Not So Typical
DIME’S 1999 SUBARU IMPREZA GC8.
For as long as I could remember, I’ve always been kind of a geek when it comes to cars. In the years before I was even legally allowed to drive, I could instantly tell what car I was hearing or what kind of engine it was just by the sound of its drive-by. Because of the fact that I’ve pretty much been a car enthusiast way before I could understand how a clutch works or how much steering input a turn might need, the sound of the engine has probably been my ultimate driving factor. With that being said, the infamous 4 cylinder boxer engine from Subaru comes to no surprise when we talk about recognizable exhaust notes.
I could always identify when an STI would drive by from its deep rumble that I considered to be so pleasing to the ears. Because of this, it’s always been a car that would catch my attention just from the sound of it driving by or even idling. I’ve always taken notice of the STI’s on the road, and to my surprise there are tons out here in Canada as compared to how it was back home in Asia. This one in particular though, really caught my attention; since I haven’t seen a single GC8 here — especially not built like this.
This is Dime’s 1999 Subaru Impreza GC8, and I think it has been given the identity it deserves here in Canada. For the average Canadian, the Subaru badge and the STI badge is a pretty common thing. It’s an amazing car that really does make sense to own here, especially with harsh winters every year that leaves some enthusiasts no choice but to store their cars for the season. This on the other hand, is no average STI that can be seen roaming the streets of Toronto often.
Having been introduced first in 1992, the Impreza has now been around for 30 years. For three consecutive years starting in 1995, it has won the manufacturers’ championship proving to the world that Subaru has the capacity to engineer capable and heart raising all wheel drive machines.
While Dime’s GC8 looks like the ones we’ve seen that dominated the rally scene with the infamous blue and gold livery, it didn’t always start off that way. Since North America didn’t see the WRX or STI version of the GC8 in the 90’s, this car started as a regular Impreza with the 2.5L NA single cam engine.
Once we pop the hood, you can quickly tell it no longer runs the stock engine of the Impreza. You will see the EJ207 motor which was derived from the JDM bugeye STI which was made between 2000 - 2003. For the Subaru lovers, this one in particular is the Version 7 EJ207 Spec C which had better heads and was later offered in the Version 8 and up.
The transmission stayed stock with the 5 speed manual transmission, as he prefers the lighter weight and the gearing over the 6 speed. On top of this, the 5 speed is cost friendly when it needs a replacement so that makes for a good daily driver beating.
The look of the car from the front end is beefy and it does a great job at reminding you that this car can perform under harsh road conditions with the help of the AWD system. The hood adds so much character due to the molded vented hood that was fabricated by himself.
For aero, the car has the STI bumpers, full aero Doluck side skirts, with carbon canards in the front that was actually taken from an Evo, which does such a great job at giving the right amount of punch when this thing pulls up behind you. The lights are derived from the JDM version, with a spoiler and WRC carbon mirrors to top off the body kit with important details that satisfy the added aggressiveness of the body.
The car sits well on Cygnus Performance X-1 coilovers, and handles even better with the help of upgraded sway bars, Cusco undercarriage braces, TSS fab tubular frames, and poly bushings everywhere. With a car capable of driving hard in harsh road conditions, it’s only right that the suspension is upgraded for the driver’s experience and steering response to feel much more stiff and precise.
Of course, with a JDM spec rally car, you really cannot go wrong with a set of OG TE37’s. Dime wanted to go wide and run 18x9.5+12, and added fender flares to compensate for the added width. Again, plus points on beefy status.
With the EJ207 being a solid motor as is, Dime took the extra step to have factory forged internals and full bolt-ons, with a large front mounter intercooler ready to take in as much air as possible.
Inside, you will find a Vertex steering wheel while getting the old school 90’s JDM ambience of course, with added gauges with bright and vibrant blues and reds that remind me of the 2 Fast 2 Furious days. On the drivers side is a Charge Speed carbon kevlar seat, and on the passenger side are STI seats for better comfort.
The interior gives me a very nostalgic feel that I can’t quite explain. I think it’s the plain, black, outdated infotainment system and knobs, paired with LED lights and vibrant colors that make you forget about the tech flooded cars that come out today. I’m not saying that tech is bad, in fact, it’s amazing. But I love to be able to look back at the days before things like touch response mattered to me in order access the GPS, change the music, or even turn on my heated seats.
The GC8 is something that I’ve only really seen predominantly in video games and old automotive magazines. The iconic blue paint with gold livery in the rally races were easy to distinguish, and dominance of the Subaru brand in the rally scene has left a stamp and helped the brand continue to evolve.
You can find Dime on Instagram: @ragretsti if you want to see more of this rare build.