James N

iTrader: (10)

Hi everyone,
I have a '96 2000 turbo, and i noticed a '98 model today and the front end looked much better on the later model. I think some of it was down the the grille having the single mesh opening compared to my slat-type grille, but the headlights looked a lot different, a lot squarer.
Is it possible to fit those lights & grille to my '96 model? Am i right in thinking the headlights were different from '97 onwards?
Thanks,
James

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

The Impreza was facelifed, so has different bonnet, lights, grilles, and front bumper. Along with interior and a few other bits and bobs. Has different intercooler, coil pack instead of individual coils.

You can swap just the lights with a grille but there will be gaps, you change the bonnet too and it will fit a lot better with no gaps.

I`ve left mine prefacelift, as there aren`t a great deal around compared to later ones.

Prefacelift





Facelift.

James N

iTrader: (10)

That excellent mate, very helpful. Thanks for that
The facelift dash looks a lot nicer too doesnt it?!
James

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Don't be tempted, the facelifts got an electronic speedo in 97/8 and it's a PITA to redo all the loom.

BLU

iTrader: (27)

To confuse matters theres also the full facelift which is as above but with a different front bumper, crystal type headlights/fogs and larger grille! (and other minor detail changes....)

James N

iTrader: (10)

Hmm.. Thats all a bit confusing then. I much prefer the facelifted grille/headlights, but not sure i can be bothered to change the bonnet etc..
Maybe if i decide i want a carbon bonnet i'll get a facelift one.
Blu, are the 'full facelift' parts, eg lights, grille etc, interchangable with the facelift model in the pic Jimbob posted?
Need to figure out what bits i'll need if i can be bothered to do this conversion!
Thanks guys,
James

BLU

iTrader: (27)

If you're currently pre-facelift then there are a few ways to do this.

Firstly you can just fit facelift headlights and grille, however there will be some 'gappage' between the headlight and bonnet. Its also a tight fit to get to the catch to open the bonnet.

Secondly you could fit the bonnet, lights and grille the same as the blue one above. This means you keep your existing bumper.

Or go the full hog and fit the bumper, grille, bonnet, lights as per the red one.

There are two shapes of bonnet, Facelift and pre-facelift.
There are two shapes of bumpers, Facelift and pre-facelift.
3 different grilles, Facelift (as on the red one) early facelift (as on the blue one) and pre-facelift (as on the silver one)
There are 3 types of headlight Facelift (crystal, red car) Facelift (non-crystal, blue car) and pre-facelift (silver car).

Facelift headlights whether crystal or not are the same shape and size and are interchangeable with either facelift grille and either facelift or pre-facelift bumper.

Wings and sidelights are the same fitment on all classics.

HTH

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Just done my bumper and grill last May to full facelift. Being as how it's got an FMIC, it wasn't an easy job.

BLU

iTrader: (27)

I'm humming and harring doing mine too. I have the bumper and grille just need to make my mind up.........

James N

iTrader: (10)

Blu, that's excellent, that's a lot
Alcazar, what was tricky about it? I'm a mechanic, but I HATE bodywork, just don't seem to have the patience for it!

BLU

iTrader: (27)

Theres nothing tricky if you don't have a Front Mount Intercooler.
If you do the bumper needs trimming so it fits!

James N

iTrader: (10)

Oh I see, misread that then! Yeah I know FMIC's can be a bit of a pain, my old skyline one was a right pig to fit!

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

There is a third way, JUST to change the headlights and grille and it will look like this.

James N

iTrader: (10)

That's answered my next question! I thought just doing that would leave gaps? They both look good.
Any idea what splitter is on that blask one? I like that a lot!

Micheru

Interesting, tempted to fit a facelift grille to mine, everything is pre-facelift the moment, not sure I want to do the headlights or bumper yet. I'm guessing there'll be no gaps with just the grille?

James N

iTrader: (10)

I'm not sure the grille will fit without the lights? However before i was told about all this i actually bought a facelift grille so if you wait a few days until it turns up i'll try it and let you know!

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

That is a JUN splitter same as I have on mine.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Subaru-Imp...#ht_2564wt_905

The gaps will be above the headlights, as the prefacelift ones are more curved and slightly taller, so there will be a slight gap but does it matter??

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Fitting a facelift grille leaves gaps along it's outer edges between headlight and grille.

Not sure it'll fit properly with pre-facelift bonnet

James N

iTrader: (10)

I think the pics Jimbob posted are pre facelift bumper & bonnet with facelift grille & lights?

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

Yep they are, think there will be some gaps but due to them being smoked black so you can`t notice.

As long as you like who cares??

lollu

I agree with james N

alcazar

iTrader: (2)

Nothing like digging up an old thread, LOL