🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Subaru Model: Impreza Year: 1997 Generation Generation Code: GC/GF Codes Chassis Code: GC8 (coupe/sedan), GF8 (wagon) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact/Subcompact Sedan, Coupe, and Wagon; known for its AWD system and rally heritage. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda Protege, Mitsubishi Lancer. Key Features Distinguishing Features: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, boxer engine configuration, sporty handling characteristics, especially in WRX variants. Target Audience Audience: DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Subaru owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicles. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Full Service & Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration Page Count Estimated Page Count: 800+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnosis, overhaul, timing belt replacement, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, emissions control (including EJ20 and EJ22 variants). Transmission: Manual (5-speed, 6-speed for WRX) and Automatic transmission diagnosis, overhaul, fluid service, and shift control. Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, clutch assembly. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (disc), ABS troubleshooting, brake fluid flush, caliper and rotor replacement. Suspension: Front strut suspension, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, wheel alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack diagnosis and repair, tie rods. Electrical: Wiring diagrams, component testing, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, power windows, power locks. HVAC: Air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, heater core, blower motor, climate control. Body: Body panel repair, interior trim removal, door mechanisms, glass replacement, underbody protection. Emissions: Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system, EGR system diagnostics and repair. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, wiper blade replacement. Diagnostics: System troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), component testing procedures, diagnostic flowcharts. Repair: Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, timing belt replacement, head gasket repair, radiator replacement. Restoration: Detailed steps for component refurbishment and restoration to original specifications. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and troubleshooting. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution for clarity of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: EJ22E (Naturally Aspirated), EJ20G/EJ20K (Turbocharged for WRX/STI variants) Configuration: Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder Displacement Na: 2.2 Liters (2211 cc) Displacement Turbo: 2.0 Liters (1994 cc) Performance Horsepower Na: Approx. 135-140 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ22E) Torque Na: Approx. 137-140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (EJ22E) Horsepower Turbo: Approx. 215-250 hp @ 6000 rpm (EJ20G/K - varies by specific model/market) Torque Turbo: Approx. 200-240 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (EJ20G/K - varies by specific model/market) Fuel System Induction: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Optional Type: 4-Speed Automatic (with AWD) Features AWD System: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for Automatic, Viscous Center Differential for Manual). Clutch Type: Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 4345-4415 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 4350-4465 mm (Wagon) Width: Approx. 1690-1730 mm Height: Approx. 1390-1445 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 1410-1470 mm (Wagon) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 1250-1400 kg (varies by body style, engine, and drivetrain) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Driver Side Impact: Likely 4-star for driver (based on contemporary testing of similar vehicles). NHTSA Passenger Side Impact: Likely 4-star for passenger (based on contemporary testing of similar vehicles). Active Features Anti Lock Brakes: Optional ABS on many trims. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags standard on most models. Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD players. Limited digital integration compared to modern vehicles. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Available on most trims. Connectivity Aux Input: None from factory. Aftermarket solutions for aux/USB are common. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles/12 months for synthetic oil. Timing Belt Replacement: Every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or 5-7 years, depending on driving conditions and engine variant. Crucial due to interference engine design. Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years. Transmission Fluid Change: Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations). Coolant Type: Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4 Transmission Fluid Manual: API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (for differential and gearbox). Transmission Fluid Automatic: Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III equivalent. Known Issues Head Gaskets: While less...
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, timing belt replacement, head gasket repair, radiator replacement.
Restoration:
Detailed steps for component refurbishment and restoration to original specifications.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and troubleshooting.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely searchable text for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution for clarity of diagrams and text.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital)
Paper Type
Paper Quality:
N/A (Digital)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
EJ22E (Naturally Aspirated), EJ20G/EJ20K (Turbocharged for WRX/STI variants)
Configuration:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) 4-cylinder
Displacement Na:
2.2 Liters (2211 cc)
Displacement Turbo:
2.0 Liters (1994 cc)
Performance
Horsepower Na:
Approx. 135-140 hp @ 5600 rpm (EJ22E)
Torque Na:
Approx. 137-140 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (EJ22E)
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 215-250 hp @ 6000 rpm (EJ20G/K - varies by specific model/market)
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 200-240 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm (EJ20G/K - varies by specific model/market)
Fuel System
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual
Optional
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (with AWD)
Features
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for Automatic, Viscous Center Differential for Manual).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4345-4415 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 4350-4465 mm (Wagon)
Width:
Approx. 1690-1730 mm
Height:
Approx. 1390-1445 mm (Sedan/Coupe), 1410-1470 mm (Wagon)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250-1400 kg (varies by body style, engine, and drivetrain)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Driver Side Impact:
Likely 4-star for driver (based on contemporary testing of similar vehicles).
NHTSA Passenger Side Impact:
Likely 4-star for passenger (based on contemporary testing of similar vehicles).
Active Features
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional ABS on many trims.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags standard on most models.
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette or CD players. Limited digital integration compared to modern vehicles.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on most trims.
Connectivity
Aux Input:
None from factory. Aftermarket solutions for aux/USB are common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 7,500 miles/12 months for synthetic oil.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or 5-7 years, depending on driving conditions and engine variant. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (for differential and gearbox).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Subaru ATF-HP or Dexron III equivalent.
Known Issues
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than some later Subaru models, head gasket leaks can occur, particularly on higher-mileage EJ25 engines (though EJ22 and EJ20 are more robust).
Clutch Wear:
Clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving or AWD system strain.
Cv Joint Boots:
Torn CV joint boots are common, leading to joint failure if not addressed promptly.
Rear Main Seal:
Rear main seal leaks can develop over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Subaru Heritage:
Founded in 1953, Subaru is known for its pioneering use of the boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) systems.
Model Evolution
First Generation Introduction:
The first generation Impreza (GC/GF) was introduced in 1992 in Japan, and globally later, replacing the Subaru Leone. This 1997 model falls within the first generation (1992-2000).
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (primarily Gunma Prefecture)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver నించ:
Car and Driver recognized the Impreza WRX models of this era as top performers, often appearing on their '10Best' lists for sports sedans.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Mixed ratings for reliability depending on specific engine and transmission, but praised for AWD performance and handling.