Category:
Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, rally fans, performance-oriented drivers, owners seeking in-depth maintenance and repair knowledge.
Key Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru WRX (non-STI variants), Volkswagen Golf GTI/R, Ford Focus RS, Honda Civic Type R.
Performance Focus:
Emphasizes the performance capabilities and specific tuning aspects of the WRX STI model.
User Friendliness:
Designed to be accessible for basic users ('basic skills required') while providing depth for advanced tasks.
Portability:
Digital format allows for easy storage and access on various devices.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair of the EJ257 engine (including turbocharger system, intercooler, fuel injection, ignition, emissions controls).
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (TY757) servicing, repair, clutch system, driveline components (front/rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints).
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake fluid service, caliper/rotor replacement, parking brake, bleeding procedures.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, springs, bushings, alignment procedures, AWD system servicing (e.g., DCCD operation).
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic), steering rack and pinion, tie rods, steering column.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, locks, instrument cluster, starter, alternator, battery, ECU diagnostics, SRS (airbag) system.
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, exterior trim, bumpers, chassis repair principles.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, A/C compressor, evaporator, condenser.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) usage, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, differential fluid change, transfer case fluid change.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based diagnosis.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for engine components, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and bodywork.
Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild.
Installation:
Component replacement and installation guides (e.g., turbocharger replacement, clutch replacement, suspension component upgrades).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer) Turbocharged DOHC
Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
290 lb-ft (393 Nm) @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.2 Liters (7.6 US Quarts)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 certified)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.1 Liters (5.4 US Quarts) with filter
Oil Filter Part Number:
Subaru 15208AA100 (example, check specific application)
Intercooler:
Top-mount, air-to-air
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4/5 Stars (for 2013 Impreza line, STI specifics may vary)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for 2013 Impreza line, STI specifics may vary)
Traction Control:
Yes, with SI-Drive system integration.
Electronic Stability Control:
Yes, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
Antilock Brakes:
Yes, 4-wheel disc ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
All Wheel Drive:
Standard Symmetrical AWD with DCCD.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, driver's knee airbag.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
Head Unit:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Display:
Multi-function display in dashboard for trip computer, fuel economy, climate control, and vehicle settings.
Si Drive:
Subaru Intelligent Drive system offering 'Intelligent', 'Sport', and 'Sport Sharp' modes to adjust engine mapping, throttle response, and DCCD behavior.
Bluetooth:
Hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months (severe service) / 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months (normal service).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (iridium type).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 3 years.
Coolant Flush:
First at 30,000 miles (48,000 km), then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (severe use/track use recommended).
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine:
Head gasket failures (less common in EJ257 compared to earlier EJ25s but still possible under abuse), piston ring land cracking (particularly with aggressive tuning), oil consumption, turbocharger seal leaks.
Transmission:
Clutch wear, synchronizer issues in manual transmissions under hard use.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, premature strut failure if subjected to harsh driving.
Electrical:
Occasional issues with ABS sensors, minor electrical gremlins.
Rally Roots:
Subaru's long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Impreza WRX STI being its iconic rally homologation special.
Generations:
The 2013 model is part of the third generation (GR/GV) Impreza WRX STI, which transitioned from the sedan-only (GR) to offer a hatchback (GV) body style, replacing the separate Impreza WRX STI nameplate with a more unified Impreza line.
Specific Enhancements 2013:
While the STI retained its core EJ257 engine and mechanicals from the previous years, this generation saw refinements in suspension tuning and chassis rigidity.
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan