Positioning:
Performance-oriented rally homologation special, a sub-segment leader for affordable performance and rallying heritage.
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (though Evo IV was contemporary, Evo III was more direct competitor), Ford Escort RS Cosworth (older), Rally variants of other compact sedans.
Features:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged boxer engine, performance suspension tuning, aggressive styling, rally-bred pedigree.
Audience:
Enthusiasts, rally fans, DIY mechanics, and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and modification.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and specifications for the EJ20G turbocharged engine.
Transmission:
Service and repair procedures for the manual transmission (likely 5-speed). Includes clutch, gearbox, and drivetrain components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, including struts, control arms, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, and ABS (if equipped).
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, component testing, diagnosis of electrical faults, lighting, ignition, starting, charging, and accessory systems.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, and emissions control components.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and fan operation.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust manifold diagnosis and repair.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal, glass replacement, and chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, and tune-up specifications.
Troubleshooting:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and procedures for identifying and resolving common issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major systems.
Rebuild:
Overhaul procedures for the engine and transmission, including torque specifications and tolerances.
Installation:
Guidance for installing replacement parts and performing upgrades.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
Quality:
High-resolution, allowing for clear printing of diagrams and text.
Binding:
N/A (Downloadable PDF implies digital format, printable)
Paper:
N/A (Downloadable PDF implies digital format, printable)
Searchable:
Typically PDF manuals are searchable by text.
Software:
PDF reader software (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Engine Type:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled
Displacement:
1994cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Horsepower Ps:
240 PS @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque Nm:
304 Nm @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-point injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium, high octane recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless ignition system (DIT)
Turbocharger Model:
IHI VF23 (or similar depending on market variant)
Coolant Capacity Liters:
Approx. 7.3 Liters
Oil Capacity Liters:
Approx. 4.2 Liters (with filter)
Oil Grade:
10W-30 or 10W-40 API SG/SH (refer to manual for specific climate recommendations)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Drive Layout:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Type:
N/A (WRX models of this era were primarily manual)
Center Differential:
Viscous coupling limited-slip center differential
Rear Differential:
Limited-slip rear differential (LSD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-5 75W-90 Gear Oil (refer to manual for Subaru genuine part number)
Length Mm:
Approx. 4350 mm
Width Mm:
Approx. 1735 mm
Height Mm:
Approx. 1405 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2520 mm
Track Width Front Mm:
Approx. 1470 mm
Track Width Rear Mm:
Approx. 1465 mm
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1300-1350 kg (varies by trim and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
Not explicitly stated in product info, but manual will contain this.
Wheel Size:
16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels (common)
Tire Size Standard:
205/55R16 or 215/40R17 (common, refer to manual for definitive specs)
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Not tested by NHTSA in the modern era for this specific model year)
AWD:
Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides enhanced traction and stability.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often optional or standard on WRX models of this era.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
System:
Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player and CD player (optional on some trims). Limited digital integration.
Features:
Primarily mechanical driver aids like AWD and ABS (if equipped). No electronic stability control or advanced ADAS features.
Features:
N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration available in this era).
Gauges:
Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and boost gauge.
Oil Change Interval Km:
Typically 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months (refer to manual for exact guidance based on driving conditions)
Air Filter Replacement Km:
Every 15,000-20,000 km (or as needed based on inspection)
Spark Plug Replacement Km:
100,000 km for iridium plugs, refer to manual for specific plug type and interval.
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
96,000 km or 7 years (critical maintenance item for EJ engines)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific Subaru recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III compatible ATF (refer to manual)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, blue color)
Engine Component Wear:
Ringland failure, piston slap (especially if poorly maintained or abused), oil leaks from seals (crankshaft, camshaft).
Turbocharger Issues:
Bearing wear, oil starvation if not properly serviced or if oil changes are neglected.
Suspension Wear:
Worn bushings, struts leaking or blown, especially on higher mileage examples or those driven hard.
Differential Issues:
Rear differential clunks or whining can indicate wear.
Part Numbers:
The manual will contain extensive part numbers for all components, crucial for sourcing replacements.
Heritage:
Subaru has a long history in motorsports, particularly in rallying, establishing the WRX nameplate.
Generation:
First Generation (GC/GF/GM) Impreza, WRX variant of the initial launch.
Rally Homologation:
The WRX (World Rally eXperimental) was developed to homologate the Impreza for the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Production Years:
1992-2000 (First Generation GC)
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Wrc Championships:
Manufacturers' Championship in 1995, 1996, and 1997 (with the Impreza WRC).
Rally Performance:
The Impreza WRX platform was instrumental in Subaru's multiple WRC Manufacturers' Championships during this era.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, grip, and accessible performance.
Wrc Homologation:
The production WRX models served as the basis for WRC-spec rally cars, validating their engineering and performance.