🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: WRX Model Variant: GC8 Platform Codes Chassis Code: GC8 Engine Code Primary: EJ20G Engine Code Secondary: EJ20K (later models) 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Performance sedan and rally homologation special, appealing to enthusiasts and motorsport participants. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Ford Focus RS, VW Golf GTI, Honda Civic Type R (though often in different segments). Key Features Drivetrain Technology: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) in some variants. Engine Technology: Horizontally opposed (Boxer) turbocharged engine for low center of gravity and balance. Performance Focus: Designed for agile handling, strong acceleration, and rally-bred performance capabilities. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Model Years Covered: 1999, 2000 Regions Covered: Global (specifics may vary by market documentation) Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Download (PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU) Drivetrain: Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Clutch, Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Differentials), All-Wheel Drive System (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control where applicable) Chassis: Suspension System (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS included) Electrical: Wiring Diagrams, Lighting System, Ignition System, Charging System, Starting System, Power Accessories, Instrument Cluster, ECUs and Sensors Body: Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Glass, Seals Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Level Checks and Replacements Troubleshooting: Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides Repair: Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair Installation: Component Installation and Removal Procedures (e.g., turbocharger replacement, clutch replacement) Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic flowcharts and explanations for various systems Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF (Portable Document Format) Searchability: Text-searchable (OCR layer) Print Quality Image Resolution: High-resolution diagrams and images suitable for printing Binding Type Digital Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Digital Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer), 4-Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, Turbocharged Displacement: 1994 cc (2.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 92.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 Performance Horsepower Ps: 208-218 PS (approx. 205-215 hp) depending on market and specific engine variant (EJ20G/EJ20K) Torque Nm: 250-270 Nm (approx. 184-199 lb-ft) depending on market and specific engine variant Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended) Turbocharger Turbocharger Type: Water-Cooled, Twin-Scroll Turbocharger (e.g., IHI VF22/VF23 variants) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-Speed Manual Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-Speed Automatic (less common and performance-oriented) Features All Wheel Drive: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with viscous coupling center differential. Dccd Availability: Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) available on select performance variants (e.g., Type RA, limited editions). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 4350-4415 mm Width Mm: 1700-1730 mm Height Mm: 1400-1430 mm Wheelbase Mm: 2530 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: 1250-1350 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Not widely available or consistent for this era/specific model globally. Focus on design intent. Active Features ABS: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models. Vdc Availability: Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) introduced on some later models in this generation. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Front Passenger Airbags. Seatbelts: 3-point Inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers (market dependent). Display: Basic digital or analog climate controls and instrument cluster displays. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Limited to basic auxiliary inputs or cassette adapters for aftermarket audio upgrades. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Km: 5,000 - 7,500 km (or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions) Timing Belt Replacement Km: 100,000 km (crucial for EJ series engines) Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, Viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific conditions) Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil Transmission Fluid Automatic: Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (Dexron III might be acceptable but consult manual for best match) Differential Fluid: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (Front and Rear) Known Issues Head Gaskets: While less prevalent than later generations, early EJ engines can experience head gasket leaks if overheated or poorly maintained. Turbocharger Wear: Turbocharger seals and bearings can wear over time, especially with aggressive driving or inadequate lubrication. Clutch Wear: Due to performance nature and AWD, clutch wear can be accelerated with spirited driving. Oil Consumption: Some EJ engines may exhibit...
4-Speed Automatic (less common and performance-oriented)
Features
All Wheel Drive:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with viscous coupling center differential.
Dccd Availability:
Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) available on select performance variants (e.g., Type RA, limited editions).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
4350-4415 mm
Width Mm:
1700-1730 mm
Height Mm:
1400-1430 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
2530 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
1250-1350 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Not widely available or consistent for this era/specific model globally. Focus on design intent.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Vdc Availability:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) introduced on some later models in this generation.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with 4-6 speakers (market dependent).
Display:
Basic digital or analog climate controls and instrument cluster displays.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited to basic auxiliary inputs or cassette adapters for aftermarket audio upgrades.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Km:
5,000 - 7,500 km (or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement Km:
100,000 km (crucial for EJ series engines)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, Viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for specific conditions)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent (Dexron III might be acceptable but consult manual for best match)
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (Front and Rear)
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prevalent than later generations, early EJ engines can experience head gasket leaks if overheated or poorly maintained.
Turbocharger Wear:
Turbocharger seals and bearings can wear over time, especially with aggressive driving or inadequate lubrication.
Clutch Wear:
Due to performance nature and AWD, clutch wear can be accelerated with spirited driving.
Oil Consumption:
Some EJ engines may exhibit increased oil consumption with age and mileage.
Maintenance Tips
Performance Driving Impact:
Regular maintenance is critical due to the high-performance nature of the vehicle; neglected maintenance significantly accelerates wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Rally Heritage:
Built on Subaru's rich rally racing heritage, leveraging the Impreza platform for performance.
Model Evolution
Gc8 Generation:
Part of the first generation Impreza (GC/GF/GM), specifically the performance-oriented WRX variant.
Subaru Wrx Legacy:
The WRX (World Rally eXperimental) was developed for Group A rally homologation, starting with the GC8 chassis.
Production
Production Period:
First Generation: 1992-2000 (WRX variants evolved throughout).
Manufacturing Locations:
Japan (and potentially other Subaru assembly plants globally for various markets).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Rally Championships:
Subaru WRX GC8 platform was highly successful in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during this era, winning multiple driver and manufacturer titles with Colin McRae, Richard Burns, and others.
Performance Acclaim:
Widely recognized for its exhilarating performance, sharp handling, and distinctive AWD capability.
Certifications
Homologation Status:
Developed as a homologation special for Group A rally regulations.
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