๐ท๏ธ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza WRX STi Model Generation: Third Generation (GR/GV) Model Years: 2008-2011 Codes Chassis Code Hatchback: GR Chassis Code Sedan: GV ๐ Introduction Market Position Segment: Performance Compact Sedan/Hatchback Usp: Iconic rally heritage, symmetrical all-wheel drive, turbocharged boxer engine, performance tuning potential. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Mazdaspeed3. Key Features Performance Focus: Emphasizes its performance capabilities and motorsport-derived engineering. Diy Support: Aimed at enthusiasts and DIY mechanics seeking to maintain or repair their vehicles efficiently by correctly identifying parts. ๐ Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Parts List / Catalog Secondary Coverage: DIY Repair Guidance (via part identification) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Varies by specific model year and trim within the range, but typically extensive for parts catalogs (e.g., 300-800+ pages). Manual Type Type: Parts Catalog / Parts List Language Language: English Format File Format: Searchable PDF ๐ Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain Components: Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, turbocharger, intercooler, fuel system (injectors, pump, lines), exhaust system, cooling system. Drivetrain Components: Transmission (manual and automatic variants if applicable), clutch assembly, driveshafts, differentials (front, center, rear), wheel hubs, axles. Suspension Steering Components: Front and rear suspension struts, springs, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, steering rack, power steering pump, tie rods. Braking Components: Brake calipers (front and rear Brembo units for STi), brake discs/rotors, brake pads, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS components. Electrical Components: Alternator, starter motor, battery, ECU, wiring harnesses, sensors (engine, ABS, etc.), ignition coils, spark plugs. Body Exterior Components: Body panels (fenders, hood, doors, bumpers, spoilers), lighting (headlights, taillights), glass, mirrors, trim pieces, roof rails (if applicable). Interior Components: Seats, dashboard components, steering wheel, HVAC controls, door panels, carpets, audio system components. Procedures Included Part Identification: Identification of specific components and their corresponding OEM part numbers. Part Verification: Cross-referencing part numbers for correct application to specific model years and trims. Labor Information Reference: Inclusion of labor time estimates or information, often useful for DIYers planning repairs or for professional shops. Technical Depth Depth: Detailed component-level breakdown for parts sourcing and identification. Not a diagnostic or repair procedure manual, but essential for obtaining the correct parts for repairs. ๐ Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Searchable text within the PDF for quick part number or component name retrieval. Linked Bookmarks: Includes linked bookmarks for easy navigation through different sections and systems. Print Quality Illustration Clarity: Clear component illustrations and diagrams for accurate part identification. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) โ๏ธ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ257 Engine Type: 2.5L Turbocharged Boxer-4 Displacement: 2457 cc Bore X Stroke: 99.5 mm x 79 mm Compression Ratio: 8.4:1 Performance Horsepower: 305 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year/market) Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year/market) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Turbocharger Turbocharger Type: Twin-scroll Turbocharger (IHI VF48 or similar) ๐ง Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: No automatic transmission offered for WRX STi during these model years. Features Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) and Active Torque Distribution. Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic gear oil. Specific Subaru or equivalent fluid recommended (e.g., Subaru Extra-S). Verify exact specification for transmission case. ๐ Dimensions Exterior Length Sedan: 179.1 inches (4550 mm) Length Hatchback: 173.8 inches (4415 mm) Width: 70.7 inches (1795 mm) Height Sedan: 57.9 inches (1470 mm) Height Hatchback: 58.1 inches (1475 mm) Wheelbase: 103.1 inches (2619 mm) Weights Curb Weight Sedan: 3373 lbs (1530 kg) Curb Weight Hatchback: 3439 lbs (1560 kg) Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches) Standard Wheel Size: 18 x 8.5 inches Standard Tire Size: 245/40R18 ๐ก๏ธ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for applicable models/years) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for applicable models/years) Active Features ABS: Standard, performance-tuned Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Traction Control: Standard Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), including traction and stability control. Passive Features Airbags: Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear). Seatbelts: 3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts. Structure: Reinforced body structure with front and rear crumple zones. ๐ก Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Standard factory audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Optional navigation systems available on higher trims/later years. Speaker System: Typically 6-speaker or 10-speaker premium audio system (e.g., with subwoofer) depending on trim level. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Keyless Entry: Standard keyless entry system. Connectivity Bluetooth: Limited Bluetooth connectivity often integrated into head unit or available as an option, depending on trim and year. ๐ง Maintenance...
Body panels (fenders, hood, doors, bumpers, spoilers), lighting (headlights, taillights), glass, mirrors, trim pieces, roof rails (if applicable).
Interior Components:
Seats, dashboard components, steering wheel, HVAC controls, door panels, carpets, audio system components.
Procedures Included
Part Identification:
Identification of specific components and their corresponding OEM part numbers.
Part Verification:
Cross-referencing part numbers for correct application to specific model years and trims.
Labor Information Reference:
Inclusion of labor time estimates or information, often useful for DIYers planning repairs or for professional shops.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Detailed component-level breakdown for parts sourcing and identification. Not a diagnostic or repair procedure manual, but essential for obtaining the correct parts for repairs.
๐ Manual Specifications
File Format
Searchability:
Searchable text within the PDF for quick part number or component name retrieval.
Linked Bookmarks:
Includes linked bookmarks for easy navigation through different sections and systems.
Print Quality
Illustration Clarity:
Clear component illustrations and diagrams for accurate part identification.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
โ๏ธ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
EJ257
Engine Type:
2.5L Turbocharged Boxer-4
Displacement:
2457 cc
Bore X Stroke:
99.5 mm x 79 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.4:1
Performance
Horsepower:
305 hp @ 6000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year/market)
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by year/market)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Turbocharger
Turbocharger Type:
Twin-scroll Turbocharger (IHI VF48 or similar)
๐ง Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
No automatic transmission offered for WRX STi during these model years.
Features
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) and Active Torque Distribution.
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-5 75W-90 Synthetic gear oil. Specific Subaru or equivalent fluid recommended (e.g., Subaru Extra-S). Verify exact specification for transmission case.
๐ Dimensions
Exterior
Length Sedan:
179.1 inches (4550 mm)
Length Hatchback:
173.8 inches (4415 mm)
Width:
70.7 inches (1795 mm)
Height Sedan:
57.9 inches (1470 mm)
Height Hatchback:
58.1 inches (1475 mm)
Wheelbase:
103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Sedan:
3373 lbs (1530 kg)
Curb Weight Hatchback:
3439 lbs (1560 kg)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)
Standard Wheel Size:
18 x 8.5 inches
Standard Tire Size:
245/40R18
๐ก๏ธ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable models/years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable models/years)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard, performance-tuned Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Standard Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), including traction and stability control.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Structure:
Reinforced body structure with front and rear crumple zones.
๐ก Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Standard factory audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, auxiliary input. Optional navigation systems available on higher trims/later years.
Speaker System:
Typically 6-speaker or 10-speaker premium audio system (e.g., with subwoofer) depending on trim level.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Limited Bluetooth connectivity often integrated into head unit or available as an option, depending on trim and year.
๐ง Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving conditions) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving conditions). Consult owner's manual for specifics.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable. The EJ257 engine uses a timing chain, which is generally considered maintenance-free over the vehicle's lifespan, though tensioners and guides may require inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles, but check specific recommendations.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic engine oil meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specifications. Subaru recommends specific grades.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent. Check owner's manual for correct mixture and capacity.
Known Issues
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less prevalent on the EJ257 compared to earlier EJ25 engines, it's a known area for inspection. Early detection is crucial.
Ringland Failure:
Can occur due to excessive detonation or aggressive tuning. Proper fueling and maintenance are critical.
Clutch Wear:
Performance-oriented clutch can wear faster with aggressive driving.
Common Part Numbers
Oil Filter:
Subaru 15208AA100 (or equivalent aftermarket such as Wix 57055, K&N HP-1010)
Air Filter:
Subaru 16546AA10A (or equivalent aftermarket)
Cabin Air Filter:
Subaru 72880FG013 (or equivalent aftermarket)
๐ Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Rally Roots:
Subaru's long-standing success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) directly influenced the development and performance of the Impreza WRX and WRX STi models.
Model Evolution
Generation Transition:
The 2008-2011 models represented the third generation (GR/GV), marking a significant design departure with the introduction of the hatchback body style (GR) alongside the sedan (GV), moving away from the 'bug-eye' and 'blob-eye' designs of previous generations.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan
๐ Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best List:
Often featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its performance and value.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning overall, the Impreza line (including WRX variants) has been a contender or received accolades from publications like MotorTrend.
Ratings
Overall Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised for its handling, acceleration, and all-weather capability.