hi people as a newbie and looking for my first impreza i was hoping someone could help me. i keep hearing about the red top engines and was wondering what difference it was to say a wrx engine.also the short engine(what difference does this have) i would be grateful of help.
cheers
scott

 

Right then, the red top engines refer to the red manifold on jap imported STi's, thats the easiest was to tell the differance between that and a UK car or a WRX
The short engine I think refers to just the actual block, no manifold, turbo, radiator etc etc just the block and pistons n rods.
Anyone wanna correct me here??

Marx

 

UK STIs also have red inlet manifold.....

 

thanks for the relys so i guess the red top engine is the sti uk and import
cheers
scott

 

The "Red top" STi engine you refer to is the red crackle finish on the inlet manifold on JDM STi's and current Type UK's.

The STi engines are "Blue Printed" and have steel crankshafts and forged pistons as well as a different ECU with higher rev limit than WRX's (approx 750rpm higher IIRC).

However, this is not a fail safe method of STi spotting, as early STi's (Version 1 and some 2's I believe) did not have the red crackle finish.

Also, some older engines may have lost some of the colour by now. Especially if they are regularily jet-washed.

Hope this helps.