Subaguru question #3

[AVIONX]

Hey guys. I'm looking at a car and can't tell if it's a WRX or an STI. What are the tell tale signs? I can't tell from the pics of the shifter if it is 5 or 6 speed. The more differences the better since folks swap a lot of stuff (like wheels/brembos, etc. Thanks. Are all turbo 2.5s STI?
Matt.

[wjfawb0]

I believe they started putting 2.5s in the 06 year WRX or somewhere around that time. On 05/06/07 STI's you should see a rear fenderwell arch reinforcement that WRXs won't have (can't remember about 04 STI). There should be driver controlled center differential (DCCD) switch and wheel in the center console also. Rear seat should not have a pass through like a WRX either. 04 STIs have WRX interiors and 5x100 wheel lug pattern versus the 05+ STI 5x114.3. The front diff on the 05+ STI is also different. At some point , maybe 06 or 07 the control arms on the STI went to steel and an air pump was added for emissions. STIs should also have an intercooler water sprayer button on the left of the dash as well as the tank and pump in the trunk. STI spare is also large to clear brakes on the STI.

[DrieStone]

04 & 05 STIs don't have fog lights. 04 STI had a larger hood scoop (The WRX in 05 got the larger scoop though). I assume the car has a large wing? Regardless of the year, only the STIs came with the large wing (and you couldn't get the small wing).

[fateo66]

I believe they started putting 2.5s in the 06 year WRX or somewhere around that time. Correct On 05/06/07 STI's you should see a rear fenderwell arch reinforcement that WRXs won't have (can't remember about 04 STI). 04 do not have the rear arch There should be driver controlled center differential (DCCD) switch and wheel in the center console also. Rear seat should not have a pass through like a WRX either. 07 STI's do have the pass threw 04 STIs have WRX interiors They are still blue in color though and 5x100 wheel lug pattern versus the 05+ STI 5x114.3. The front diff on the 05+ STI is also different. Correct At some point , maybe 06 or 07 the control arms on the STI went to steel and an air pump was added for emissions. 07's have the air pump and different front control arms that do not add the extra caster but they are still aluminum, basically they are the same as a 06/07 wrx which are aluminum aswell STIs should also have an intercooler water sprayer button on the left of the dash as well as the tank and pump in the trunk. STI spare is also large to clear brakes on the STI.

Fixed

[Draco-REX]

What year is the one you're looking at? It'll help us narrow down what to look for.

[AVIONX]

What year is the one you're looking at? It'll help us narrow down what to look for. I got it. It's a 2007. It is a WRX. It has a 5 speed. Can't tell on the wing as the rear is smashed.

[PhyrraM]

Assuming everything is stock these are 100% indicators for ALL donor years ('04-'07).

Red intake manifold, Brembo brakes and 6 speed transmission.

[Draco-REX]

Assuming everything is stock these are 100% indicators for ALL donor years ('04-'07).

Red intake manifold, Brembo brakes and 6 speed transmission.
The intake manifold is good. THere's a large market for Brembo Golds though, and 6-speed swaps aren't too uncommon; I have a 6-speed in my 03.

But those are a good start. There are deeper differences, but the OP has already discovered it's a WRX.

[PhyrraM]

Again, ------> assuming everything is stock <------ all of those hold true for STIs, but not for any other US market Impreza, including WRXs.

Once mods come into the game, it hardly matters if you buy an STI or a WRX. A modded car has to be evaluated on it's own merits and the wallet, or ability, of the owner/builder to do it right and maintain it.

[Draco-REX]

Again, ------> assuming everything is stock <------ all of those hold true for STIs, but not for any other US market Impreza, including WRXs.

Once mods come into the game, it hardly matters if you buy an STI or a WRX. A modded car has to be evaluated on it's own merits and the wallet, or ability, of the owner/builder to do it right and maintain it.
Yup. Problem is that you can't assume it's stock. Caveat Emptor. Best to make sure someone selling you an STI isn't selling you a WRX with STI swaps. I've seen "Forrester STI"s and "Legacy STI"s being sold at price premiums hoping someone won't pay too close attention. There's a saying in the Subaru circles: "Subarus are like Legos". So many parts are interchangeable. Not just from year to year, but across model lines too. So it's easy to end up with a mutt being sold as a purebreed.

[bromikl]

Isn't there a VIN code that would tell a prospective buyer if the car was born as a WRX or as an STI?

[PhyrraM]

Yes, there should be a unique VIN. Even if there is not, the engine code (EJ257 for STI or EJ255 for a 2.5 WRX) is stamped on a plate on the strut tower.

If your looking at a modded car, to take apart as a donor, then it doesn't matter what you started with. The actual hardware on the car is what matters.