Subaru Impreza

Impreza: questions owners ask

Why does the GR Impreza sound less like a boxer?

The JDM EJ207 in the GR has equal-length twin-scroll headers, which tone down the classic uneven rumble. What remains is mostly induction and turbo noise. Owners who want the old sound fit unequal-length headers and accept slightly slower spool on twin-scroll setups.

EJ207 or EJ257: what is the difference?

EJ207 is the 2.0 L (1994 cc) engine; the GR version makes 304 hp and 422 Nm. The EJ257 is the 2.5 L in US-market STIs: 305 hp and 393 Nm in the GR, 300 hp and 407 Nm in the GD. The 2.5 L gives up torque in the GR comparison.

What fails on a tuned EJ Impreza?

Ringland and piston failures are listed for aggressively tuned or lean-running EJ engines, and the GD notes them on tuned EJ257 cars. Rod bearings are the other item, linked to oil starvation and high-rpm abuse. An ECU tune adds stress to the stock bottom end of the GR.

Which Impreza generation has the weakest gearbox?

The GC8 5-speed is listed as weak against tuned power. The GD non-STI WRX 5-speed is called fragile under extra power. The GR STI avoids this with a 6-speed manual and a driver-controlled centre differential (DCCD), and the GR sheet lists clutch and driveline wear on hard-launched cars instead.