🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza WRX

Model Variant:

WRX STI

Year:

2008-2009

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

High-performance rally-inspired compact sports sedan/hatchback, known for its all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engine.

Competitors:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STI variants), Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Mazda Mazdaspeed3.

Key Features:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged Boxer engines, performance-tuned suspension, driver-focused cockpit, rally heritage.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Comprehensive repair and maintenance for Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI models 2008-2009.

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Format:

PDF

Language:

English

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine, Drivetrain, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Electrical System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Body and Chassis, Interior Components, Diagnostics, Maintenance Schedules, Troubleshooting.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance, scheduled services, component removal and installation, diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, repair procedures, torque specifications, wiring diagrams, component testing.

Technical Depth:

Detailed, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and component-level repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing.

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF.

Compatibility:

Compatible with any Windows operating system.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

EJ255

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged Boxer (Flat-4)

Horsepower:

265 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque:

244 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

Engine Code:

EJ257

Engine Type:

2.5L DOHC 16-valve turbocharged Boxer (Flat-4), stronger internals than EJ255

Horsepower:

305 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Sequential)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

0 60 Mph Wrx:

Approx. 5.4 seconds

0 60 Mph Sti:

Approx. 4.7 seconds

Compression Ratio:

8.4:1

Compression Ratio:

8.2:1

Turbocharger Model:

Mitsubishi TD04-13T

Turbocharger Model:

IHI VF48

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual

Standard Transmission:

6-speed manual

All Wheel Drive System:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) on STI models.

Sti Differential Modes:

Manual and Auto modes for DCCD, allowing driver to adjust front-to-rear torque split.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

103.1 inches

Length:

179.5 inches

Width:

70.1 inches

Height:

58.1 inches

Curb Weight Wrx:

Approx. 3270 lbs

Curb Weight Sti:

Approx. 3373 lbs

Trunk Volume:

11.3 cubic feet (sedan)

Wrx Wheel Size:

17x8 inches

Sti Wheel Size:

18x8.5 inches

Wrx Tire Size:

225/45R17

Sti Tire Size:

245/40R18

Bolt Pattern:

5x100mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star driver, 4-star passenger

IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:

Good

Active Safety Features:

ABS with EBD, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (VDC).

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (sedan), front and rear crumple zones, reinforced body structure.

Chassis Codes:

GR for hatchback, GV for sedan.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic infotainment system with CD player, auxiliary input, and optional navigation system (depending on trim).

Driver Assistance Features:

Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS).

Performance Technology:

Advanced All-Wheel Drive, DCCD (STI), SI-Drive system (STI - Subaru Intelligent Drive) allowing drivers to select between Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp modes affecting engine and transmission mapping.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles or 3.75 months (severe driving) / 7,500 miles or 7.5 months (normal driving).

Major Service Intervals:

Spark plugs: 60,000 miles; Timing belt (if applicable, though EJ25 uses a timing chain): Check for wear and tension at 105,000 miles; Coolant: Replace every 30,000 miles or 3 years.

Engine Oil Type Wrx:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher)

Engine Oil Type Sti:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG or higher), often recommended to use a higher performance synthetic specific for turbocharged engines.

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life antifreeze.

Transmission Fluid Manual Wrx:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Transmission Fluid Manual Sti:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (STI uses a different 6-speed gearbox, check manual for specific type).

Differential Fluid Front:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil

Differential Fluid Rear:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (STI may have LSD specific fluid, check manual).

Known Issues:

Head gasket failures (less common on EJ255/EJ257 than previous generations but still a potential issue), turbocharger failure, clutch wear, rear differential issues (STI), piston ring land failure (often due to detonation/abuse).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Subaru, founded in 1953, is renowned for its engineering prowess, particularly its horizontally opposed (Boxer) engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, deeply rooted in rallying success.

Third Generation:

This manual covers the third generation (GR/GV chassis) Impreza, launched for the 2008 model year, which moved to a global platform and introduced significant design changes, including a return to a sedan body style for the WRX/STI after the previous generation hatchback focus.

Key Changes 2008 2009:

The 2008 model year marked a significant redesign. The 2009 model year saw minor updates, primarily to suspension tuning and interior features for the WRX, while the STI received more performance-oriented revisions.

Production Locations:

Japan (Gunma Plant)