2000 Subaru Impreza

Description

Purchased in 2013 with approximately 90,000 miles from a family member, this Impreza 2.5RS coupe originally began life as a 4-speed automatic. In early 2016, at roughly 130,000 miles, the original EJ251 suffered a head gasket failure. To address this, a wrecked donor vehicle was acquired that featured a matching EJ251 engine (with minor damage) and a 5-speed manual transmission. Both vehicles were stripped concurrently, and the complete manual conversion was performed using the donor components. This included swapping the entire chassis and engine wiring harnesses, ECU, and manual transmission. The donor EJ251 received refreshed factory cylinder heads, while the original short block was retained and reused. During this same period in 2016, extensive refurbishment and upgrades were completed. The entire fuel and EVAP systems were replaced, including a new fuel tank, charcoal canister and lines, fuel pump and hanger, fuel filler neck, and vent lines. A TSSFAB tubular front subframe was installed, providing mounting provisions for a 2015 STI quick-ratio hydraulic steering rack. All underbody and driveline components were removed and either refurbished or replaced, with a focus on eliminating rust and corrosion throughout the chassis. While the shell was stripped for the manual conversion, sound-deadening material was installed across the interior firewall, instrument panel area, front floorboards, and transmission tunnel. The engine bay was fully stripped and refinished in single-stage #94H Sedona Red Pearl. The braking and suspension systems were comprehensively refreshed and upgraded, including WRX 4-piston front brake calipers, rebuilt suspension knuckles, new wheel bearings, splash shields, brake lines, ABS wheel speed sensors, ball joints, tie rods, end links, trailing arms, sway bar mounts, and bushings throughout. The rear subframe was removed, stripped, reinforced with welded plates, repainted, and fitted with new bushings. Significant rust repair was also performed in the trunk area: the rusted trunk tray metal was cut out and replaced with OEM panels that were welded, seam-sealed, and painted. Additional corrosion around the sunroof drain tube exits was similarly repaired using OEM metal, and the drain tubes were cleaned and permanently secured. Beginning in June 2018, the car underwent another major phase of modification with the installation of JDM Version 9 STI drivetrain and suspension components, including: TY856WB7KA JDM 6-speed DCCD transmission with helical LSD STI Axles 5x114.3 hubs STI Brakes 3.54 Torsen rear differential with aluminum control arms iWire DCCDPro Spiider with iWire plug-and-play harness DCCD roller switch and auto/manual control button Subaru 37230FE070 clutch master cylinder ARP extended wheel studs Custom Fortune Auto coilovers with remote damper controller After several years of delays due to life events and project setbacks, the vehicle was finally reassembled and returned to operational condition. On July 8, 2025, the car rolled under its own power for the first time since 2018. Upcoming Modifications (Planned) The next phase of the build focuses on modern engine management, data acquisition, and a fully upgraded fuel system to support future power goals. Planned components include a complete Haltech Nexus–based ECU and digital dash integration, along with a Radium-engineering fueling system. Engine Management & Electronics Haltech Nexus S2 ECU (HT-212000) Haltech IC-7 Digital Display (HT-067010) Haltech LSU 4.9 Wideband Hardware Pack (HT-010746) Haltech Elite CAN Hub, 4-Port DTM-4 (HT-159000) BoomSlang Plug-and-Play Adapter Harness for Nexus S2 to Impreza chassis loom iWire Haltech IC-7 / UC-10 Digital Dash Adapter Harness Mako Motorsport recessed dash cluster mount for Haltech IC-7 Haltech 150 PSI Fuel Pressure Sensor (HT-010904) Fuel System Upgrades Radium Engineering top-feed fuel rail upgrade for Subaru EJ251 (20-0869-02) Radium Engineering early Subaru fuel hanger, compatible with Walbro F90000285 (20-0342-00) Walbro 525 LPH high-performance in-tank fuel pump (F90000285) Radium Engineering fuel pump inlet filter sock, 11 mm ID (14-0143) Radium Engineering stainless fuel filter for early Subaru platforms, including mounting bracket (20-0354-03 / 20-0353) Radium Engineering FPR-D fuel pressure regulator damper, black (20-1528-00)

Performance & Power