Impreza WRX STI

The GDB Impreza WRX STI

The GDB WRX STi went on sale in Japan on 24 October 2000, the saloon at the top of the second-generation Impreza range. Its EJ207 is a turbocharged 2.0-litre flat-four rated at 280 PS, driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual engineered by STi. The lighter Spec C followed in December 2001, with a ball-bearing turbo. STI's own S202, S203 and S204, built in runs of 400, 555 and 600, are the rarest; the first two have 320 PS.

Its life is told by its front end and by changes underneath. Round headlights mark the first cars; the November 2002 update brought the blob-eye front and an equal-length exhaust manifold; the June 2004 update kept that face but enlarged the front hub bearings and changed the bolt pattern; and the June 2005 update brought the hawk-eye front. The GDB was built until June 2007.

What GDB owners upgrade

Clutch kits and LSD upgrade kits from the drivetrain range top the list, with OS Giken and Cusco among the makers. Uprated engine mounts and timing belts from the engine range come next, with replacement alternators from Advance Alternator.

Exhaust work is the other big share: full systems and sports catalytic converters from the exhaust range, from HKS, Tomei, Kakimoto Racing and Kansai Service. Brake pads, seat rails for bucket seats from the interior range, and STI emblems and other exterior parts finish many builds.

Genuine parts

Before buying hub, brake or wheel parts, confirm which side of the June 2004 change a GDB was built: the hubs, bearings and bolt pattern all differ. The June 2005 update also brought carbon-treated synchronisers for fourth to sixth gears. On any GDB, check the cam covers and sump for leaks and the rear differential for whine, and ask when the timing belt was last changed; Subaru's interval is 100,000 km. Service parts for every version are in our genuine Subaru parts catalogue.

Wheels

Cars built before June 2004 have five studs on a 100 mm PCD, and later cars 5x114.3; all use M12 x 1.25 nuts. The 17-inch wheels went from 17x7.5 +53 to 17x8 +53 with the change, the 16-inch Spec C has 16x6.5 +55, and 18-inch versions 18x8.5 +53. See wheels that fit the GDB for more.