🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza WRX STI Year: 2004 Codes Chassis Code: GDB Engine Code Primary: EJ207 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB chassis, Blobeye generation) represented the pinnacle of Subaru's rally-bred performance for its era, targeting enthusiasts seeking high-performance all-wheel-drive capability and a direct connection to motorsports heritage. It competed against other performance sedans and hot hatches, often favored for its unique turbocharged boxer engine and legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (VIII), Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI (performance variants of the era) Key Features Key Features: EJ207 2.0L turbocharged boxer engine, Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, DCCD, performance suspension tuning, distinctive 'STI' badging and aerodynamic enhancements. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Areas Covered: Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, Bodywork, HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, HVAC, SRS Airbags, Security Systems, Emission Control Systems, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Page Count Page Count: Approx. 2500-3000 pages (estimated for a comprehensive factory service manual) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, torque specifications, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, lubrication system, cooling system, intake manifold, exhaust manifold, turbocharger systems Engine Management: ECU operation, fuel injection system, ignition system, sensor diagnostics, emission control systems, DTC troubleshooting Drivetrain: Manual transmission (6-speed), clutch system, viscous center differential, DCCD (Driver's Control Center Differential), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, wheel bearings Suspension And Steering: Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars, power steering system, steering rack, alignment specifications Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake caliper service, brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, parking brake Electrical Systems: Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, central locking, SRS airbag system, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM) Body And Interior: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, glass replacement, weatherstripping HVAC: Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant types, troubleshooting Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, differential fluid changes, transmission fluid changes Repair: Complete engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, turbocharger replacement, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and HVAC issues, wiring diagram interpretation Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data interpretation, scan tool usage, component testing Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and repair procedures for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Searchability: Searchable text Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution images and diagrams suitable for printing Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Horizontally-opposed turbocharged inline-4 (Boxer) Displacement: 2.0 Liters (1994 cc) Engine Code: EJ207 Performance Horsepower Est: 265 hp @ 6000 rpm (JDM specification) Torque Est: 253 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (JDM specification) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Throttle Control Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission: N/A (STI models were exclusively manual) Features Dccd: Driver's Control Center Differential (manual and auto modes) AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous center differential Fluid Specifications Transmission Fluid Type: Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Front Differential Fluid Type: API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 Rear Differential Fluid Type: API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4,485 mm (176.6 in) Width: 1,740 mm (68.5 in) Height: 1,415 mm (55.7 in) Wheelbase: 2,625 mm (103.3 in) Weights Curb Weight Est: 1,450 kg (3,197 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est: 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) Cargo Trunk Volume Est: 0.33 m³ (11.7 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Good (IIHS - for similar models) NHTSA Front Impact Passenger: Good (IIHS - for similar models) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Standard Electronic Brake Force Distribution: Standard Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags (optional/market dependent) Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic AM/FM/CD audio system with optional premium sound package. Digital integration was rudimentary compared to modern standards. Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: ABS, Traction Control System (TCS). Limited electronic driver aids beyond these basic systems. Connectivity Connectivity Features: N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty driving...
The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB chassis, Blobeye generation) represented the pinnacle of Subaru's rally-bred performance for its era, targeting enthusiasts seeking high-performance all-wheel-drive capability and a direct connection to motorsports heritage. It competed against other performance sedans and hot hatches, often favored for its unique turbocharged boxer engine and legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (VIII), Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf GTI (performance variants of the era)
Manual transmission (6-speed), clutch system, viscous center differential, DCCD (Driver's Control Center Differential), front and rear differentials, driveshafts, wheel bearings
Suspension And Steering:
Front struts, rear shock absorbers, control arms, anti-roll bars, power steering system, steering rack, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake caliper service, brake fluid specifications, master cylinder, parking brake
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, central locking, SRS airbag system, fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM)
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, dashboard, door panels, glass replacement, weatherstripping
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant types, troubleshooting
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed torque specifications, clearances, and repair procedures for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution images and diagrams suitable for printing
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Throttle Control
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Management
ECU Type:
Subaru Engine Control Unit (ECU)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Optional Transmission:
N/A (STI models were exclusively manual)
Features
Dccd:
Driver's Control Center Differential (manual and auto modes)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous center differential
Fluid Specifications
Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil or equivalent API GL-5, SAE 75W-90
Front Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4,485 mm (176.6 in)
Width:
1,740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2,625 mm (103.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight Est:
1,450 kg (3,197 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Est:
1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Est:
0.33 m³ (11.7 cu ft)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (IIHS - for similar models)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (IIHS - for similar models)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Brake Force Distribution:
Standard
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side curtain airbags (optional/market dependent)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system with optional premium sound package. Digital integration was rudimentary compared to modern standards.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, Traction Control System (TCS). Limited electronic driver aids beyond these basic systems.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
N/A (No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty driving recommended for performance vehicles)
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 7 years (whichever comes first)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30 meeting API SN or ILSAC GF-5 specifications (check owner's manual for exact Subaru recommendations)
Coolant Capacity:
7.0 liters (7.4 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Ringland failure in EJ207 engines (especially if consistently driven hard without proper maintenance or if engine is modified), turbocharger wear, clutch wear, differential issues if not maintained, minor electrical gremlins.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Subaru has a deep-rooted history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Impreza, driven by legends like Colin McRae and Richard Burns, achieved significant success. This rally pedigree heavily influenced the development of the WRX and STI models, making them synonymous with performance and all-wheel-drive capability.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The 2004 model year marked the introduction of the second generation Impreza's mid-cycle refresh, often referred to as the 'Blobeye' due to its distinctive front fascia. This generation (GDB) saw continuous evolution from its rally homologation roots, with the STI variant receiving more potent engines, enhanced suspension, and advanced drivetrain technologies.
Production
Production Period:
2000-2007 (Second Generation GDB)
Assembly Location:
Gunma Plant, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards And Recognitions:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and rally-inspired driving dynamics. Often cited as a benchmark for performance sedans of its era.
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