Is it version 3 for a Feb 1 1997 model? Just I need to order a few bits, crankshaft oil seal is the first major spend out with having to get a mechanic to do it.

I take it all things like cambelts etc are the same across the range on an sti? Just the internals are different to a wrx.

Many thanks

 

Thats not quite the straight question that you think. The 1997 model year cars were manufactured from September 1996 until September 1997 (approximately). From then, the 1998 MY cars were built. Because of this a '1997 STI' can be either a V3 or a V4. The easiest way to be sure is to look at the Applied Model Number which is embossed under the chassis number on the build plate, on the near side inner wing. GC8D4ED is a MY97 STI (4ED is an STI Type-RA) and GC8E4ED is a MY98.

Simon

 

If it is a 97 STi it should be version 3. These have a coil pack mounted on top of the inlet manifold. Version 2 cars had individual coil packs on each plug.
Version 5 and 6 cars are the same. M/Y 99 and 00.
Version 3 and 4 cars are generally the same M/Y 97 and 98.
Version 1 and 2 cars are generally the same but with some changes M/Y 93-96.
There are various differences between the STi and WRX and UK cars.

 

Simon as he says in his post it has a build date of 97/02, that makes it a version 3 therefore the turbo is a VF23.

Banny

 

As you can see, I didnt read it properly.... That said: how can you know the build date? Ive barely even thought about Imprezas for well over a year, but Im sure that mine doesnt have a build date on the build plate. The date of first use from the certificate of deregistration cant be relied upon to indicate the date of manufacture. Ive imported a C1 that was first used in 1997 in Japan.....

 

As far as seals & stuff for the engine goes, as long as you've got the right version, it makes no difference whether it's STi or WRX or UK Turbo. The main difference in STi vs others is the pistons and heads. The rest is the same.