What exactly is my Subaru Impreza "WRX"?

[M@H]

Ok so my subaru is a WRX, thats what it says on all the paperwork. It was imported from Japan in 1997 "as new" (despite having a few miles on it (3k odd)) and is on a UK 1997 plate (classic shape with 3 recesses beside the front foglights). It has a "later" style dash, the high back sports seats and as far as I can tell, the smaller turbo (..and it really shifts too, better than the UK cars I drove!). Oh and the previous owner told me it was 260bhp which I took with a fair pinch of salt, however he was a mechanic in the car trade. (also bear in mind though he had added a full H&S de-cat pipe and exhaust, and some people do make rediculous claims about what that "adds" to BHP)

What confuses me though is the Badging. It doesn't have a Constellation badge on the front (and the back is completely plain, not even S U B A R U on it), all it has is an Itallic i on a dark greeny/inky black background as the front Oval badge.

Can anyone tell me exactly what it is.?

Cheers,
Matt.

Edited by M@H on Friday 7th July 14:53

[cptsideways]

Post me pictures

[M@H]

I'll bung some up here over the w/e, cheers

[AndyB_WRX]

Sounds to me like you have a normal JDM WRX, its the base model for Japan as they don't have sport or 2000 turbo like we do. 260bhp sounds about right although I would expect it to have the larger TD05 turbo as I don't think the JDM cars had the TD04. Only UK models had S U B A R U written on the back as far as I know and yours should have a rear wiper unlike UK cars.

Hope that helps, I think its all accurate

[M@H]

AndyB_WRX said:

Sounds to me like you have a normal JDM WRX, its the base model for Japan as they don't have sport or 2000 turbo like we do. 260bhp sounds about right although I would expect it to have the larger TD05 turbo as I don't think the JDM cars had the TD04. Only UK models had S U B A R U written on the back as far as I know and yours should have a rear wiper unlike UK cars.

Hope that helps, I think its all accurate

Ok so how do I tell if its the smaller or larger turbo..? ..and yes I have the rear wiper (and the electric retraction mirrors, & tilt and height adjustable drivers seat, white dials, and the MOMO steering wheel)

Cheers
Matt

[Norbert500]

read the writing on the turbo compressor casting?
Chances are you have an early MY98 car.

[M@H]

I guess you're right, it must just be an early "late model" classic. I was just a bit confused by this badge:

Edited by M@H on Monday 10th July 20:26