Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics)
Diagnostic Tools:
Information applicable to Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or OBD-II scan tools
Special Tools:
References to Subaru-specific special tools for various procedures (e.g., timing belt tensioner tool, injector puller)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF (Searchable text is highly probable for quality manuals)
Print Quality
Resolution:
High-resolution scans ensuring clarity of diagrams and text
Binding Type
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type
Digital Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
Completeness
Completeness Claim:
100% Complete (as per product description, implying no missing sections)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
EJ257
Engine Type:
DOHC 16-valve turbocharged boxer-4
Displacement:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Performance
Horsepower Usdm:
265 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Usdm:
247 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1
Turbocharger:
IHI VF39 (water-cooled, ball-bearing)
Intercooler:
Top-mounted air-to-air
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Throttle Body:
Drive-by-wire (electronic throttle control)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Model Code:
TY856WB1AA
Optional
Type:
N/A (STI was manual-only)
Features
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD)
Differentials:
Front Helical LSD, Rear Helical LSD, DCCD Center Diff
Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (6-speed specific ratios)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2525 mm (99.4 in)
Length:
4405 mm (173.4 in)
Width:
1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
1410 mm (55.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
135 mm (5.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle placard
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Refer to manual (varies by body style - sedan/wagon)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for comparable 2003-2004 models)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (for comparable 2003-2004 models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for comparable 2003-2004 models)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel ABS with EBD)
Traction Control:
Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) available on some models/trims
AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Factory fitted AM/FM stereo with CD player. Aftermarket options are common.
Speaker System:
Standard speaker configuration, often with front tweeters. Upgrades are popular.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (4-wheel ABS)
Stability Control:
Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) optional or standard on some trims.
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Rarely standard on factory units, often an aftermarket addition.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe use), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal use) - refer to manual for exact specification based on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 105 months (critical replacement interval, often recommended with water pump and tensioner).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months (manual transmission, AWD components - refer to manual for precise intervals).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 36 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SG, SH, SJ, SL, or SM rated) - check manual for specific API classification and viscosity for climate.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru/Dexron II or equivalent
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Known Issues
Piston Ring Land Failure:
Common in early EJ25 engines, especially with aggressive tuning, but the EJ257 in the STI is generally more robust. Still, vigilant maintenance and proper fueling are key.
Head Gasket Leaks:
Less common on the EJ257 compared to earlier EJ25s, but still a potential issue if overheated or improperly maintained.
Clutch Wear:
Can be accelerated by aggressive driving or frequent hard launches.
Turbocharger Wear:
The VF39 can develop issues if oil starvation or contamination occurs. Regular oil changes are crucial.
Rear Differential Noise:
Occasional reports of differential noise, often related to fluid degradation or wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Motorsports:
Long and successful history in rallying, particularly with the Impreza platform (Prodrive era).
Model Evolution
Gd Gg Generation:
Introduced in 2000, the GD/GG generation marked a significant design departure with a more rounded, less angular look compared to the GC/GF generation. The STI variant was significantly enhanced for performance.
Predecessor:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC/GF generation)
Production
Manufacturing Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
Production Years Model:
2000-2007 (GD/GG generation)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The Impreza WRX (non-STI) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during this era, highlighting the platform's overall quality and performance.
Sport Compact Car:
Often praised by enthusiast publications for its rally-bred performance and AWD capabilities.
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