Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

  1. Introduction

     

  2. Newbie Questions

     

  3. Known Problems and Solutions
    • Engine
    • Suspension
    • Interior
    • Exterior
    • Brakes
    • Wheels and Tires
    • Modifications
    • Miscellaneous

     

  4. NASIOC
    • Membership
    • Rules and Regulations
    • Message Board
    • Advertising
    • Contacts

     

Introduction

 

About Fuji Heavy Industries

Fuji Heavy Industries is the successor to Nakajima Aircraft, which was originally established as the Aircraft Research Laboratory established in 1917 by Chikuhei Nakajima (1884-1949) in Gunma Prefecture (approximately 70km north of Tokyo), at the site of Subaru's present manufacturing base. Nakajima was the eldest son of a farmer from Gunma Prefecture. At the age of 19, after he entered a naval academy, he heard the news of the first successful flight achieved in the United States by the Wright Brothers. Nakajima became enraptured with the dream and romance of the skies. He became involved in producing airplanes for the Japanese navy, but instead of becoming absorbed in their development and production, he left the navy to set up the Aircraft Research Laboratory. In 1931 the Aircraft Research Laboratory was renamed into Nakajima Aircraft Co., Ltd., this undertaking evolved into Japan's leading aircraft manufacturer.

In 1945, as the World War II drew to an end, aircraft production came to a halt. The Company made a new start as the Fuji Sangyo Co., Ltd., and painstakingly sought other uses for the technologies garnered in aircraft production. In June 1946, Fuji Sangyo completed Japan's first prototype motor scooter. This motor scooter, with a 135 cc, 2hp engine and utilizing the tail wheels of an army surplus warplane, was launched as the Rabbit in the following year. At that time, Japan's transportation conditions were in a poor state, and people had lost many convenient means for getting around. The debut of this new kind of vehicle was met with great interest. The Rabbit was admired by the general population because the driver could sit with feet together and because of the motor scooter's stable low center of gravity as well as its reasonable speed.

In 1950 Fuji Sangyo was divided into 12 companies in accordance with the corporate credit rearrangement law that passed that same year. Then, in 1953 Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. was created as an aircraft manufacturing, sales, and maintenance company through investments from five of these companies: Fuji Kogyo, Fuji Jidosha, Omiya Fuji Kogyo, Utsunomiya Sharyo and Tokyo Fuji Sangyo. Two years later, these five investors were merged with Fuji Heavy Industries and began the full-scale business activities we know today.

Today, FHI's five divisions have continuously worked to foster a spirit of creativity and innovation to enhance product quality and support global environmental protection. The extent of interdivisional cooperation, which fully utilizes the Company's diverse technological capabilities, distinguishes FHI from other diversified transportation equipment manufacturers. For example, the general-purpose engine technology of the Industrial Products Division and the transmission technology of the Automobile Division are employed in the remote-piloted helicopter manufactured by the Aerospace Division. In addition, the self-navigation system that forms an integral part of the Industrial Products Division's lawn mower robot features the navigation system technology of the Aerospace and Automobile divisions, and the Automobile Division's anti-lock braking system (ABS) can be found in the Aerospace Division's automatic landing flight experiment. This extensive interdivisional sharing of technologies has enabled the Company to produce a variety of highly innovative products.

Automobile Division: FHI offers the highly distinctive Subaru line of automobiles that boast superior driving pleasure, comfort, and safety thanks to such unique technologies as the Horizontally Opposed Engine, the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, and the intelligent continuously variable transmission (i-CVT).

Aerospace Division: With proven technology backed by 80 years of aircraft manufacturing experience, FHI's aerospace operations--stemming from the historic roots of the Company--currently range from large-scale airliners to helicopters, training aircraft, and an unmanned space shuttle.

Transportation & Ecology Systems Division: In its role as a railcars manufacturer, FHI has provided a number of other unique products in the field of railcars and environment-related business, including pendulum-type super express diesel railcars, refuse collection vehicles, refuse collection and separation systems, and dissolution systems for ash from waste incineration plants. This division always focuses on contributing to society and an improved way of life.

Bus Manufacturing & House Prefabricating Division: FHI develops and manufactures bus bodies to suit all types of chassis, from route buses to full-sized sight-seeing buses, and is applying the technology garnered from these operations to unit-assembled, prefabricated minihouses. With advanced technology and know-how accumulated over many years, FHI is committed to creating buses and houses with a higher degree of safety and comfort than ever.

Industrial Products Division: FHI has developed high-performance, high-quality engines that are the heart of a wide array of products, ranging from agricultural and construction machinery to leisure craft. These engines help to support and enrich the lifestyles of people all over the world.

 

About Subaru

P-1 (Subaru 1500)In February 1954, FHI announced its prototype passenger car called the P-1. The P-1, named the Subaru 1500 the following year, used the first Japanese-manufactured monocoque body. This passenger car provided excellent riding comfort and driving stability with its front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension; a coil spring and double-action oil damper combination, and rear-wheel rigid axle suspension with a three-leaf spring and double-action oil damper combination. Unfortunately, sales had to be suspended because of difficulties in funding the factory equipment and sales network. Nevertheless, this vehicle proved to be of great value in the later developments of the Subaru 360 and Subaru 1000. That was the starting point for Subaru. 

Why Subaru? Subaru is the name of a star cluster in the Taurus constellation, which is called Pleiades in the West. Six of its stars are visible to the naked eye, but about 250 bluish stars can be seen if one uses a telescope. Credit for naming the company goes to Kenja Kita, the first president of Fuji Heavy Industries. As Fuji Heavy Industries had just taken over 5 of 12 companies resulting from the breakup of the old Nakajima Aircraft Company, Kita saw this unique name as the ideal symbol to express the unification of these 5 Fuji companies -- "Subaru".

 

About Subaru Tecnica International

Subaru Tecnica International (STi) was founded in April 1988 by Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd. Its purpose was promote Subaru cars around the world by participating in motorsports. STi identified rallying and endurance speed records as two types of motorsports that Subaru should participate in. The newly launched Legacy set two world records and 13 international records in the 100,000km FIA World Speed Record in January 1989. The World Rally Championship project evolved from Subaru's involvement in Japanese rallying but became a full scale factory effort when STi joined forces with the British-based Prodrive company. The initial objective was to pose a serious challenge to the established manufacturer teams competing in the World Rally Championship.

 

About Prodrive

Prodrive was formed in 1984 by David Richards and Ian Parry. In 1985 they formed their first motorsport team, the Rothmans Porsche Rally Team. In its first year it wins the Middle East Rally Championship and comes second in the European Rally Championship. In 1990, Prodrive begins its rallying relationship with Subaru. In 1991 and 1992, Colin McRae was on top of the podium, winning 2 consecutive British Rally Championships in Prodrive built Legacy RS. In 1993 Prodrive prepped Impreza makes its debut for the new 555-sponsored Subaru team in the World Rally Championship taking second place in the 1000 Lakes Rally. With the help of Prodrive, Subaru captured the Manufacturers' World Rally Championship in 1995, 1996 and 1997. Colin McRae won the World Rally Championship in 1995 driving the Prodrive built Impreza. in 2000, Prodrive still maintains its close relationship with Subaru and STi and helps the Subaru World Rally Team to be one of the most competitive rally teams in the World. Prodrive worked closely with MG, Porsche, BMW, Honda, Ford and Alfa Romeo and helped them to become "the" cars to beat on the racetracks. In 1999 the World saw, what most magazine called "The Best Impreza Ever", Subaru Impreza P1. It was a street version of Impreza extensively modified by Prodrive and STi. Prodrive also makes many performance parts for any Impreza. Anything from wheels, seats to exhaust systems can be purchased at most dealers around Europe.

 

About Subaru Of America

SOA Corporate Headquarters BuildingSubaru of America, Inc., (SOA) was founded in 1968 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subaru 360 Mini became the first Subaru to be sold on the North American continent. In 1986, SOA relocated its headquarters to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. SOA has 5 regional offices (Aurora, CO -- Central Region, Itasca, IL -- Mid-America Region, Austell, GA -- Southeast Region, Moorestown, NJ -- Penn-Jersey Region, Portland, OR - Western Region) which are responsible for all regional operations, including distribution of parts and cars, service, local advertising, merchandising, sales incentives and dealer relations within their territories. 5 Regional Distribution Centers supply parts and support fixed operations efforts. They are located in Atlanta, GA, Denver, CO, Moorestown, NJ, Peru, IN and Portland, OR. 2 Port Offices of Subaru Of America located in Vancouver, WA and Lafayette, IN, receive imported and US-produced Subaru vehicles and ship them to dealerships. Three independent distributors represent Subaru and oversee all activities within certain geographical territories. Subaru Distributors Corp located in Orangeburg, NY serves NY and Northern NJ. Subaru of New England, Inc. located in Norwood, MA servers CT, ME, MA, NH, RI and VT. Finally, Schuman Carriage Co. from Honolulu, HI, servers HI. Subaru Research And Development, Inc., a subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd., is located in Ann Arbor, MI and is involved with advanced design and conducts prototype and emissions testing. Spanning the continental U.S., Subaru is represented by nearly 600 franchised dealerships.

 

About Subaru of Canada

Subaru Canada was born in 1976 as Subaru Auto Canada Limited, a Canadian-owned sales and marketing organization for a complete line of family and sport all-wheel drive vehicles. Originally headquartered in Vancouver, Subaru Canada, Inc. moved its head office to Toronto in 1989 in an effort to be closer to suppliers and major markets. Subaru Canada, Inc. distributes its products through three distribution center to its independent dealer network outlets across the country.

 

About Impreza

The Subaru Impreza was launched in November of 1992. It was made with rallying in mind. Subaru needed a better rally car than Legacy, which had moderate success in the World Rally Championship. Having a lighter and more compact body than the Legacy, Impreza immediately became one of the most dominant participants in the World Rally Championship. Impreza came out in body types: four-door sedan and a sports wagon. The coupe was introduced later and was developed specifically for the American market. The Impreza's engine, suspension, AWD system, were carried on from the Legacy while being improved in every possible way. Few changes were made to the Impreza ever since the 1992. In the fall of 2000, the all new Impreza were introduced to the world. That opened a new chapter in the Impreza history book which yet to be written.

 

Impreza Range in US

MY93 -- Base Model Sedan (FWD only), L Sedan, L Sport Wagon, LS Sedan, LS Sport Wagon.
MY94 -- Base Model Sedan (FWD only), L Sedan, L Sport Wagon, LS Sedan, LS Sport Wagon.
MY95 -- Base Model Sedan, Base Model Coupe, L Sedan, L coupe, L Sport Wagon, 2.2L Sedan, 2.2L Coupe, 2.2L Sport Wagon, LX Sedan, LX Coupe, LX Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon.
MY96 -- Brighton Coupe, L Sedan, L Coupe, L Sports Wagon, LX Sedan, LX Coupe, LX Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon.
MY97 -- Brighton Coupe, L Sedan, L Coupe, L Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon.
MY98 -- L Sedan, L Coupe, L Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon, RS Coupe.
MY99 -- L Sedan, L Coupe, L Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon, RS Coupe.
MY00 -- L Sedan, L Coupe, L Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon, RS Coupe, RS Sedan.
MY01 -- L Sedan, L Coupe, L Sport Wagon, Outback Sport Wagon, RS Coupe, RS Sedan.

 

Impreza Range in Canada

I currently do not have any info on Impreza model range in Canada. If you know it, please e-mail me the details. Thanks.

 

Impreza Range Worldwide

JDM Market Impreza Range

MY93 -- CF Sedan, CS Sedan, CX Sedan, HX Sedan, HX Edition S Sedan, WRX Sedan, WRX Type RA Sedan, CS Wagon, CX Wagon, HS Wagon, HX Wagon, HX Edition S Wagon.
MY94 -- CF Sedan, CS Extra Sedan, CX Sedan, HX Edition S Sedan, WRX Sedan, WRX Type RA Sedan, CS Wagon, CS-X Wagon, CS Extra Wagon, HX Edition L Wagon, HX Edition S Wagon, WRX Wagon.
MY95 -- 
 

January 1994 -- Impreza WRX STi
November 1994 -- Impreza WRX STi Type RA
August 1995 -- Impreza WRX STi Version II 555 Version
September 1996 -- Impreza WRX STi Version III
September 1997 -- Impreza WRX STi Version IV (WRX Type RA, WRX STi Type RA, WRX STi Type R
January 1998 -- Impreza WRX STi Version IV (


Newbie Questions

Engine

Q: What is a proper way to break in a new car or a car with a brand new engine?

A: 

Q: I heard that modern synthetic oil is much better. Can I use in in my Impreza?

A: Generally, Subaru doesn't recommend using synthetic oil. Still, most Impreza drivers prefer using high quality synthetic oils. Please, follow this link and read about the different types of oil. 

Q: What is a MAF/MAS sensor?

A: MAF/MAS sensor is "Mass Airflow" sensor. It measures the numbers of molecules of air going into the intake manifold at any given moment. The sensor then sends these measurements to the car's ECU and ECU supplies adequate amount of fuel for the air coming in.

Q: What is a MAP sensor?

A: MAP sensor is "Manifold Absolute Pressure" sensor. It measures the manifold pressure or vacuum ay any given moment. Knowing that, the car's ECU can estimate how much fuel is needed for the engine.

Q: Everyone on the board says, "I have MY00 RS..." or "He was in a MY98 Wagon...". What does MY stands for?

A: MY stands for model year, so MY00 RS would be 2000 Impreza 2.5 RS.

Q: I have a MY00/MY01 Impreza. Will I damage my MAS sensor if I install an intake system?

A: No. Because MY00/MY01 Imprezas don't have MAS sensor.

Q: Every time I shift, I hear this "clunk" from the back of my Impreza. Is it normal?

A: Yes, your rear differential is making that noise. It can also be caused my slight free play movement of the driveshaft.

Q: When my car is in gear, I hear a distinctive whine from where the shifter is. Is it normal?

A: Yes, your center differential is making this noise. It is being transferred through the shifter. Cars with aftermarket shifter kits tend to have more/louder noise, due to harder shifter bushings.

Q: What does OBS stands for?

A: OBS stands for Outback Sport.

Q: What type of bulb does Impreza have in the headlights?

A: H4.

Q: What type of bulb does Impreza have in the foglights?

A: H3.

Q: Does the Impreza L have the same suspension as the RS?

A: No. Impreza L's have a softer strut / spring package then the "sport tuned RS". The shocks in the OBS are different as well.

Q: Can you put the RS struts / springs on an L?

A: Yes. There is a small improvement.

Q: I have a MY99 Impreza L. Where is my MAF sensor? Will I run lean with an intake?

A: You don't have one. The early year MY99 Impreza L's use a MAP sensor on the air filter box, and later that year it's moved to the intake manifold. Like the MY00 RS's. This setup is different from the MY99 RS, and will run rich with just an aftermarket intake.

Q: What is the AWD difference between the AT and MT Impreza's?

A: Lets talk about MT cars first. If you think about the way a viscous limited slip works, it's obvious that "50/50" is a huge oversimplification. Put the car up on a lift and run the engine (not recommended). Now put a brake on the rear driveshaft (i.e., both rear wheels), and measure the torque there. Initially, there will be very little torque as the rear end slows down due to the braking force. 50% of the engine's torque is obviously not going there right now. Only after the rear shaft has slowed down, and the fluid heated up causing viscous drag, does torque begin to be delivered there. In other words, some amount of slip must occur before the torque "transfer" occurs.

Now let's take AT cars with the MPT (multi-plate transfer clutch) system. This is a very sophisticated system similar to the one used on the WRC (but built for MUCH lighter duty use of course). TCU, or Transmission Control Unit, does indeed "anticipate" slip by applying clutch lock-up depending on throttle, speed, and gear position. So when you accelerate from a stop at WOT, the TCU always sends torque to the rear, regardless of wheel slip condition. Note that the Haldex center diff used on VW's is mechanically identical to our MPT, however by not being connected to the TCU it is lacking this very powerful feature -- like the viscous coupling, the Haldex must sense slip before lock-up occurs.

So the "90/10" myth is exactly that. With the MPT clutch fully disengaged (low throttle or braking at highway speeds), maybe this is somewhat accurate, but at every other situation, it is not.

Note that you can force fully locked 4WD ("50/50") on the autotrans by putting the selector in "1".

Q: What is that funky switch in the middle of the steering column? Why is it there?

A: That switch is known as the "parking light switch". One of the greatest Subaru features requires that switch. When you turn the car off, the lights go off too. In order to be legal in some countries - you must be able to put the parking lights on (while parked - imagine that). The switch is there so you don't have to leave the car running.

Q: What is understeer?

A: Understeer is when the car plows into a corner. The wheels are turned, yet the car is still going straight.

Q: What is oversteer?

A: Oversteer is when the rear of the car swings outward towards the corner. This is also known as "tail out" and "fish tailing".

Q: What is Auto-X?

A: Auto-X or Autocross or "Solo2" is an event where you race around cones on pavement trying to beat the clock. It is a safe event where speeds only reach around 50+/- MPH, and only 1 car is on the course at the same time. You are required to have a car in good working order, and a helmet. No other "special gear" is required to run in an autocross.

Q: What is Rally-X?

A: Rally-X or Rallycross is pretty much the same as autocross - only on dirt. You have to navigate the course of cones in the rough. Rallycross is generally a little harder on your car because of the rocks and bumps, but it adds a bit more spice then flat pavement. Because of AWD, and good ground clearance, Subarus are well suited for rallycross.

Q: What is an Ice Race (or Ice Racing)?

A: Just like rallycross and autocross, Ice Racing is done one car at a time through a course of cones, only on a frozen lake. Because of the almost zero friction environment, drivers can learn to control their vehicle in adverse conditions with consistency. Learning this, can transfer to better emergency control on the road.

Q: What is a ProRally, TSD Rally, etc.

A: There are a couple different types of events that fall under the term "Rally". The first type is a ProRally - You may have seen one on Speedvision. It's a high speed timed event, where competitors battle to be the fastest car through the "stage". These cars are specifically setup to run in ProRally, with roll cages, 5 point harnesses, timing computers, etc. Most ProRally competitors don't use there "daily driver" to compete.

The second type is a TSD Rally. TSD (Time Speed Distance) Rallies are slower moving events where the object is not to get there first, but to be on time - every time. There are a series of unknown "checkpoints" along a planned route. With an odometer, and a watch - anyone can compete. Depending on the event you may be on dirt roads, or public rural roads, always traveling the speed limit.

Q: What is the SCCA?

Sports Car Club of America. They hold local and national events all over the country. Organizing autocross, rally events, etc. http://www.scca.org

Q: What are coilovers?

A: Coilovers are an adjustable spring (or coil) mounted over the dampener. Using a threaded collar - you can adjust the springs up or down on the strut. Raising or lowering the car, and changing the dampening effect.

Q: What is camber?

A: Camber is the angle of the wheels from top to bottom. The more negative camber - the more the top of the wheel is pointed towards the car. A degree or two of negative camber is good for hard turns as the outside wheel is angled to take the force of the corner and keep the car planted in the turn.

Q: What is toe?

A: Toe is the left right angle of the wheels. Sometimes the rear wheels of other cars are placed "toe in" to make the car more stable at high speeds. Where the left wheel is turned right a degree, and the right wheel is turned left a degree.

Q: What are camber plates?

A: Camber plates sit at the top of the strut, and allow the strut to be adjusted in several directions. Changing the attitude of the wheels. You will also see the term pillowball mounts used when discussing camber plates.

Q: What are pillowball mounts?

A: A pillowball mount is basically a ball bearing mounted in stiff rubber - or similar material. These sit on top of your struts, and allow the wheels, struts, and springs to turn when you steer the car.

Q: Why doesn't my car have the snorkel/silencer in the front passenger fender for the intake?

A: MY00 cars do not have this snorkel due to a completely different OEM intake design.

Q: When did the 2.5L engine switch over from DOHC to SOHC?

A: Previous to '99 all 2.5L were DOHC and the crankshaft thrust bearing was on the #3 main bearing. This caused a see-sawing at high rpm due to the 2.5's longer stroke (everything was seemingly fine on 2.0 and 2.2 motors using this design). In addition, the 97-98 DOHC 2.5L used a piston with no skirt, which looked a bit like a pancake. This was an attempt to get better mileage, but the result was broken ring lands and excessive piston slap, not to mention decreased durability under "modified" applications.

In MY99 Japanese engines went to the PhaseII design for all displacements, and on the north american market 2.5L this included a change to SOHC 'tumble port' cylinder heads. They also got rid of the skirtless pistons and reverted to a conventional design, and moved the crankshaft thrust bearing to the #5 main. Since they are built in Japan, MY99 Imprezas and Foresters have the PhaseII engine.

However, MY99 models built in Indiana have the older engine. In MY00 these models received the PhaseII engine. Remember this when scavenging junkyards for parts! Perhaps the cylinder heads would be of some use, but avoid the shortblock for the piston and crankshaft reasons listed above.

Q: What are these plastic clips on the rear deck behind the rear seat? Are they there for a seat harness?

A: Those are to strap baby seats to the seat securely. There has been debate on whether or not it will hold a seat harness well enough or not, but the concensus has been that they aren't strong enough.

Q: Why do I have so many point chips and scratches on my car?

A: Speculation has been that the factory puts on a somewhat-thin coat of paint and also a somewhat-thin layer of clear coat. Most people also have these problems, so you're not alone.

Q: I just put an intake on my MY98/MY99 and it feels very slow during high-rpm's. How come?

A: The MAS sensors have been known to misread at high rpm's when you put an intake on the car. The most common fix for this is to get an Apex'i S-AFC unit and add more fuel on the higher rpm's.

Q: Do I need to get an S-AFC if I put an intake on my MY00 Impreza?

A: Not necessarily. With the MAP sensor instead of the MAS, the car will run richer with an intake. This just hampers gas mileage slightly and may increase preformance a little less then if it was running perfectly, but you'll still get a large gain from it.

Q: Why are Impreza aftermarket parts more expensive then other car's aftermarket parts?

A: Because Imprezas are lower quantity run then other cars, so the parts that are made are of lower quantity and cost more to make in general.

Q: Is it ok to remove the hood scoop plug/vents?

A: The general consensus is that it is ok these vents are open on foreign versions of the car for functional purposes. you must remove the hood scoop in order for some front strut tower bars to fit. Some have chosen to replug the hole durring the winter or add screen to keep stuff out.

If you have the stock air filter, yes. If running with an aftermarket cone style filter, maybe. The K&N Filtercharger included with the Turn3 R&D Cold-Air Intake Kit and the JC Sports intake will suck water in from the passenger side vent and cause hesitation or engine damage under hard acceleration.

Q: What is detonation?

A: Detonation, or knock, or ping, is the spontaneous combustion of air/fuel mixture ahead of the flame front -- combustion by explosion rather than controlled burning

Q: What is a Trunkmonkey?

A: The Trunkmonkey concept had been floating around the labs for quite a while before anyone actually decided to implement it. Consisting solely of a trained monkey and a steady source of ice cold high-quality import ale or lager, the Trunkmonkey lives in the trunk of any Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Forester or SVX platform vehicle and helps to automate weight transfer at the rear wheels during spirited driving maneuvers. See http://www.trunkmonkey.com/ for more information.

Q: Does the Impreza OBS have special suspension?

A: Yes, the Impreza OBS already uses the same struts as the Impreza 2.5 RS but with a different spring package for extra clearance.

NASIOC Lingo

RBP - Rally Blue Pearl
SRP - Sedona Red Pearl
BRP - Blue Ridge Pearl
STM - SilverThorn Metallic
OBS - OutBack Sport (Impreza wagon)
MAS - Mass Airflow Sensor
MAP - Manifold Air Pressure (sensor)
ECU - Electionic Control Unit (computer)
ITC - Ignition Timing Controller
S-AFC - Super Air Fuel Controller
ALK - Anti-Lift Kit (also Castor Kit)
STI - Subaru Technical International
22B - Not an acronym, but a special model Impreza not released in the US.
WRX - Not an acronym, but basically a turbo 2.5 RS not available in the US.
GT2 - Gran Turismo 2 (driving game for Sony Playstation game console)
555 - A tabaco company that used to be a sponsor of Subaru World Rally Team
WOT - Wide open throttle.
TSB - Technical service bulletin
HUD - Heads-up display
PSI - Pounds per squair inch (measure of pressure)
DIFF - Differential
LSD - Limited slip differential
RPM - Revolution per minute
MPH - Miles Per Hour
JDM - Japanese domestic market
USDM - US domestic market

Q: I have a pre-MY00 Impreza and it won't go above 3000RPM in any gear or in neutral. What is wrong?

A: The car is in the "limp mode" due to the broken MAS.

Q: What is a limp mode?

A: Limp mode is a "safe mode" that the ECU goes into if it detects any malfunction in any of the sensor. The car is drivable in that mode, so that you can take it to a nearest Subaru dealer or authorized mechanic.

Q: I can feel my Impreza hesitating and power is surging if I try to accelerate in a smooth fashion.

A: You are experiencing a notorious hesitation problem. It happens due to the ECU retarding the timing. It does it, after hearing some noise with its knock sensor and misinterpreting it as detonation. There has been a TSB issued on this matter. It only applies to 97-98 Impreza with MT, though. The TSB # is 11-53-98. If your car is not covered under this TSB, try looking for a solution and more info on hesitation on this website: http://www.geocities.com/hobiegary/hesitation.htm.

Q: How I break in my new Impreza?

A: Keep the RPM's under 4000 and vary your engine speed for the first 1000 miles.

Q: What is a sway bar and what does it do?

A:

Q: What us a strut bar and what does it do?

A: Strut bar is 

 

Brakes

Q: When people say 4 pot breaks, what are they referring to?

A: 4 pot brakes simply means that each break caliper has 4 pistons that push the break pad against the brake rotor.

Q: Can I fit JDM WRX Spec 4 pot breaks on my USDM Impreza?

A: Yes, you can. It is a simple bolt on procedure.

Q: What is break fade?

A: Brake fade occures when the break rotor and the break pad overheat and you loose your breaks.

Q: What is rotor warping?

A: When the rotors cool down very fast from a very high temperatures, the rotors loose their original shape and warp. It is due to the same reason why a very hot glass will shatter if you pour cold water on it.

Q: What do stainless steel break lines do and are they worth getting?

A: Stainless steel lines simply do not expand like the stock rubber hoses under extreme pressure when you press your break pedal. When the rubber hose expands, you waste some of the pressure in your breaking system and therefore loose some break system performance.

Q: Can I fit larger brake rotors to use with my stock calipers?

A: No. Generally, you cannot use any larger diameter rotors, because from the factory the rotors come as big as they can be.

Q: What are vented brake rotors?

A: Vented brake disks are hollow on the inside. They look like a sandwich and allow air go inside of them, therefore cooling them off. Remember, the cooler your brakes are, the better braking performance you get.

Q: What are slotted rotors?

A: Slotted rotors have slots on their surface. These slots provide additional surface area which help dissipate heat better and also clean  the pads. The rotors can cast slotted or slotted after they were made. Cast slotted rotors tend to last longer and be more cracking and warping resistant.

Q: What are cross drilled rotors?

A: Cross drilled rotors have numerous holes drilled in them in a variety of different patterns. These holes help the rotors to cool better and weight less. Just like the slotted rotors, they can be cast drilled or drilled afterwards. In general, cross drilled rotors tend to warp and crack fast that plain or slotted brake rotors.

Q: What is a master cylinder bracket and what does it do?

A: The brake master cylinder is mounted on the drivers side firewall and has your brake pedal connecting to it. Under extreme use, the stock skinny mounting bracket bends and you loose some of the break pedal feel. Getting a thicker and stronger brake master cylinder bracket will eliminate that.

Q: What is the difference between different types of brake pads?

A: It all comes down to what the pads are made of and the temperature at which they perform the best. Street pads are made of a softer material and they work well at lower temperatures and do not require any warm up time. They are perfect for eveyday driving. For weekend racers, semi-race pads are their choice. They are made of harder material and perform well at offer both low and temperatures. And finally, the racing pads offer the best high temperature performance but they do require to be warmed up before working well. Remember, that street pads will cause brake sooner than the semi-racing and racing pads.

Q: What is brake bleeding and how do I do that?

A: To bleed the brakes means to flush your brake system fluid with new brake fluid. Sometimes, brakes need to be bled if you suspect that you have air in your braking system. To learn how to bleed the brakes, please follow this link.

Q: Can I use Impreza spec. exhaust system on a Forester?

A: Although the chassis are the same, and the Impreza exhaust will bolt on onto the Forester, you will melt the rear bumper cover as the tip positioning and length are different.

Q: Can I use Impreza rear sway bar on the Forester.

A: Yes, although they are slightly different shape.

Q: What is the difference between the horsepower at the flywheel and at the wheels?

A: At the flywheel horsepower is always higher than the wheel horsepower. When the power is being transferred from the engine to the wheels, so of the power gets wasted in the drivetrain moving parts, such as the transmission and differentials. So, the wheel horsepower is the power that actually made it to the wheels. Remember, AWD cars have a higher horsepower loss in the drivetrain than the FWD or RWD car. AT transmissions loose more horsepower than the manual transmissions due to the increased number of moving parts.

Q: How does a