pedroartois

I've been looking through the forums to try to identify my subaru but I can't find anything relating to the GC8GK8D model number shown on the id plate. How would I identify what model my really car is? Incidently, I have entered the VIN in some online checks and it says it's an invalid number but it's on the V5C document and on both id plates.

Neutral Cruiser

Looks like an MY2000 WRX. I expect you've got a W Reg WRX import 280ps as standard. Are you sure that's a 'K'. Think it should be a '4'

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

That applied model code comes up as an RB5 on google.

pedroartois

It was first registered 14.04.1999 on a 'T' plate as an Impreza Turbo 2000 AWD and has WRX and STI badges. Does this mean it could be dodgy?

Neutral Cruiser

It's not an STi. If someone has put STi stickers on it it just means they've put STi stickers on it. If theyare 'selling' it as an STi then they are dodgy.

pedroartois

Checked it twice and it's a 'K' for sure

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

The car is a UK Subaru Impreza RB5 limited edition, the car should be a steel grey colour with blue black suede interior.

Neutral Cruiser

GC8G means it was made after September 1999. As for the K, i haven't got a single model type listed for any import since time began.
Which backs up what banny is saying. Is that what you're car looks like?

pedroartois

mine is dark blue I'll post some pics of it.

Neutral Cruiser

So is it an RB5 onto which some twit has added STi stickers? Something tells me no-one would be that stupid...

Neutral Cruiser

I recon you've got a WRX. That 'K' is strange but i think you have a 280 ps JDM WRX. (NON-STi)

RoRu

It's definitely not an RB5 if it dark blue, it got to be a GC8G48D MY00 WRX as Neutral Cruiser suggests.

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

If the rev counter is in the middle, then it is a wrx but if the rev counter redlines at 8000rpm and has STI printed on it then it is an STI.

pedroartois

The rev counter is on the right and the red line is at 7000rpm and it tops out at 8000rpm the dial is white but doesn't say STI on it.

pedroartois

I've jus taken a photo of the ID plate and it's deffinately a 'K' this is all getting confusing and somewhat worrying.

MY00PPP

Following taken from the SIDC website on how to translate the VIN number....

The 7 digit "applied model" code found on the vehicle identification plate inside the engine bay is decoded in the following way.

1. Series code G=Impreza S=Forester B=Legacy etc.
2. Body type F=Wagon C=Sedan
3. Engine type 8=2.0L Turbo
4. Year code A=MY93 B=MY94 C=MY95&96 D=MY97 (facelift) E=MY98 F=MY99 G=MY00
5. Number of doors 2=2 door coupe 4=4 door saloon 5=5 door wagon/hatch
6. Model type 8=WRX 7=RA type E=Sti D=Sti Type R & RA
7. Transmission D=5 Speed Manual AWD P=4 Speed Automatic AWD

Hope that sheds some light...?

pedroartois

I've found a site at http://www.iwoc.co.uk/ukcode.html that lists the same model number as mine but the engine code and color code are different, the other codes are the same. I'm guessing that it's a MY99 WRX that someone has stuck STI badges on. Still a bit confused by the year code tho.

banny sti

iTrader: (68)

All UK cars have the rev conuter on the right and they redline at 7000rpm and go up to 8000rpm.

From what i can tell you have a MY99 uk car. Not an import wrx or sti.

Heple

You've definatly got a MY99 UK Turbo. Exact same model number as mine just checked.

Neutral Cruiser

Someone has stuck STi stickers on it because they think it will make it faster - wouldn't be my choice, but it's not uncommon. You have nothing to worry about except whether it's ok mechanically. If it is then everythings cool. It redlines at 7000rpm. An STi of this year redlines at 8000rpm which is why so many people have to rebuild the bottom end. The crank really isn't sufficient for the amount of power output and speed of revolution, even with cars that have had the oil dropped alot. I would say only 25-35% of STi's make it through half-life without needing to have this expensive work done.
You have all the information you need to put your mind at rest on the matter. So what if there's a K in it. I once had a WRX that i had to sell registered as a 'GL' - again not that uncommon but it scares the timewasters away who don't know what the **** the're talking about. Just enjoy it.

scoobysmiff

iTrader: (2)

as heple says m8, i just checked mine and it's an MY99 same as mine

adza86

Sorry to bring up an old post. I've spent hours researching this as I have the exact same model number and the VIN does not check out...

My car is also badged as an STI, this is driving me nuts. I dont believe this is a coincidence.

Has anyone worked this out yet?

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

You have a UK car then imo.
The VIN should be 17 digits for a UK car and only 9 (i think)for an import

I'm guessing it's a classic shaped car?

adza86

Yeah it is, with STI badges/Momo steering etc... no one I know can work this out. more to the point, who would bring a WRX from the UK to Australia? and the chances that they are both mock ups..

Is it possible it's a UK Sti?

adza86

I'm clutching at straws hahaha

myblackwrx

iTrader: (1)

There are no UK STIs (as far as i know) in the classic shape.
UK cars had no rear wiper.
How about posting some shots of the car(exterior and interior)?

adza86

Pictures by adza86 - Photobucket

Apologies for the crap photos was in a rush, picked up the car less then a week ago so please try and ignore the rice!

Havent had a chance to de-rice it yet

adza86

FYI- Has no rear wiper!

happydude303

iTrader: (1)

there is one thing for sur it is not an sti the intercooler looks like what you would get on a wrx or a uk spec and there are no badges on the front wings that say sti

adza86

I do expect it to turn out to not be an STI, but I'd love to be certain...

None of this makes much sense but I'm pretty convinced it is a UK version