[Signatus230]

Mmm, these cars are awesome! I am in no way biased, of course.

Performance: Stock, although it is the top of the line Impreza for those years (166 HP/ 166 Torque at the crank) the AWD kinda destroys the power from the engine via drivetrain loss. Like Renegade said, most small engine mods, will net you very little, it is noticeable, but not in a significant way.

Handling: Stock, they are pretty good. I mean of course they are AWD (50% front, 50% rear) and you can take corners are much better speeds then most cars that aren't AWD. Stock for stock, that is where these cars are much better then most, is in the corners.

Reliability: As always it depends on the previous owners, whether they abused it, or just DD, or highway miles, etc... the engines are all the same design, horizontally opposed 4 cylinders, from the first Impreza in 93 - Current. There are some things to watch out for, mainly just valve covers gaskets, headgaskets etc... but in truth they aren't hard to change.

Aftermarket: There are a ton of places that sell parts for these cars, again like Renegade said they are the WRX's and STi's from 93-00. Most noticeable upgrades are like coilovers, sways, and some good ole new rubber for the tyres (lol).

Swap: Ah yes... this is where I am at right now... I must say if you do your research it should be fine, but if you are going to swap, make sure you have a DD, or at least 2 months of time where you will not need your car at all. There are issues that I have run into so far, some my fault, some that are confusing, but I guess I could say I am taking my time with it.

There are 2 different categories of swaps:
- OBD1 Engines (when put into a 98-01 RS, your car will NOT pass emissions)
- OBD2 Engines (Car will pass emissions fine)


OBD1 Engines: These are the JDM engines, usually the cheapest, and to some degree, relatively easy to acquire. Venders on RS25.com get these engines in every 3-6 months. Now they will not pass inspection because the main reason is Japan was smart, and didn't have many restrictions and codes for emissions in cars.

OBD2 Engines: Are basically USDM engines, though there are some JDM engines Ver. 7 STi and Ver 8 Sti, that are ODB2 and will pass emissions. (Ver 5/6 are rumored to pass emissions, but I have yet to see a convincing fact on that).

JDM Engines: Since they had somewhat more of a free reign then we did in the US, these engines are making more power at the crank then the current USDM WRX and Sti engines.
For example: The engine I am putting in my car is a Version 3 WRX engine (base model, TD04 Turbo, catless uppipe which comes standard) These engines have been known to make about 250 HP / 240 HP at the crank.
Now take TROLL's old WRX engine: Stock it was making around 225 to the crank.

USDM engines: People say the parts are "easier to find" for these engines, and in some ways it is true, in others, its not. Gaskets, bolts, intake manifolds... turbo's, they are all universal. Of course these engines will pass inspection, the JDM one won't.


Hope that helps.