🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza WRX STi Year: 2004 Codes Chassis Code: GDB Engine Code: EJ257 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi (GDB generation) was positioned as a high-performance, rally-bred compact sports sedan, competing with vehicles like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It represented Subaru's commitment to performance tuning and motorsports heritage. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, Volkswagen Golf R32, Ford Focus RS (Mk1), Audi S3 (8L). Key Features Features: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged EJ257 boxer engine, front LSD, DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential), Brembo brakes, aggressive aerodynamic styling, performance-tuned suspension. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems Covered: General Information, Special Tools, Specifications, Maintenance, Engine Mechanical, Fuel System, Emission Control System, Engine Control System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Turbocharger System, Transaxle (Manual), Drivetrain, Steering System, Suspension System, Brake System, Body, Exterior, Interior, HVAC (Heater and Air Conditioner), Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 1500 pages (typical for a full factory service manual of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed procedures for engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, piston, crankshaft, connecting rods, timing belt, valve train, oil pump, oil pan, and turbocharger overhaul. Fuel And Emissions: Fuel injection system (DENSO), fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and emissions control components. Transaxle: Detailed procedures for the Subaru 6-speed manual transmission (TY856WB1AA/XA), including clutch, gearbox assembly, disassembly, bearing replacement, and gear synchronizer overhaul. Steering And Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and wheel bearings. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (including Brembo 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers), ABS system, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement, brake line bleeding, and master cylinder. Electrical System: Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, ECU pinouts, and diagnostic connectors (OBD-II). Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes, gearbox oil changes, and general inspections. Repair And Overhaul: Engine rebuilds, turbocharger replacement, transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, and body panel repair. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and procedures for using diagnostic tools. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, printable pages with clear diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine: 2.5L DOHC turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine Performance Horsepower: 300 hp @ 6000 rpm (JDM spec) Torque: 290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (JDM spec) Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (DENSO) Cooling System Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors. Capacity: 7.0 L (7.4 US qt). Lubrication System Oil Capacity: 4.5 L (4.8 US qt) with filter change. Recommended oil: 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic. Turbocharger Turbocharger Model: IHI VF37 (variable geometry turbocharger) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 6-speed Manual Transaxle (TY856WB1AA/XA) Features Dccd: Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) for manual adjustment of front/rear torque split. Fluid Specifications Gearbox Oil Type: Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90) or equivalent. Capacity: 3.0 L (3.2 US qt). Front Differential Oil Type: API GL-5, SAE 80W-90. Capacity: 1.0 L (1.1 US qt). Rear Differential Oil Type: API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (Viscous LSD). Capacity: 1.3 L (1.4 US qt). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2525 mm (99.4 inches) Length: 4415 mm (173.8 inches) Width: 1770 mm (69.7 inches) Height: 1400 mm (55.1 inches) Weights Curb Weight: 1460 kg (3219 lbs) - JDM Spec Wheels And Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5x100mm Standard Tire Size: 225/45R17 Standard Wheel Size: 17x8JJ 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: Not rated by NHTSA for this specific model year/trim in all markets. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its class. Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) AWD: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, available side airbags. Body Structure: Reinforced body structure with crumple zones. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system with optional premium speakers. Basic controls, no advanced connectivity. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Climate Control HVAC System: Manual or automatic climate control system, depending on trim. Includes air conditioning, heater, and recirculation modes. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. For hard driving or track use, more frequent...
The 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi (GDB generation) was positioned as a high-performance, rally-bred compact sports sedan, competing with vehicles like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. It represented Subaru's commitment to performance tuning and motorsports heritage.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII, Volkswagen Golf R32, Ford Focus RS (Mk1), Audi S3 (8L).
Fuel injection system (DENSO), fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and emissions control components.
Transaxle:
Detailed procedures for the Subaru 6-speed manual transmission (TY856WB1AA/XA), including clutch, gearbox assembly, disassembly, bearing replacement, and gear synchronizer overhaul.
Steering And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system, alignment specifications, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (including Brembo 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers), ABS system, brake fluid specifications, rotor and pad replacement, brake line bleeding, and master cylinder.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition, instrument cluster, ECU pinouts, and diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Engine rebuilds, turbocharger replacement, transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, and body panel repair.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Systematic troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and procedures for using diagnostic tools.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, printable pages with clear diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
Not applicable (Digital Download)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine:
2.5L DOHC turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine
Performance
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 6000 rpm (JDM spec)
Torque:
290 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (JDM spec)
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (DENSO)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors. Capacity: 7.0 L (7.4 US qt).
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
4.5 L (4.8 US qt) with filter change. Recommended oil: 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic.
Turbocharger
Turbocharger Model:
IHI VF37 (variable geometry turbocharger)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transaxle (TY856WB1AA/XA)
Features
Dccd:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) for manual adjustment of front/rear torque split.
Fluid Specifications
Gearbox Oil Type:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90) or equivalent. Capacity: 3.0 L (3.2 US qt).
Front Differential Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90. Capacity: 1.0 L (1.1 US qt).
Rear Differential Oil Type:
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 (Viscous LSD). Capacity: 1.3 L (1.4 US qt).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2525 mm (99.4 inches)
Length:
4415 mm (173.8 inches)
Width:
1770 mm (69.7 inches)
Height:
1400 mm (55.1 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1460 kg (3219 lbs) - JDM Spec
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100mm
Standard Tire Size:
225/45R17
Standard Wheel Size:
17x8JJ
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not rated by NHTSA for this specific model year/trim in all markets. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its class.
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, available side airbags.
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD stereo system with optional premium speakers. Basic controls, no advanced connectivity.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Climate Control
HVAC System:
Manual or automatic climate control system, depending on trim. Includes air conditioning, heater, and recirculation modes.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. For hard driving or track use, more frequent changes are recommended (e.g., every 3,000 miles).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles or 7 years. It's also advisable to replace the water pump and tensioner at the same time.
Spark Plug Replacement:
At 60,000 miles, use NGK PFR7B or equivalent iridium spark plugs.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4. Recommended: Castrol GTLMA or equivalent high-performance brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Active Sdn Power Steering Fluid or DEXRON II/III ATF. Capacity: 1.0 L (1.1 US qt).
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ257 engine in this generation is generally robust, head gasket issues can occur, especially with modified or aggressively driven vehicles. The manual will detail procedures for inspection and replacement.
Ringland Failure:
A known issue with some EJ257 engines, particularly when subjected to high boost or inadequate tuning, is piston ringland failure. The manual provides critical torque and clearance specifications for engine rebuilds.
Clutch Wear:
The clutch can be subject to premature wear with aggressive driving or frequent launches. The manual covers clutch inspection and replacement procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Motorsport Connection:
Subaru's extensive rally heritage, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), directly influenced the development and design of the Impreza WRX and WRX STi models. The EJ series engines and Symmetrical AWD system are hallmarks of this lineage.
Model Evolution
Generation:
The 2004 model belongs to the 'GD' generation (Second Generation) of the Subaru Impreza, specifically the facelifted version. The WRX STi variant was introduced as a homologation special and performance flagship.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Gunma Prefecture, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Performance Accolades:
The 2004 Impreza WRX STi was widely praised by automotive media for its exceptional handling, powerful engine, and rally-inspired performance. Often featured in 'best of' lists for performance cars in its class.
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