🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Subaru

Model:

Impreza WRX / WRX STI

Product Name:

2008 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX & STI CAR Service & Repair Manual-PDF

Generation Code:

Third Generation (GE/GH/GR/GV)

Generation Years:

2008-2014

Chassis Codes:

Hatchback: GH/GR, Sedan: GE/GV

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact performance sedan/hatchback, rally-inspired sports car.

Target Demographic:

Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, rally fans.

Key Competitors 2008:

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus SVT/ST, Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Performance Focus:

Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), turbocharged Boxer engines, performance-tuned suspensions.

Dccd:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (STI) for adjustable torque distribution.

Design:

Distinctive flared fenders, hood scoop, aggressive styling cues.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

2008

Covered Models:

Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX STI

Covered Engines:

All engine variants for 2008 WRX and WRX STI

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 2500-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Official Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Performance:

Fuel delivery, injection, ignition, emissions control, turbocharger system, intercooler, ECU control.

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (TY757), DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) system, AWD system, clutch operation, drive shafts, differentials.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake calipers (front 4-piston Brembo on STI, rear 2-piston on STI), rotors, pads, parking brake.

Suspension Steering:

Front MacPherson strut with lower control arm, rear multi-link suspension, springs, dampers, anti-roll bars, power steering system.

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, mirrors, audio system, SRS airbag system, immobilizer.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system components, refrigerant, operation.

Body Chassis:

Body structure, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, safety structure.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for all major systems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system operation, scan tool usage, specific sensor testing, actuator testing.

Calibration Adjustment:

Alignment procedures, suspension adjustments, DCCD calibration, idle speed adjustment (where applicable).

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

Target Audience:

Professional technicians, experienced DIY mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable, allowing for quick navigation and information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-site workshop use.

Graphic Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Wrx Engine:

2.5L EJ255 Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder

Sti Engine:

2.5L EJ257 Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder (with AVCS and intercooler spray for some markets)

Wrx Horsepower:

Approx. 265 hp @ 5600 rpm

Wrx Torque:

Approx. 244 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Sti Horsepower:

Approx. 305 hp @ 6000 rpm

Sti Torque:

Approx. 290 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended/required)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug)

Turbocharger Type:

Twin-scroll turbocharger (specific model varies)

🔧 Transmission

Wrx Transmission:

6-speed Manual

Sti Transmission:

6-speed Manual with DCCD

Automatic Transmission:

Not available for WRX or WRX STI models in 2008

Dccd System:

Driver Controlled Center Differential (STI) allows manual adjustment of front/rear torque split.

AWD System:

Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with front helical limited-slip differential and rear viscous-coupling limited-slip differential (or DCCD on STI).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

Approx. 103.2 inches (2620 mm)

Length:

Approx. 174.0 inches (4420 mm) for Hatchback, 180.3 inches (4580 mm) for Sedan

Width:

Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

Approx. 58.1 inches (1475 mm) for Hatchback, 57.1 inches (1450 mm) for Sedan

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1406-1542 kg) depending on trim and body style

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified in manual but generally around 4000-4400 lbs

Towing Capacity:

Not specified by Subaru for WRX/STI models

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings 2008:

Varies by specific test, typically achieved 4 or 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests.

IIHS Ratings 2008:

Good in frontal offset and side impact tests.

Traction Control:

Standard on WRX and STI, with Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Ebd:

Electronic Brake-force Distribution.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on most trims).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioner and force-limiting front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts.

Child Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD stereo with auxiliary input, optional upgraded audio systems (e.g., with subwoofer) available. Some models may have navigation.

Connectivity:

Auxiliary audio input jack.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Keyless Entry:

Available keyless entry system.

Trip Computer:

Multi-function display in instrument cluster showing fuel economy, range, etc.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), depending on driving conditions and oil type. The manual will specify exact intervals.

Tire Rotation Interval:

Every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type (iridium plugs typically last longer). Manual will detail.

Timing Belt Inspection:

Subaru uses timing chains on the EJ series engines, which are generally considered to be long-life components. However, related components like tensioners and guides should be inspected.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Commonly 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic oil (check manual for exact specification and API service classification).

Coolant Type:

Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent long-life silicate-free coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

Specific Subaru manual transmission fluid (e.g., Gear Oil XYZ) or a high-quality synthetic GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, depending on exact requirements. Crucial to check manual.

Differential Fluid Type Front:

GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended by Subaru).

Differential Fluid Type Rear:

GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended by Subaru).

Engine Issues:

Head gasket leaks (less common on EJ257 than earlier EJ25), piston ring land failure (especially if tuned aggressively without proper supporting modifications), turbocharger wear, oil consumption.

Drivetrain Issues:

Clutch wear (especially with aggressive driving), DCCD system faults, transmission synchro wear.

Suspension Issues:

Early wear on suspension bushings, wheel bearing failures.

Electrical Issues:

Corrosion on electrical connectors, sensor failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Subaru Rally Heritage:

Subaru has a storied history in motorsports, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Impreza WRX STI achieved significant success.

Third Generation Impreza Introduction:

The 2008 model marked the introduction of the third generation of the Impreza, which notably switched to a hatchback body style for many markets, with a sedan option also available. This generation moved away from the more aggressive, widebody styling of the previous generation for the standard WRX, though the STI retained more aggressive styling and performance cues.

Design Changes:

The hatchback design was a significant departure, aiming for broader appeal. The STI received specific aerodynamic enhancements and a more potent engine.

Production Location:

Japan (Gunma Plant)

Production Years:

2008-2014 (for this generation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The Impreza WRX STI has often been featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in various years for its performance and value.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While the Impreza as a whole may have won awards, the WRX/STI variants are recognized more for their performance accolades.

Performance Review Consensus:

Consistently praised for its sharp handling, powerful turbocharged engines, and rally-bred AWD system.