This 1998 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS is a clean example that is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L flat-four swapped from a 2003 WRX. The seller purchased the car in 2008 and installed the more powerful boxer engine in 2010, which distributes power to all four wheels through the factory 5-speed manual transmission. Modifications to the suspension and brakes were added at the same time, and the interior has been refurbished with WRX details. Engine upgrades are said to provide STI-level horsepower and torque, though the car weighs about 500 lbs. less than a second generation Impreza. Cosmetic alterations include Version 6 front aerodynamics, clear indicators, and gold 17″ Konig alloys. The car is described as pulling strong with good handling characteristics, and is being sold with a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name.

The 2.5 RS was the predecessor to the NA WRX and was given the WRX name in Japan and Europe during its production. The black paint was reapplied by the seller shortly after purchase in 2008. The finish looks nice overall with normal wear, though minor peeling can be seen around some trim pieces and fading is noted on the roof. The passenger fender has damage from tire rub and shows some cracking on the quarter wheel lip. The car has no history of any accidents or body repairs per the seller.

The seller has enhanced the exterior with several modifications that make for a more aggressive appearance than the stock setup. Clear side markers, turn signals, and corners have been added, along with front JDM aeroguards, a V5/6 front bumper, and a V6 grille and front lip. Fog covers have been installed and the side skirts were painted to match the body color. The white grille badge looks good against the black exterior, and the glass has been tinted.

The rear of the car looks equally stealthy with the Subaru badges removed. Additionally, the seller has added JDM Rear spats/aerogaurds and JDM taillights. All of the lights are said to work as they should, and the glass is free of cracks or any significant nicks.

Suspension upgrades include a Whiteline 22mm front swaybar and a Helix 20-24mm adjustable rear swaybar, Kartboy rear endlinks, and ISC Suspension N1 coilover shocks. The brakes have also been upgraded with ISC six-piston units up front, and Nissan two-pots out back. The brakes are said to have some shaking when slowing down from freeway speeds, and the seller suspects slightly warped rotors.

The stock wheels have been substituted with gold 17″ Konig Feather alloys that are attached with Drop Engineering extended lugs. The wheels wear 225/45 Cooper Zeon RS3-A tires that show substantial tread left.

The black interior looks sharp and has been refurbished by the seller with front and rear WRX seats from a 2005 model. The driver’s seat has some normal wear evident, but there are no rips or tears. A Cobb shift knob has been added, and a Nardi 330mm deep corn wheel has been installed with a Works bell hub and NRG quick release.

A Zealous Interiors kit rounds out the rest of the upholstery and carpet modifications with sewn carpets in the cabin and trunk, alcantara door panels and shift boot, and red stitching on the shifter boot, e-brake boot, and armrest cover. The seller notes that the front alcantara door panel pieces have faded and shrunk a bit, however the factory fabric remains intact and in good condition underneath. Black STI floormats protect the carpet underneath. An Alpine CDA-105 head unit has replaced the stock radio and is said to function properly.

A V4 Euro model gauge cluster was swapped out of a ROW 2.5RS when the engine was installed so that the tach redline would match that of the engine. The speedometer still reads in mph. The air conditioning system was removed during the engine swap, and the front windshield defrost is not working.

The engine swap was performed in 2010 with a motor from a 2003 WRX. The EJ205 turbocharged 2.0L had been driven 49k miles previous to the installation and has been driven 31k miles since. The odometer reads just over 111k miles. The seller has installed numerous additional performance mods to the engine that include:

Blouch Evo3 16g Turbo

Tial 38mm Wastegate

Fiveomotorsports 1000cc injectors

STI Top Mount Intercooler

BPM GT Catless Turbo Back 3″ Exhaust

Grimmspeed EWG Up Pipe

SPT Intake

Gimmick Motorsports Turbo Inlet

Walbro 255 Fuel Pump

ACT HD Clutch

ACT Streetlight Flywheel

TGV Deletes

The seller reports that the engine runs strong and the car handles well, though a leaking valve cover gasket leaves a quarter-sized spot on the ground after sitting for a day or two. Furthermore, he notes that some oil also drips onto the headers, causing visible smoke until it burns off after a couple minutes as the headers reach operating temps. Overall the car is in good condition with many expensive performance modifications, and would make for spirited driver.