Looking for info on non-RS/WRX/STi imprezas

[Libila]

I've been giving alot of thought to buying an earlier style Impreza (like an L) for my daily driver/weekend racer. I searched all over i-Club and I couldn't come up with anything. Is there a specific tag these cars have? An example would be the 2.5RS is called a GC8.

Does anyone know of any other resources online that could help me in my quest for answers?

My idea is to get an early Impreza, do some suspension work but not lower it much so I can still go off of the pavement and in snow. Power can come later, in the form of an EJ25 or something of the like.

Thanks to anyone who can lend a helping hand.

[Nick Koan]

Okay, first off a 2.5RS is technically not a GC8, its either a GC6 or a GM6. A GC8 is a first gen body style WRX, like the 2.5RS, but with an EJ20 turbo motor in it.

Second, the L model designation is smilar. An L (depending on motor and drivetrain) is going to be a GC2, GM2, GC3 , GM3 etc.

Lastly, all of this discussion is irrelevant because all the suspension bits from a 2.5RS will fit a L. A lot of people convert Ls to 2.5RSs or WRXs because most everything can easily swap over. i-club should have the info you are looking for, it'll just be a little harder to find.

[Libila]

Thanks for the clarification. It's just like when people call 88-91 civics "EF" when in all reality it's a JDM civic.

I'll keep searching i-club.

[Nick Koan]

Yeah, no problem.

Look for a guy named Kostamojen. He had an L, and he actually did quite a bit of stuff to it. He doesn't post much any more, though, for reasons I won't go in to (except to plead other people not to flame him).

[Libila]

I'll check it out.

One quick question- I'm looking at STi springs and it has listings for different models, but they are listed as "GD C/D/E; GD & GG A/B; GC & GF". What does this all mean?

[JC]

GC is the older sedans (and fits the coupes), GF is an old wagon. The other ones are stupid new cars.

[Nick Koan]

Originally Posted by Libila

I'll check it out.

One quick question- I'm looking at STi springs and it has listings for different models, but they are listed as "GD C/D/E; GD & GG A/B; GC & GF". What does this all mean?

GD and GG are the bugeye and current model WRXs. GD sedan, GG wagon. The C/D/E and A/B I don't know about. GC is the 1st gen body sedan (or is it coupe, I forget) and GF is the wagon.

[Kevin M]

Originally Posted by Libila

I'll check it out.

One quick question- I'm looking at STi springs and it has listings for different models, but they are listed as "GD C/D/E; GD & GG A/B; GC & GF". What does this all mean?

All '93-'01 Imprezas are GC (4 door) GM (coupe) or GF (wagon). Basically, if you buy an L, you can think of it as an RS for non-motor stuff. Chassis, suspension, etc. all mod the same. Engine mods mostly do too, on a case by case basis. Just ask us when you have specific questions.

[Libila]

Thanks for the quick replies guys!

[Libila]

I just came across this (for those who were wondering the same thing as I)-

Chassis codes are as follows (according to Japanese models):

1st letter determines model type:
G = Impreza
B = Legacy
S = Forester

2nd letter determines body type:
C = Sedan 1st gen. (1993-2000 Impreza, 1989-1994 Legacy) + Coupe (Impreza)
D = Sedan 2nd gen. (2001-current Impreza, 1995-1999 Legacy)
E = Sedan 3rd gen. (2000-2003 Legacy)
L = Sedan 4th gen. (2004-current Legacy)
F = Wagon 1st gen. (1993-2000 Impreza, 1998-2001 Forester)
G = Wagon 2nd gen. (2001-current Impreza, 1995-1999 Legacy, 2002-current Forester)
H = Wagon 3rd gen. (2000-2003 Legacy)
P = Wagon 4th gen. (2004-current Legacy)

3rd letter determines engine type:
A = 2nd gen. Impreza WRX w/ 2.0L turbo
B = 2nd gen. Impreza WRX STi w/ 2.0L turbo high output (we also use this to refer to 2.5L STi)
8 = 1st gen. Impreza WRX w/ 2.0L turbo (includes STi)
5 = Forester & Legacy 2.0L turbo (we also use this to refer to US 2.5L turbo Forester/Legacy)

4th letter determines body revision (generally changes each model year):
A = 1st year
B = 2nd year
C = 3rd year
etc. (for GC8 models C = both 1995 & 1996 model years)

An example would be:
"GDB A/B/C" = Impreza Sedan STi model 2nd gen. (New Age) model year 2001, 2002, 2003 (in US
this would also apply to 2004 Impreza STi because 2003 japanese model year is equivalent to 2004)

A second example would be:
"GD & GG" = applies to all 2nd gen. (New Age) Impreza models regardless of body or engine type

Engine codes are as follows:

EJ20G = 2.0L turbo WRX engine used in early GC8 models
EJ20K = 2.0L turbo WRX STi engine used in Version III & IV models
EJ205 = 2.0L turbo WRX engine used in all 1999 to current WRX models
EJ207 = 2.0L turbo WRX STi engine used in all 1999 to current STi models
EJ255 = 2.5L turbo engine used in US Forester XT & Legacy 2.5L turbo models (+ some overseas)
EJ257 = 2.5L turbo engine used in US Impreza STi models

[Kevin M]

Me and nKoan have both written chassis code guides similar to that on i-club.com. I know mine's not 100% up to date though, I wrote it like 18 months ago.

[MikeSTI]

then Libila did good by posting one here

Thanks Libila

[Nick Koan]

Originally Posted by BAN SUVS

Me and nKoan have both written chassis code guides similar to that on i-club.com. I know mine's not 100% up to date though, I wrote it like 18 months ago.

mine was mainly paraphrasing yours to specific questions

[sp00ln]

Tim,

Check your PMs please.

[ScottyS]

I haven't gotten as far as suspension yet, but I would like to at some point. Availablility of Wagon-specific suspension is definately less on the local market, I think, but there are sources for take-off JDM STi Wagon stuff out there. I just can't justify the expense yet (I seem to recall that it would be ~$1000 to do it right).

Here's that crazy long post concerning my L's current state: http://www.seccs.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1717