I think one thing you probably missed is the engine, the EJ207 was the STI engine, not all had forged pistons, yes they had better pistons than the WRX but not forged, the only forged STI pistons came in the Australian delivered EJ207 from the Version 6 STI, the 2 door Version 5 did not get the forged pistons nor the inverted struts. All Australian delivered STI's of the GC shape came with VF28 turbo's, the heads also came with a 007 casting and are slightly different, they also have bigger cams and sodium filled exhaust valves as well as better lifters and valve springs (think solid vs hyd).All Version 6 STI also came with an air temperature sensor. When Subaru brought the Version5 STI in Australia they did not change the tune so with our 98 octane fuel some had issues with knocking, with the Version 6 batch Subaru thought fitting the EJ207 with forged pistons will do it, tune was unchanged (massive advanced ignition) and some still developed knock which was now really the bearings being smashed due to our bad fuel. So that's how we got probably the most developed dealer delivered EJ207 Subaru. Other differences are the sway bars (bigger), faster steering rack and for some reason STI's came with a rear wiper. All in all the 207 engine coupled with the close ratio 5 speed and 4.11 diff ratios really take advantage of the VF turbo's, spool up is fast and hits hard, the same turbo on a EJ205 engine will be extremely unresponsive but on the EF207 it's an excellent match and a joy to drive, I know this because I have one of the Australian delivered Version 6 STI. Incidentally the Australian delivered Version 6 STI have the same code (GC8HKED) as the UK P1 ... they probably made the chassis at the same time In closing the CG8 STI's specially the last of the breed (version 5 and version 6) were pretty damn amazing cars even after 20 years, they are still the fastest WRX STI massed produced, 4.8sec to 100km/h (slightly quicker if you totally abuse it), yes the 22B might be faster over the quarter and the US got some special models which ere faster in the late 2010's but non limited edition versions the Version 6 was the fastest and an amazing vehicle.
Hi there I’ve got an Australian delivered bugeye.. build date October 00 and registered on 1.1 01.. my heads are stamped LHS20 007.. my 5 speed box is stamped different to the ID tag.. recently replaced sway bar bushes and are a lot larger.. the car is stock but goes hard.. trying to figure out what I got..
Thank you for putting this together. I was doing some research and was concerned about the motor. So the GC gen was the only Gen to share engine blocks with each, its just the STi was built with forged internals. The GD and onwards (usa anyway) gave the two different motors.
Not quite. The early GC Ver 1 - 3 or up to 97 used the EJ20G block (STI were closed deck) Ver 4 or 98 onwards WRX used the EJ205 block. Late GC STI used the EJ207 block which carried through GD and later in some markets.
@@rallyactionwa incorrect info, I've owned 9 jdm Subarus and 4 GC8. Currently own a Type RA. I've studied this subject religiously. Firstly the WRX are not referred as versions only the STI are. The WRX go by production run which was usually ran from September to August. So refer the WRX as MY93, MY94, ect. MY93: The GC8 started in November of 92 which is referred as an MY93. Only the 4 door sedan WRX and WRX RA where sold that year. (All cars from MY93 to MY96 were EJ20G closed deck besides the WRX hatchbacks even though there engines shared the same engine code. RA cars got forged internals). These cars are easily identifiable with there softer front end with rounded headlights and amber tail lights. MY94: carried both over aswell as adding the STI sedan, GF8 WRX, and GF8 STI. MY95: saw the start of the STI RA MY96: got the V2 STI Aswell as the V-limited trim which were to celebrate the WRC win the previous year. (blue/purple color, Roof latch, and a few other esthetic goodies). MY97: got the V3 STI. (All cars from MY97 to MY98 were EJ20K semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not. All cars got an upgraded front end (hood, grill, headlights, clear taillights). The V-limited was now painted a flat dark blue. Type R was introduced this year (two door version). WRX hatchback stuck with the EJ20G which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the early EJ20G. This EJ20G is essentially the same as the WRX EJ20K though just a little weaker. (same engine as same year JDM turbo Forester). MY98: got the V4 STI (front lip factory option) (phase 2 interior for all cars onward). The V-limited was now painted world rally blue. MY99: got the V5 STI (new front bumper, new clear headlights, new wing). (All cars from MY99 to MY00 were EJ207 semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not). (THE GC8 EJ207 IS NOT THE SAME AS THE GDB EJ207, THE GC8 VERSION IS MUCH WEAKER)! Yet again WRX hatchback was the only car to get the EJ205 which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the GDB WRX aswell as the JDM Forester. This EJ205 is essentially the same as the WRX EJ207 though just a little weaker. The did not win the WRC this year so instead of the V-limited they just carried them offer as being called (limited) which was again mostly esthetics and a world rally blue color. MY00: got the V6 STI (New front lip, more aggressive angle on top of spoiler). To the best of my knowledge that's it. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Incorrect info, I've owned 9 jdm Subarus and 4 GC8. Currently own a Type RA. I've studied this subject religiously. Firstly the WRX are not referred as versions only the STI are. The WRX go by production run which was usually ran from September to August. So refer the WRX as MY93, MY94, ect. MY93: The GC8 started in November of 92 which is referred as an MY93. Only the 4 door sedan WRX and WRX RA where sold that year. (All cars from MY93 to MY96 were EJ20G closed deck besides the WRX hatchbacks even though there engines shared the same engine code. RA cars got forged internals). These cars are easily identifiable with there softer front end with rounded headlights and amber tail lights. MY94: carried both over aswell as adding the STI sedan, GF8 WRX, and GF8 STI. MY95: saw the start of the STI RA MY96: got the V2 STI Aswell as the V-limited trim which were to celebrate the WRC win the previous year. (blue/purple color, Roof latch, and a few other esthetic goodies). MY97: got the V3 STI. (All cars from MY97 to MY98 were EJ20K semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not. All cars got an upgraded front end (hood, grill, headlights, clear taillights). The V-limited was now painted a flat dark blue. Type R was introduced this year (two door version). WRX hatchback stuck with the EJ20G which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the early EJ20G. This EJ20G is essentially the same as the WRX EJ20K though just a little weaker. (same engine as same year JDM turbo Forester). MY98: got the V4 STI (front lip factory option) (phase 2 interior for all cars onward). The V-limited was now painted world rally blue. MY99: got the V5 STI (new front bumper, new clear headlights, new wing). (All cars from MY99 to MY00 were EJ207 semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not). (THE GC8 EJ207 IS NOT THE SAME AS THE GDB EJ207, THE GC8 VERSION IS MUCH WEAKER)! Yet again WRX hatchback was the only car to get the EJ205 which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the GDB WRX aswell as the JDM Forester. This EJ205 is essentially the same as the WRX EJ207 though just a little weaker. The did not win the WRC this year so instead of the V-limited they just carried them offer as being called (limited) which was again mostly esthetics and a world rally blue color. MY00: got the V6 STI (New front lip, more aggressive angle on top of spoiler). To the best of my knowledge that's it. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Quickest and easiest way to tell a WRX and STI apart and something most people (even the ones who build replicas) don't realize is the position of the radio antenna. The WRX, impreza, Type R all have it on the drivers side front pillar, STIs have it on the rear left side fender
That may be true for some JDM (and possibly other countries') GC8's. Australian GC8 STI Imprezas had their antennas fitted to the right side A pillar. We've also seen a couple of 2wd GC Imprezas with the antenna in the left rear quarter panel.
Actually all Impreza’s 2drs coupes have them on the right A pillar as it was most likely cost efficient. Something that most people don’t realise is with the GC8 sedans regardless of being STi or not they were available in both variants, it was the luck of the draw really and from 1998 you’ll probably find there are more A pillar variants than rear quarter antennas variants available.
@@EVOETR1 The only models ive seen with the antenna on the rear quarter panel are the STIs, both in person and on the internet. I've never once seen any other GC8 variant with an Antenna not on the A pillar. Not saying they don't exist in other markets its just that ive never seen it on other models of impreza and i think in general its a pretty easy way to tell an STI apart. At least in my country
Do the STi/RA/Limited chassis' or shells have more welding or reinforcement points compared to standard WRX? As in, when wanting to modify significantly, is it better to just buy a much cheaper WRX and implement bot-on improvments?
As far as we're aware there is no difference in any GC shell, they are all the same. The RA shells did have less sound deadening and Ver 2 onwards had a factory roof vent. Apart from that, pretty much everything else was bolt/stick on. The RA shells need the same amount of seam welding/strengthening as any other GC.
for lsd specific... so a wrx only had r160 and for sti version they have 180? is the r180 is the same as what the gda-b had? thank you.i do have a gc8 sti v5
The GC8 WRX all had R160 rear diffs. Only some GC8 STI models had R180 rear diffs. Mostly the R180 diffs were fitted to later version specials like the Type R 2 door and the Type RA.
Back in the early 2000s I had a JDM 97 V3 STi, no DCCD and @3:48 I can say it was a R160, I couldn’t say if it was a viscous or plated LSD. Also my wife had a JDM 98 V5 TypeR STi with DCCD and by what you said it would of had the R180. They both had close ratio g/boxes and the gear ratios in the TypeR were shorter than my V3 STi, couldn’t say if it was because of being a TypeR or having DCCD? As I never had the pleasure of driving a V3 STi with DCCD.
I have an 07 wrx, and work at an auto shop, I was just browsing cost of some parts, and noticed that the wrx and sti turbo had a 300$ price difference, I was just curious what the specific difference was for this.
@Jason Crider in the later model Imprezas the WRX and the STI differed even more and essentially became separate cars. Many of the parts in the STI do not easily interchange, eg the wheel hubs, brakes and wheels. The STI uses a larger wheel bearing and different PCD to the WRX. The STI parts are generally more expensive as they are uprated parts and less of them are produced. The GD and later WRX/STI video is on the list for a future episode.
Not quite sure what you are asking? All Type RA cars are based on the STI models however were designed for Motorsport. The Type RA are a leaner, meaner version of the STI and in some cases have more performance upgrades than the road going STI cars. The early Type RA cars did not have roof vents however still had STI running gear.
@@rallyactionwa Thats what I wanted to know! Sorry, my english is very basic. I thought there were Sti Type Ra and also Type Ra but not STi. Thank you very much, Im suscribed and enjoying the world of rally in your channel
Tough question! It really depends how much you want one. The GC8 is a classic car which is 20+ years old. With their popularity increasing and numbers decreasing it's likely prices will keep heading North.
thank you for this i just find out that is not a wrx but a real sti. By watching your video I learned alot. I might get the gc8 this week after i sell my b16b eg
I think one thing you probably missed is the engine, the EJ207 was the STI engine, not all had forged pistons, yes they had better pistons than the WRX but not forged, the only forged STI pistons came in the Australian delivered EJ207 from the Version 6 STI, the 2 door Version 5 did not get the forged pistons nor the inverted struts. All Australian delivered STI's of the GC shape came with VF28 turbo's, the heads also came with a 007 casting and are slightly different, they also have bigger cams and sodium filled exhaust valves as well as better lifters and valve springs (think solid vs hyd).All Version 6 STI also came with an air temperature sensor.
When Subaru brought the Version5 STI in Australia they did not change the tune so with our 98 octane fuel some had issues with knocking, with the Version 6 batch Subaru thought fitting the EJ207 with forged pistons will do it, tune was unchanged (massive advanced ignition) and some still developed knock which was now really the bearings being smashed due to our bad fuel. So that's how we got probably the most developed dealer delivered EJ207 Subaru.
Other differences are the sway bars (bigger), faster steering rack and for some reason STI's came with a rear wiper.
All in all the 207 engine coupled with the close ratio 5 speed and 4.11 diff ratios really take advantage of the VF turbo's, spool up is fast and hits hard, the same turbo on a EJ205 engine will be extremely unresponsive but on the EF207 it's an excellent match and a joy to drive, I know this because I have one of the Australian delivered Version 6 STI. Incidentally the Australian delivered Version 6 STI have the same code (GC8HKED) as the UK P1 ... they probably made the chassis at the same time
In closing the CG8 STI's specially the last of the breed (version 5 and version 6) were pretty damn amazing cars even after 20 years, they are still the fastest WRX STI massed produced, 4.8sec to 100km/h (slightly quicker if you totally abuse it), yes the 22B might be faster over the quarter and the US got some special models which ere faster in the late 2010's but non limited edition versions the Version 6 was the fastest and an amazing vehicle.
Hi there I’ve got an Australian delivered bugeye.. build date October 00 and registered on 1.1 01.. my heads are stamped LHS20 007.. my 5 speed box is stamped different to the ID tag.. recently replaced sway bar bushes and are a lot larger.. the car is stock but goes hard.. trying to figure out what I got..
Where have you been all my life. Awesome video mate.
Cheers!
Thank you for putting this together. I was doing some research and was concerned about the motor. So the GC gen was the only Gen to share engine blocks with each, its just the STi was built with forged internals.
The GD and onwards (usa anyway) gave the two different motors.
Not quite. The early GC Ver 1 - 3 or up to 97 used the EJ20G block (STI were closed deck) Ver 4 or 98 onwards WRX used the EJ205 block. Late GC STI used the EJ207 block which carried through GD and later in some markets.
@@rallyactionwa gotcha, thank you
@@sonicallstarify no worries 👍 Thanks for watching.
@@rallyactionwa incorrect info, I've owned 9 jdm Subarus and 4 GC8. Currently own a Type RA. I've studied this subject religiously.
Firstly the WRX are not referred as versions only the STI are. The WRX go by production run which was usually ran from September to August. So refer the WRX as MY93, MY94, ect.
MY93: The GC8 started in November of 92 which is referred as an MY93. Only the 4 door sedan WRX and WRX RA where sold that year.
(All cars from MY93 to MY96 were EJ20G closed deck besides the WRX hatchbacks even though there engines shared the same engine code. RA cars got forged internals).
These cars are easily identifiable with there softer front end with rounded headlights and amber tail lights.
MY94: carried both over aswell as adding the STI sedan, GF8 WRX, and GF8 STI.
MY95: saw the start of the STI RA
MY96: got the V2 STI
Aswell as the V-limited trim which were to celebrate the WRC win the previous year. (blue/purple color, Roof latch, and a few other esthetic goodies).
MY97: got the V3 STI.
(All cars from MY97 to MY98 were EJ20K semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not.
All cars got an upgraded front end (hood, grill, headlights, clear taillights).
The V-limited was now painted a flat dark blue.
Type R was introduced this year (two door version).
WRX hatchback stuck with the EJ20G which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the early EJ20G. This EJ20G is essentially the same as the WRX EJ20K though just a little weaker. (same engine as same year JDM turbo Forester).
MY98: got the V4 STI
(front lip factory option)
(phase 2 interior for all cars onward).
The V-limited was now painted world rally blue.
MY99: got the V5 STI
(new front bumper, new clear headlights, new wing).
(All cars from MY99 to MY00 were EJ207 semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not).
(THE GC8 EJ207 IS NOT THE SAME AS THE GDB EJ207, THE GC8 VERSION IS MUCH WEAKER)!
Yet again WRX hatchback was the only car to get the EJ205 which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the GDB WRX aswell as the JDM Forester. This EJ205 is essentially the same as the WRX EJ207 though just a little weaker.
The did not win the WRC this year so instead of the V-limited they just carried them offer as being called (limited) which was again mostly esthetics and a world rally blue color.
MY00: got the V6 STI
(New front lip, more aggressive angle on top of spoiler).
To the best of my knowledge that's it.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Some good info there😯
Incorrect info, I've owned 9 jdm Subarus and 4 GC8. Currently own a Type RA. I've studied this subject religiously.
Firstly the WRX are not referred as versions only the STI are. The WRX go by production run which was usually ran from September to August. So refer the WRX as MY93, MY94, ect.
MY93: The GC8 started in November of 92 which is referred as an MY93. Only the 4 door sedan WRX and WRX RA where sold that year.
(All cars from MY93 to MY96 were EJ20G closed deck besides the WRX hatchbacks even though there engines shared the same engine code. RA cars got forged internals).
These cars are easily identifiable with there softer front end with rounded headlights and amber tail lights.
MY94: carried both over aswell as adding the STI sedan, GF8 WRX, and GF8 STI.
MY95: saw the start of the STI RA
MY96: got the V2 STI
Aswell as the V-limited trim which were to celebrate the WRC win the previous year. (blue/purple color, Roof latch, and a few other esthetic goodies).
MY97: got the V3 STI.
(All cars from MY97 to MY98 were EJ20K semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not.
All cars got an upgraded front end (hood, grill, headlights, clear taillights).
The V-limited was now painted a flat dark blue.
Type R was introduced this year (two door version).
WRX hatchback stuck with the EJ20G which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the early EJ20G. This EJ20G is essentially the same as the WRX EJ20K though just a little weaker. (same engine as same year JDM turbo Forester).
MY98: got the V4 STI
(front lip factory option)
(phase 2 interior for all cars onward).
The V-limited was now painted world rally blue.
MY99: got the V5 STI
(new front bumper, new clear headlights, new wing).
(All cars from MY99 to MY00 were EJ207 semi closed deck. STI engines got forged internals, WRX did not).
(THE GC8 EJ207 IS NOT THE SAME AS THE GDB EJ207, THE GC8 VERSION IS MUCH WEAKER)!
Yet again WRX hatchback was the only car to get the EJ205 which can be very confusing since it shares the same engine code as the GDB WRX aswell as the JDM Forester. This EJ205 is essentially the same as the WRX EJ207 though just a little weaker.
The did not win the WRC this year so instead of the V-limited they just carried them offer as being called (limited) which was again mostly esthetics and a world rally blue color.
MY00: got the V6 STI
(New front lip, more aggressive angle on top of spoiler).
To the best of my knowledge that's it.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Great video. I still don't know if I should go with GC or GD thought.
Quickest and easiest way to tell a WRX and STI apart and something most people (even the ones who build replicas) don't realize is the position of the radio antenna. The WRX, impreza, Type R all have it on the drivers side front pillar, STIs have it on the rear left side fender
That may be true for some JDM (and possibly other countries') GC8's. Australian GC8 STI Imprezas had their antennas fitted to the right side A pillar. We've also seen a couple of 2wd GC Imprezas with the antenna in the left rear quarter panel.
Actually all Impreza’s 2drs coupes have them on the right A pillar as it was most likely cost efficient. Something that most people don’t realise is with the GC8 sedans regardless of being STi or not they were available in both variants, it was the luck of the draw really and from 1998 you’ll probably find there are more A pillar variants than rear quarter antennas variants available.
@@EVOETR1 The only models ive seen with the antenna on the rear quarter panel are the STIs, both in person and on the internet. I've never once seen any other GC8 variant with an Antenna not on the A pillar. Not saying they don't exist in other markets its just that ive never seen it on other models of impreza and i think in general its a pretty easy way to tell an STI apart. At least in my country
Thank you sir, rough information is sometimes more important and valuable than all this bloggerish-foolish special effects.
Thanks for watching.
5:49 Also; All Type Rs are 2 door, all Type RAs are 4 door
3:56 Those "some versions" are the Type R and Type RA. R180 drive shafts are also larger with 27 splines instead of the R160s 25 splines
Not only RA and Type R had the R180 rear diff. The R180 was also fitted to some late
Ver 5 and Ver 6 STI cars.
@@rallyactionwa I stand corrected. Thanks for the additional info.
Great video. So much info.
Thanks for watching and the great feedback.
Do the STi/RA/Limited chassis' or shells have more welding or reinforcement points compared to standard WRX? As in, when wanting to modify significantly, is it better to just buy a much cheaper WRX and implement bot-on improvments?
Edit: regarding GC specifically.
As far as we're aware there is no difference in any GC shell, they are all the same. The RA shells did have less sound deadening and Ver 2 onwards had a factory roof vent. Apart from that, pretty much everything else was bolt/stick on. The RA shells need the same amount of seam welding/strengthening as any other GC.
This info is worth a lot. Cheers mate!!
@@kekethetoad no worries
Cool video. Thanks for the information :-)
No worries, glad you found it helpful.
for lsd specific... so a wrx only had r160 and for sti version they have 180? is the r180 is the same as what the gda-b had? thank you.i do have a gc8 sti v5
The GC8 WRX all had R160 rear diffs. Only some GC8 STI models had R180 rear diffs. Mostly the R180 diffs were fitted to later version specials like the Type R 2 door and the Type RA.
Back in the early 2000s I had a JDM 97 V3 STi, no DCCD and @3:48 I can say it was a R160, I couldn’t say if it was a viscous or plated LSD. Also my wife had a JDM 98 V5 TypeR STi with DCCD and by what you said it would of had the R180.
They both had close ratio g/boxes and the gear ratios in the TypeR were shorter than my V3 STi, couldn’t say if it was because of being a TypeR or having DCCD? As I never had the pleasure of driving a V3 STi with DCCD.
WRX evo only a handful of those were made.
I have an 07 wrx, and work at an auto shop, I was just browsing cost of some parts, and noticed that the wrx and sti turbo had a 300$ price difference, I was just curious what the specific difference was for this.
@Jason Crider in the later model Imprezas the WRX and the STI differed even more and essentially became separate cars. Many of the parts in the STI do not easily interchange, eg the wheel hubs, brakes and wheels. The STI uses a larger wheel bearing and different PCD to the WRX. The STI parts are generally more expensive as they are uprated parts and less of them are produced. The GD and later WRX/STI video is on the list for a future episode.
The wrx type ra, without the roof vent, is it sti too?
Not quite sure what you are asking? All Type RA cars are based on the STI models however were designed for Motorsport. The Type RA are a leaner, meaner version of the STI and in some cases have more performance upgrades than the road going STI cars. The early Type RA cars did not have roof vents however still had STI running gear.
@@rallyactionwa Thats what I wanted to know! Sorry, my english is very basic. I thought there were Sti Type Ra and also Type Ra but not STi. Thank you very much, Im suscribed and enjoying the world of rally in your channel
@@tiempoenhorasuy no worries. Thanks for watching and subscribing 👍
Im planning to buy a wrx gc8 is it still worth it to buy right now? The price is 18-19k usd
Tough question! It really depends how much you want one. The GC8 is a classic car which is 20+ years old. With their popularity increasing and numbers decreasing it's likely prices will keep heading North.
thank you for this i just find out that is not a wrx but a real sti. By watching your video I learned alot. I might get the gc8 this week after i sell my b16b eg
@@sheshhhhhh9251 glad our info helped. 👍
Thank you.
No problemo 👍
Wrx redline is 7.5k and sti revs to 8k, uk turbo models rev to 7k
One is the WRX the other you go see the doctor