The Subaru Impreza WRX STI sedan debuted at the New York Auto Show in April 2010. As conceived by the manufacturer, the model was supposed to continue the legendary series and become “the fastest WRX STI ever produced.” At the same time, for the first time in its long history, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI received 2 body modifications at once - a 5-door hatchback and a 4-door sedan.

Design Subaru Impreza WRX STI

If we compare the exterior of the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI with the base model, then all the traditional attributes of a sports modification become visible - a low aerodynamic body kit, a modified grille, a spoiler and regular 18-inch wheels.

Subaru Impreza WRX STI engine

Under the hood of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is a 4-cylinder boxer engine with a volume of 2.5 liters and a power of 300 hp. Along with the 6-speed manual transmission, buyers were first offered a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Transmission Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Working in tandem with the engine, it allows the Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2011 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6 seconds, and with the mechanics this result improves to 5.2 seconds. As for the fuel consumption of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, it differs slightly and in the combined cycle is 10.6 and 10.5 liters per 100 km, respectively. Subaru Impreza WRX STI is equipped with a proprietary all-wheel drive transmission. A novelty is the SI-DRIVE system that complements it, which allows you to optimize the driving performance of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI depending on the driving mode.

Modes Subaru Impreza WRX STI

In Intelligent mode, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is tuned for city driving with reduced fuel consumption while maintaining good throttle response, Sport mode is suitable for dynamic driving, and Sport Sharp allows you to reveal the entire Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Also, in comparison with the hatchback, the suspension configuration was changed - the stiffness of the front suspension increased by 15%, the rear - by 53%.

Options Subaru Impreza WRX STI

The new Subaru Impreza WRX STI comes standard with xenon headlights, power-adjustable leather sports seats, hill-start assist, keyless entry, climate control and an audio system with changer and Bluetooth. In addition, the list of basic equipment Subaru Impreza WRX STI Brembo brakes, dynamic stabilization system and 8 airbags.

Subaru Impreza is a car that many people associate with motorsports. While for some it is an object of sighing, for others it is just cheap bad taste. Despite such conflicting opinions, it is simply impossible to accuse the legendary sedan of a lack of special character.

The second generation Subaru Impreza entered production in 2000. The car was produced in two body types: sedan (GDB) and station wagon (GGA). In 2003, due to a rather controversial design, a facelift was carried out. In 2006, in order to become like the larger and more beautiful Legacy, another restyling was organized, which completely changed the front of the car. The Impreza was produced until 2008.

Engines

1.5 i (101 hp)

1.5 i (105 hp)

1.5 i (110 hp)

1.6 i (95 hp)

2.0 i 16V (125 hp)

2.0 i 16V (155 hp)

2.0 i 16V (160 hp)

2.0 i 16V WRX (218 hp)

2.0 i 16V WRX (225 hp)

2.0 WRX STi 16V (265 hp)

2.5 i 16V RS (167 hp)

2.5 WRX STI Turbo (280 hp)

2.5 WRX Turbo (230 hp)

2.5 AWD (177 hp)

2.5 AWD (300 hp)

Despite such a wide choice of engines, true fans of the brand would certainly prefer the WRX STI or WRX STI Turbo due to the high performance of the engines and the special handling characteristics. Let's focus on these versions, because they are very specific.

Design features

Each version was equipped with permanent all-wheel drive, called the Subaru Symmetrical AWD. The 265-horsepower WRX STI made it feel like a rally car driver. To reach a speed of 100 km / h, he needed only 5.8 seconds. Stormy emotions are fueled by the thoroughbred sound of a four-cylinder boxer equipped with a turbine and an intercooler (intercooler).

The Subaru Impreza used boxer-type EJ-series engines located longitudinally behind the front axle. Under normal conditions, the WRX needs about 12-14 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers. If you "drown" to the fullest, then the consumption will be in the range of 25-30 liters. Among the weaknesses, experienced drivers note insufficiently precise steering (of course, by the standards of sports cars).

Limited versions were also offered, for example, Solberg. Engine power reached 305 hp, and the active central differential distributed traction between the axles. However, even without this addition, the transmission of the four-wheel drive car was close to ideal.

Due to the central differential with electronically controlled traction is constantly transmitted to both axles. The WRX STI driver is given the opportunity to select one of 6 transmission modes (in addition to automatic). Thanks to the DCCD differential, Subaru is especially good on a dirt road.

The 6-speed manual transmission (only available in the STi) is precise and shifts gears in short strokes. The suspension and steering systems work equally well. The braking system has also been improved. Brembo brakes are more effective after warming up and stop the Impreza in 36 meters.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Unfortunately, the Subaru Impreza, like any car, is not free from flaws. Luckily, they are few and far between. However, the Impreza is a thoroughbred with character, so running costs are quite high.

The most common malfunction in the most powerful versions of this car was the front shock absorbers, which began to knock loudly after a few thousand kilometers. The cost of one shock absorber is 16,000 rubles. Do not even count on cheaper substitutes - they simply do not exist.

Another weak point is the viscous transmission clutch (central differential), the cost of which is more than 25,000 rubles. In addition, sometimes the turbocharger failed (from 140,000 rubles). As a rule, the owners themselves were to blame for this, who, after traveling at high speed, immediately turned off the engine. Another drawback is the rather high oil consumption.

In some instances, the generator fails. Fortunately, the rest of the electronics does not appeal. Before buying, you should carefully check the condition of the cooling system.

Subaru Impreza courageously endures barbaric treatment and does not present very serious malfunctions. However, the cost of maintaining the WRX is significant due to expensive consumables. So a set of the cheapest brake pads will cost at least 2,000 rubles, and their resource barely reaches 20,000 km. The original pads are not much more durable, but are available for at least 16,000 rubles. For the front brake disc you will have to pay at least 3,500 rubles. Add to this the cost of a new clutch kit - 26,000 rubles.

A WRX STI with a 2.5-liter turbo engine built from a 2-liter boxer is not the best choice. Too thin walls of the cylinder block are often to blame for the destruction of the gasket under the head (from 2,500 rubles). Along the way, it is necessary to replace the original head mounting bolts with studs made of heat-treated ARP chrome steel, costing about 25,000 rubles.

Another very significant drawback of the 2.5-liter turbo unit is the thin piston partitions between the rings. Over time, cracks appear on the bulkheads. The symptom is increased oil consumption. The defect can be eliminated by replacing the pistons with forged ones. The acquisition will devastate the family budget by about 45,000 rubles.

Each of the two procedures listed above should be accompanied by the replacement of the timing drive, the recommended replacement interval of which is 90,000 km. The cost of a kit with rollers and a pump is almost 25,000 rubles. Due to the unusual design of the boxer engine, the amount of work is much higher than in the case of conventional motors.

The 2-liter STI turbo engine is demanding on the supply of oil in the system. With its lack, the liner of the fourth cylinder wears out rapidly.

It is best to avoid the Subaru Impreza WRX STI imported from the USA. Many of them have been severely damaged in the past. Exceptions do occur, of course. Before buying, you should carefully check the car, and during operation, you must be prepared for failures and rapid wear of components. A pass to the world of amazing emotions WRX today is estimated at 300,000 rubles.

Conclusion

The Subaru Impreza WRX STi is not a cheap proposition. But when you realize that on the track this car can compete with such supercars as the Porsche 911, then the price does not seem high anymore. However, acquisition is not the end of spending. Daily operation also costs money - expensive tires and spare parts, high fuel consumption. It might be worth considering whether the weaker standard WRX is enough. It is cheaper to maintain, but gives a lot of driving pleasure.

Specifications Subaru Impreza WRX STI

Parameters
Engine	petrol turbo
Working volume
Cylinders / valves
Max Power
Torque
Dynamic characteristics
Max speed
Acceleration 0-100 km/h
Average fuel consumption	10.9 l / 100 km

From 1992 to the present day, there have been 5 generations of the Subaru Impreza. These compact cars were produced in hatchback, station wagon, sedan, coupe. Some models were used in different countries as police cars. In parallel with the base model, the Subaru Impreza WRX line was launched, and in 1994 an improved version of the WRX STi appeared. WRX and WRX STi are all-wheel drive sports cars that were equipped with more powerful turbocharged engines.

Types and characteristics of Subaru Impreza engines

All engines fitted to the Subaru Impreza were 4-cylinder, four-stroke, horizontally opposed (H4), mostly petrol engines. An engine with a camber angle between the cylinders of 180° is called a boxer engine. Until 2006, only EJ series ICEs were used, then the EL15 Subaru Impreza engine replaced the EJ15. Since 2012, Subaru Impreza has been equipped with FB engines. Engines of the EJ series up to 2 liters were produced with only one camshaft (SOHC), in the EJ20 and EJ25 lines there were also models with 2 camshafts (DOHC). All of them were 16-valve, that is, they had 4 valves per cylinder, some were equipped with a turbocharger. The Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STi were equipped with EJ series engines with a turbine:

2 l - various modifications of EJ20T - EJ20G, EJ20K, EJ205;
2.5L - EJ255 (US market only) and EJ277.

The EL15 is the only engine in the EL series. Its distinguishing features are the presence of 2 camshafts and the AVCS active valve control system. The same system is used in the FB series. It includes DOHC engines with an increased piston stroke and a reduced cylinder diameter (in the FB16 model, the stroke is 82, the diameter is 78.8 mm, in the FB20 the stroke is 90, the diameter is 84). Thanks to this, engines have become more environmentally friendly and economical.

AVCS is an efficient gas distribution technology developed by Subaru. The system controls the intake valves and regulates the position of the camshafts based on data received from a number of sensors. The intake camshaft can be rotated up to 35° in the desired direction, the angle of rotation depends on the oil pressure, which regulates the control valve. At low load and at idle, the opening of the valves is delayed, the higher the load, the earlier the intake valves open and close. As a result, with the same fuel consumption, engine power is increased and emissions are reduced.

Characteristics of gasoline engines Subaru Impreza

	injection system	Peculiarities	Application in auto Impreza
multipoint		GC1 series up to 2006
	multipoint		1993–2007 GC4
	carburetor with port injection or single injection
		atmospheric boost, model EJ204 with AVCS	1993–99 GC–GF
		turbocharger, intercooler
	multipoint
		turbocharging
	electronically controlled	turbocharged / non-turbocharged
			Since 2006 GD, GG, GE, GH

Subaru Impreza's only diesel engine is the EE20, a 2-liter internal combustion engine with a capacity of 147 hp. with., DOHC, installed on 3rd generation models. This is the first ever experience of using a boxer diesel engine in passenger cars. The minimum volume of Subaru Impreza engines is 1.5 liters, the maximum is 2.5 liters. The most powerful among them is the EJ257 engine (305 hp), which was equipped with the Impreza WRX STI MY08-MY17 for the American market.

Resource and causes of breakdowns

Subaru's horizontally opposed engines are commonly referred to as "boxers" due to the specifics of the pistons' movements, they resemble the movements of the hands of rival boxers. The advantages of these internal combustion engines include high strength, good balance, minimal vibration during operation, and a resource reaching a million km. In practice, Subaru Impreza engines serve 250 thousand km or more without overhaul. On the forums, you can find reviews from car owners who, for more than 300 thousand kilometers, only changed the cylinder head cover gaskets.

True, this does not apply to turbocharged engines that are designed specifically for sports cars. All modifications of EJ20T engines are subjected to intense loads and often need to be overhauled after 100-150 thousand kilometers, and sometimes major repairs do not help, the unit simply cannot be restored. The most reliable engines are up to 2 liters - EJ15, EJ16, EJ18. But Subaru Impreza with 2.0 engines is more popular because it is more powerful. The resource of the FB series engines, according to Subaru engineers, has been increased by 30% compared to the previous generation. The main disadvantage of Subaru EJ and EL engines is the complexity of maintenance due to design features. In models of the FB line, access to the engine for maintenance is simplified, the timing chain has become maintenance-free.

Subaru Impreza engines, like any gasoline ICE, suffer from the use of low-quality gasoline and oil, untimely oil changes, aggressive driving, and operation at maximum crankshaft speed. The inner surface of the cylinders is subject to chemical corrosion, which can be caused by a high sulfur content in gasoline, and mechanical abrasive wear (abrasive inclusions contain carbon deposits). As a result of these processes, piston rings wear out faster, oil consumption increases. When using a low viscosity oil, the pistons seize, too high a viscosity leads to oil starvation. Engines are demanding to warm up, especially in winter.

For engines with a volume of less than 2 liters, the 92nd gasoline is recommended, with a volume of 2 liters and more, the 95–98th. Oil must be selected according to the season in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, the optimal replacement frequency is 7.5 thousand km. For a complete replacement, 4 to 5 liters of engine oil are required, depending on the engine modification. Another measure that can extend the life of the engine is the installation of additional crankcase protection from below.

On Russian roads, the risk of breakdown or deformation of the crankcase when hitting an obstacle is quite high, besides, a fair amount of dirt gets into the engine. In Subaru Impreza cars, regular engine protection does not always cope with its task. In case of damage, you can purchase a contract. They produce designs for crankcase protection and third-party manufacturers. They are made of steel, alloys, composite materials. They not only protect against adverse mechanical and chemical influences, but also make it difficult for thieves to access the wiring in the engine compartment. When installing additional protection, it is important to choose it correctly in accordance with the modification of the body.

Different engines have characteristic weaknesses and typical problems:

in various modifications of the EJ20 - the knock of the 4th cylinder, it occurs due to the imperfection of the cooling system. A short (2-3 minutes) knock after starting is normal. Knocking on a warm car lasting up to 10 minutes is an alarming symptom indicating the need for major repairs.
wear, play of valve covers and camshaft seals, leading to oil leaks. If the problem is not corrected in a timely manner, the oil pressure drops, all the symptoms of oil starvation occur;
in turbocharged versions - deep rings, leading to increased oil consumption;
The models in the EJ25 line share many of the weaknesses of the EJ20, but they also have their drawbacks. Thinner cylinder walls with larger diameters are prone to overheating, the cylinder head is often deformed, and gaskets leak. In modifications of the EJ257 and EJ255, the inserts often rotate;
in FB20, the catalyst is very vulnerable, sensitive to the quality of gasoline and oil level. Models manufactured prior to 2013 often have cylinder block defects, and coked oil scraper rings cause increased oil consumption.

The operation of a car with a failed catalyst, a faulty cooling system, untimely replacement of fuel, air, oil filters, and candles has detrimental consequences. Frightened by myths about the difficulty of replacing spark plugs in cars with horizontally opposed engines, owners often try to delay this moment. In fact, it is not necessary to remove or even lift the engine for this procedure, it is enough to disconnect a number of parts located on top. The process for the GC8 with EJ205 engine is shown in the video below. With old candles, the engine starts to triple, its dynamics worsens, fuel consumption and the amount of harmful emissions increase, and eventually the engine fails.

Another problem that is not related to the engine itself is a break, displacement of its pillow (support), usually manifested by a noticeable vibration. Replacing the Subaru Impreza engine mounts is a rather expensive undertaking, but it cannot be neglected, otherwise the subsequent ICE repair will cost even more. You can save money if you can find a contract engine mount in good condition. There are many models of supports, so before buying it is important to make sure that the part matches your car model.

Subaru Impreza Engine Repair

First of all, Subaru Impreza engines need to replace the cylinder head gasket. But it is better to buy a complete repair kit, which includes valve cover gaskets and bolts, pump gaskets, inlet and outlet valve stem seals. It is cheaper than purchasing consumables separately, and all these elements need to be replaced quite often. It is advisable to immediately buy tension and bypass rollers for the timing belt, cylinder block and cylinder head bolts. The main and connecting rod bearings wear out quite intensively, it is better to change them for preventive purposes when disassembling the engine, even if the condition is satisfactory. You can’t save on consumables, be sure to use original ones. Coked oil scraper rings for the first time, you can try to decoke, remove, clean and install again, but this is a temporary measure, it is better to replace them immediately.

What other parts need to be replaced will become clear during the disassembly of the engine. Camshaft and crankshaft journals, pistons must be measured with a micrometer to determine the degree of wear. Quite large-scale and expensive types of repairs may be needed:

oil and water pump replacement;
timing belt replacement;
crankshaft replacement. You can try to resort to grinding, it eliminates scuffing, but does not help with the bending of the axis of rotation. In addition, the crankshaft may have internal cracks that are not visible, but will make themselves felt after repair;
repair of the connecting rod and piston group - replacement of heavily worn pistons, deformed connecting rods;
cylinder head repair. Replacing this block in most cases is not required, it is enough to grind the plane, adjust the valves, replace the valve stem seals;
boring of the cylinder block (it is not always possible to find a specialist who can perform this procedure).

Subaru Impreza engines (with the exception of those installed in WRX and WRX STi sports cars) are highly maintainable. But there are situations when, due to extremely careless operation or after an accident, the engine cannot be repaired. If the crankshaft or cylinder block needs to be replaced, repair work, taking into account the cost of new components, will be too expensive, it is more cost-effective to replace the entire engine. But not everyone can afford to buy a Subaru Impreza engine when it comes to a new unit, because this is one of the most expensive units. But the contract engine for the Subaru Impreza GG3 EJ15 will cost; no more than a refurbishment.

The cost of contract units varies quite widely, the engine model, the mileage of the auto donor, the condition of the motor matter. Sometimes the goods get to the buyer, passing through the chain of intermediaries, which also affects the price. JapZap purchases all spare parts at auctions in Japan, prices are affordable due to high turnover and the absence of intermediaries. In addition, here you can purchase contract engines from Japan without a run in the Russian Federation with a guarantee. A lot has been said about how the quality of gasoline, oil, roads, driving style affect the condition of the engine. In this regard, engines from Japanese showdowns outperform power units removed from cars that were operated in the Russian Federation or the USA.

Subaru Impreza/WRX/XV

Subaru Impreza is a well-known golf class car produced since 1992. The Impreza's place, among other Subaru representatives, is between the Subaru Trezia and the midsize Legacy. Impreza's main competitors: Mitsubishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta.
In addition to the regular version, the turbocharged Impreza WRX and WRX STI were also produced, which competed on the market mainly with the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution.

Subaru Impreza engines are mainly boxer 4-cylinder EJs in a variety of designs. The simplest versions were equipped with 1.5-liter EJ15 and 1.6-liter EJ16. The top-end Impreza WRX and WRX STI variants used the EJ20 and EJ25 turbos. Weak 3rd generation Imprezas used a one and a half liter EL15 and a diesel boxer 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. In the fourth version of this car, the new 1.6-liter FB16 and 2-liter FB20 were used. For sports modifications, the Impreza name was removed, and now they are simply called WRX and WRX STI. Their engines are the FA20 on the WRX and the EJ25 and EJ20 on the WRX STI.
The engines on the XV crossover are no different from the regular Impreza.

Find your variation in the list below and find out which engine is on the Subaru Impreza, its number, as well as technical specifications, illnesses, problems, their causes and repairs. Along with this, you will find out what kind of oil you need to fill in the Subaru Impreza engine, the most rational engine tuning, resource and more.

Subaru Impreza Model:

1st generation, GC/GF/GM (1992 - 2002):
Subaru Impreza (97 hp) - 1.5 l.
Subaru Impreza (102 hp) - 1.5 l.
Subaru Impreza (100 hp) - 1.6 l.
Subaru Impreza (115 hp) - 1.8 l.
Subaru Impreza (120 hp) - 1.8 l.
Subaru Impreza (125 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza (135 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza (155 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza (137 hp) - 2.2 liters.
Subaru Impreza (167 HP) - 2.5 HP
Subaru Impreza WRX (220 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza WRX (240 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (250 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (260 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (275 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (280 hp) - 2.0 l.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (280 hp) - 2.2 liters.

2nd generation, GD/GG (2000 - 2007):
Subaru Impreza (100 HP) - 1.5 HP
Subaru Impreza (110 HP) - 1.5 HP
Subaru Impreza (95 hp) - 1.6 l.