiast-driven vehicle
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI/R
Performance Focus:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged boxer engines, performance-tuned suspension
Driving Dynamics:
Legendary handling, driver feedback, rally-bred DNA
Engine Coverage:
EJ207, EJ255, EJ257, EJ204 (NA variants for context, though STI focus is forced induction)
Transmission Coverage:
5-speed Manual (GD chassis), 6-speed Manual (GR/GV/VA chassis), DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) system
Chassis Coverage:
All chassis variants associated with WRX STI (e.g., GD, GG, GR, GV, GE, GH, VAB)
Electrical Systems:
Engine management, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, ABS, SRS (Airbag)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, climate control, safety restraints
Type:
Comprehensive Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Turbocharger, Intercooler, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission, Clutch, Differential (Front, Center, Rear), Driveshafts, Axles, AWD System
Suspension And Steering:
Front & Rear Suspension, Shock Absorbers, Springs, Control Arms, Sway Bars, Power Steering System, Steering Column
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, ABS, Brake Lines, Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Parking Brake
Wheel And Tires:
Wheel specifications, Tire pressure, Mounting procedures, Alignment specifications
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Wiring diagrams
Repair:
Component removal/installation, Major overhauls, Component-specific repair procedures
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild procedures, Transmission rebuild, Differential rebuild
Calibration:
Steering angle sensor, ABS module, Clutch system bleeding
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Detail Level:
Detailed torque specifications, clearance measurements, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics
Engine Code Common:
EJ257 (2.5L Turbocharged Boxer)
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer)
Displacement Common:
2.5 Liters (2457cc)
Induction:
Turbocharged with Top-Mount Intercooler
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshafts), 16 Valves
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 300-320 HP (depending on generation and specific market)
Torque Range:
Approx. 300-330 lb-ft (depending on generation and specific market)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type Recommended:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated Immobilizer and potentially other vehicle control modules
Type Common:
6-speed Manual Transmission (TY856WR).
Type Older:
5-speed Manual Transmission (TY754)
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) with automatic and manual modes
Gear Oil Spec:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent
Ratio Example:
Specific ratios vary by generation; consult manual for exact ratios (e.g., 1st Gear: 3.636)
Length Example:
Approx. 4415 mm (GD Hatchback) to 4600 mm (GV Sedan) - Varies by generation and body style
Width Example:
Approx. 1770 mm (GD) to 1795 mm (GR/GV/VA) - Varies by generation
Height Example:
Approx. 1440 mm (GD) to 1475 mm (GR/GV/VA) - Varies by generation
Wheelbase Example:
Approx. 2525 mm (GD) to 2625 mm (GR/GV/VA) - Varies by generation
Curb Weight Example:
Approx. 1470 kg (GD) to 1500+ kg (GR/GV/VA) - Varies by generation and trim
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Example:
Consult vehicle placard; typically around 1950 kg
NHTSA Ratings Example:
Typically 5-Star NHTSA ratings for frontal and side impacts for relevant model years (check specific year)
IIHS Ratings Example:
Good ratings in various IIHS tests for relevant model years (check specific year)
AWD System:
Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) / Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Front Side Airbags (depending on generation)
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR Seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
High-tensile steel body structure, front and rear crumple zones
Head Unit Features:
CD player, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth connectivity (later models), USB input, touch screen display (later models)
Audio System Options:
Harman Kardon audio system (optional on some trims)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Eyesight System:
Subaru EyeSight driver assist technology available on later generations (pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning - typically not on STI models from factory)
Bluetooth:
Available for hands-free calling and audio streaming on later models
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) with Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp modes to adjust throttle response and engine mapping
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (severe use recommended every 3,000 miles)
Spark Plug Interval:
Approx. 60,000 miles (iridium plugs)
Timing Belt Interval:
Not applicable for EJ series (uses timing chain or timing belt depending on specific EJ variant; EJ257 uses a belt, typically 105,000 miles or 7 years)
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Engine Oil Spec:
0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher). Consult manual for specific grade.
Coolant Spec:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 Brake Fluid
Engine Potential Issues:
Ringland failure, piston land failure (particularly on modified engines or with poor tuning), turbocharger wear, oil consumption
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated with aggressive driving; dual-mass flywheel can wear
Suspension Components:
Sway bar links and bushings can wear over time, leading to clunks
Electrical Gremlins:
Occasional issues with sensors, wiring harness integrity (especially around turbocharger)
Oil Filter Part No:
15208AA100 (or equivalent with correct thread pitch and bypass valve)
Motorsport Roots:
Deep roots in World Rally Championship (WRC) success, influencing the STI's development
Generations:
GDA/GDB (2000-2007), GR/GV/GE/GH (2007-2014), VAB (2014-2021)
Key Updates:
Introduction of 6-speed gearbox, new chassis (GR/GV), EJ257 engine adoption, DCCD enhancements, electronic throttle control
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan