Just bought what I hope is an 96 STI, but log book says WRX, car has a strut brace but not STI strut brace, has red painted engine but this is flaking off, has STI badges, but how can i tell if this is really an sti?

Check on the SIDC web site with your serial code on your VIN plate (near side inner wing) they list all the relavent years/models etc.
I did the same thing to confirm mine was!

Not sure how to give you the web address but use a search engine.

see here

Dan:D

is the model code either:

GC8D4ED

or

GC8E4ED

if its just a WRX it will be

GC8C48D

or

GC8D48D




[Edited by dhorwich - 3/24/2003 6:02:34 PM]

Thanks for your help guys, found out it is an sti 2, had my doubts though, cheers

I've not come across a red-top STi2 before. Thought they came in with the phase 2 engine?

I was under the impression that only the original run of STI cars didn't have the red manifold - mine certainly doesn't. I'm sure V2 onwards did.

My STi2 doesn't, nor does my d1ppers car.

I definatly have a red manifold, flaky but still on there, seems like some do and some dont reading your posts on the subject.
Long as its an sti i dont care what version it is, just wanted to make sure i did not pay over the odds for a standard wrx as lovely as they are of course.