Was Impreza 22B STI better than Any Other STI? How to Identify a Genuine 22B STI | JDM Masters

[@ΔημήτρηςΣπανοδήμος]

In 2002 I was offered one for 63.000 euros. I drove it and it was really a stunning car. Despite that and although I knew from the beginning that I would eventually regret it I chose to buy instead a new evo VII, for the same price. You see I wanted to build a 500 hp monster, which I did. Two years later the evo caught fire because of a mulfuncion on fuel injector and me anf my wife had i really narrow escape. Now I have a bugeye wrx sti and in my sleep I see 22b's laughing at me. Greetings from Greece, japanese jdm forever.

[@adrianguixiang258]

obviously you know A LOT about jdm cars, yet u carry on so humble, great channel, great contents. keep up the good work ..!

[@boogiestreet594]

what?? so people who know alot about a certain subject are assholes? lol but THIS guy just happens to be humble! haha

[@juanshelby9755]

I was there a few weeks ago, they let me sit inside the car. It’s smells brand new!

[@JYYP-jz7qq]

Pablo Pascoll seems like the layout changes every time... last time I went there they had blocking line and said do not touch but this time there’s no line and stuff.

[@juanshelby9755]

Jake Yeh the place was was dead, even the gift shop was closed. We got to sit inside all the vehicles on display and take photos with the trophies 😁

[@JYYP-jz7qq]

Juan Shelby yeah I agree... I mean place is an hour away train and bus ride from Tokyo city Centre only hard core Subaru fans would take the hassle to go there

[@Moto_Medics]

Lucky duck man.... I’d be scared to get in but couldn’t resist if offered!

[@DJNADJIBBeatz]

golden channel., can't thank you enough JDM Masters for the awesome content, it's very professional and informative. Keep it up! will always support your channel!

[@MrXtrodinaire]

Still trying to wrap my head around how and why the version 4 STi was faster on a straight line and on track

[@zoomzabba452]

Weight makes sense, however, it wasn't much.

[@EC-ol8nz]

Zoomzabba The engine deck was different. The piston heads are smaller and lighter on the RA. The ramp up time for the small RA piston heads is quicker. The Ra was always lighter. It makes a small difference. I had a gc8 2.5na modded. Several times raced a GDB STi USA. Weight would slow the GDB down so I could keep up. On turns and sweeps I would pass but on 1/5 and 1/4 mile straights he would kill me.

[@gcKukie]

the gentleman's agreement stopped them from making it have more power, but that doest stop tuners from unlocking those ponies they stashed in there

[@twincammikev]

@@gcKukie 22b had about 340hp from factory..

[@Miiikeru]

The 22b is essentially a stroked 2.2L Type R with a closed deck block so it would be much faster once you unlock its potential (still absurdly overpriced though 'cause limited). If you were to tune/lightly modify both, the 22b would be able to reach much higher levels. But even then, you could make a monster Type R with a fraction of the cost.

[@aaronsempa5820]

I love this. In depth history being presented. Such content has been hard to come by. A big thank you to this page.

[@pepps8711]

The 22b Style Bumper for the narrow gc8 is called "WRC Sports Bumper". Great video as always.

[@K1ng1995]

A few years ago I actually ran into the Funimation English Voice of Bunta Fujiwara *Kent Williams* at the airport in Dallas. Kent Williams also voices Supreme Kai in the Dragon Ball Franchise and The Elric Brother's Father in FullMetal Alchemist Series.

[@-E.G.]

Can't wait to see the review on Junya R30! 🙌🙌

[@OG-Silesian]

My favourite Subaru. And not just out of the Imprezas, of ALL Subarus. This thing is so beautiful

[@RodrinBird]

Dude.. your content is better than watching an episode of TopGear. Awesome video!

[@johnn1250]

Thank you. This is probably the most accurate video describing the 22B. I've had many arguments saying what you have said. The only thing I wish that was included was showing the VIN to prove the 22B has the model code GC8, but I can understand the gallery/museum policies. Great video!

[@visionenippon-captbradford9344]

John Nowak Thank you John. After making the video I realised that I missed out on a couple small but Important details that fans of the car want. For example the closed engine block from the early EJ20 engines. The side fender emblem is made of titanium. There were more than 400 made. 24 for export. Regarding the VIN plate and official registration nomenclature. All Impreza WRX sedan and coupe including STI models had the chassis code - GC8. As long as they were produced on the factory line. The 22B was manufactured by taking it out of the factory line for modification and crafting to the rear fenders. And since this was essentially minor ‘coach building’ the automobile regulations required it to carry the extras suffix of ‘Kai’ 改. This in Japanese means ‘modify, reform or changed’. In Japan if you swap engine to a different one or extensive alter the body length of width, which is what the 22B is. A wide body version of a standard car, this ‘Kai’ must be applied to the vehicle registration code. On a 22B VIN plate the Applied model will say : GC8E2SD. And Engine Type: EJ22GDW7PR

[@wattpilot]

I might be biased, while the 22B is seen as the 'holy grail' for Subaru, for rawness, value for money. agility, 'chuckability' and the like, in my mind you can't go past the original 1995 Impreza WRX STI RA Version ("1"). First generation lightweight (1200kg) STI and RA spec. 1 of 500. Always a clue when the designer of the WRX (Akira Teshima) has one and a 22B. Seem to be so under-rated in original form. Stripped back, purposeful 🙂

[@liberty0758]

Hidden gem of automotive channels dedicated to iconic Japanese cars. Would like to see tours of some used cars dealerships full of WRX STIs, EVOs, Skylines, Type Rs...

[@Shakeem]

Your love and knowledge for JDM is mind blowing 🤯

[@GordonFreeman.]

As a true Subaru nerd (only ever owned Imprezas, 2 wrx, and 3 STI) this video is amazingly detailed. Thank you for making it, your passion really shows. I agree as well, it is sad to think the days of OEM performance part catalogues are coming to an end.

[@JudauAshta33]

While there are aftermarket companies making a 22B style narrowbody front bumper, Bunta's car was a Ver.V Sports Edition, which did come with a Subaru piece from the factory. From what I've found the actual bumper is extremely rare, though. These also had the red plastic trim and black and red shift knob you can see in some shots in Initial D as well.

[@visionenippon-captbradford9344]

Peter Sohl The STI Sports bumper was a dealer option that did not come out from the factory. People could basically fit that to any GC model Impreza even non WRX ones. Yes. They are rare.

[@aomaggots-]

I effing love this series.

[@jayanthony2342]

This might sound weird but my favorite thing that you do is NOT TOUCH everything. I feel you truly appreciate all these fine machines and it makes me happy you don't touch it crazily. I can't stand to watch channels or people that do that. Thanks for that. My OCD thanks you too.

[@onur4739]

3rd video in only 5 days? You guys are smashing it!

[@alibizzle2010]

and in Britain some bloke in a Pro Drive shed put badges on by hand, gave it a tune and called it a day!

[@PANTYEATR1]

that Subaru IS THE classic Subaru of choice for me! i love the 2 door version and it takes me back to the mid to late 90s when i was in Japan

[@donnyhy]

22b sexiest car ever made! I would automatically geeze my pants if I ever see one in real life.

[@brettcastro97]

A point about what you say around 8:30. While it's true there are aftermarket "22B bumpers" for narrow body cars, that's not what is shown in Initial D. It's just called the STi sport bumper and it was a factory option. It's similar to the 22B bumper, but doesn't have the integrated grill.

[@visionenippon-captbradford9344]

Brett yes. I mentioned this STI optional sports bumper in 12:40. Bunta’s car depicted in Initial D has this bumper. Which is essentially the ‘22B’ style. As you said, for regular narrow body Imprezas. It is only the bumper lower without the grille.

[@JohnLee-vj9lh]

22B is my favourite STI

[@oriongear2499]

I don’t know a lot about cars when it comes to engine work & tuning, but the 22B STI would have to be one of my all-time favorite Japanese cars due to how rare and desirable it is.

[@kemurikusari9629]

watching this video i had a very big smile on my face the whole time because i actually own a v4 type r :D the roof vent was for the v-limited versions btw the normal type r had a normal roof like the 22b. at the moment im really fighting myself if i should keep my type r original or if i wanna go for a 22b bodykit because i really love the shape of the 22b. nice informations btw. i always tought the 22b has also a wider suspension but it seems like its mainly made up for with the wheels. and its really strange that the type r was faster then the 22b its just 30kg heavier but should make more power, but im not sure if the 22b also has a 4.44 final drive ratio that could make the difference. thank you for covering my alltime favorite car :)

[@pepps8711]

Got also an V4 Type R. I like the fact that the wrc cars are made of narrow coupes. So i would prefer a genuine one, otherwise if i get over some steel bodypanels ... nevermind.

[@kemurikusari9629]

@@pepps8711 haha :D i feel the same if i would get my hands on geniue subaru steel 22b quarter panels i would do it in a split second but these gfk overfender bolt on parts..... im not a very big fan of that. btw where are you from your name sounds very german :D

[@pepps8711]

@@kemurikusari9629 Yeah that' s because im german, lol. What colour Sti is yours? Mine is Feather White.

[@kemurikusari9629]

@@pepps8711 meiner is blau mit goldenen oz`s drauf wie sichs gehört ;D

[@kamadeva5121]

Great Video, very informative! I just want to say If I ever came that close to a 22B I would of freaked out

[@26rc]

There are 424 Impreza 22b's ever made in history (specifically). 3 of them were 000/000, being prototype models. 5 of them were brought to Australia, and 16 were brought to the UK. The other 400 were left for the Japanese market, being commonly imported to Hong Kong. The US didn't get any as no left hand drive models were made.

[@xrecon18]

Bunta has recommend his GC8 and is now putting it up for auction haha!

[@tensevo]

It is worth remembering before you think about cars as "investments", that any limited edition, flagship car, will be kept by the manufacturer in pristine condition. Car manufacturers have the most insane car collections, that the public never sees.

[@Slice_Of_Cars]

11:29 min reminds me of a kid showing their parents proudly what they have painted in their paintbook.

[@thangnguyen590.55]

your english is very good, we all love jdm and luckily you speak the language that we can understand

[@pauledmonds3249]

Why does this channel not have 1 million subscribers?

[@svboypt]

Magnificent, keep the good work....regards from Portugal

[@Eametsa]

I have V4 Type R, it's amazing. Thanks for the video.

[@valkery8068]

Dropping knowledge as always. Thanks for the video. 🙏🏼

[@rb5stevenumber903]

My dream car, always wanted one but way out with what I can afford, so I'm happy to keep Subaru Impreza RB5 going. Good reviews and informative 👍

[@benf3996]

Best looking Impreza for me

[@TheSkyline5467]

8:58 Bro - No ASMR allowed here hahahahaha. Your channel is amazing, thank you

[@T2OJANcom]

I really like your content. Thank you!

[@Moto_Medics]

You show such good history I really appreciate ya man I’d love to see the Honda plant where the s2k and nsx were made if possible! Edit; also some abandoned cars are always cool to see I know there’s gotta be insane stuff just rotting on the street in the outskirts somewhere.

[@PinkPyroGame]

Another wonderful video, thanks so much!

[@wademeyer4124]

The S201 was arguable the best ever GC8 produced in terms of performance. It looked weird but spec wise the best GC8 ever produced! Also the first of the S Series cars ever made!

[@barbosaguzman6101]

I do agree .. the S201 is overlooked !

[@bluesrike]

Ah yes, before the R34, the 22B was the first car I ever fell in love with ever since I first saw it in Gran Turismo 2.

[@Matt.4877]

I bumped into a genuine one outside the auto salon... in all my years still very rare to see

[@ridzwansabtu3918]

Again.. superb coverage on the 22b... Oh how we would love to have an up close view on the interior and the engine... Because of the 20kg weight penalty of the widebody the 22b is bit slower than the Ver.4... GREAT job to all of you sirs...👍🏼👍🏼

[@ridzwansabtu3918]

BTW... seems out of topic a little bit...but care to share the details on the union jack sweater that you are wearing? Looking sharp wearing it 😅

[@betogameplaysgb937]

@@ridzwansabtu3918 but the 22b had the same or better handling

[@ElLocoRodil]

In Japan the 2 door and the 4 door chassis are called both GC8? I have heard the 2 door been called GM6 with 2.5L RS in the US, and GM8 with the 2.0L, I’d like to know if this is an accurate information, thanks beforehand, I am absolutely obsessed with your content, really really good! Big love from the UK.

[@visionenippon-captbradford9344]

Captbradford here. Yes. JDM GC8 is the code for both 2 door and 4 door Impreza WRX. Both have a trunk or boot. 2.0 litre turbo and 4WD. Litona/ Retna GC4 is the base of Type R. It has 1.6 litre engine and 4WD. GF8 is WRX sports wagon 5 door

[@ElLocoRodil]

@@visionenippon-captbradford9344 thanks a lot! That was really helpful 🤘🏽

[@crogunson3446]

Thankyou VERY well done presentation.Props from Australia.

[@mogtrader8]

Of course, this is proally the BEST Subaru / Impreza ever. Classic all the way. Since Japan and Autos are in a recession, they should take custom orders. I would get one of these in a heart-beat !

[@paologarcia8541]

Hey JDM Masters! Can you do an episode on the Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo 1996 - 199 and the Mitsubishi FTO Version R in Manual 1997 - 2000? Thanks!

[@NovanArts]

Once again i love the way he talks lmao ,😂

[@adhitya105]

I am really lucky to own this car . . . In the Hotwheels form

[@automobilemusicengines]

*in the autoart form*

[@sawandcalentertainment7280]

these cars are so cool. my dream is to own a 22b

[@RAFGERASIMOS]

Very interesting all this informations! We need more videos for subies like this, thank you!

[@stoneimage666]

Beautiful!! Love the 22B!

[@kristianalejandro792]

BEEN WAITING ON THISS

[@mic1472]

been waiting so long for this!

[@SBSL-bf8cq]

You know Bunta Fujiwara's GC8 V

[@brodytaylor6632]

I have a version 4 Type RA V-Limited, and I noticed some things that I thought would be the same as my car but are different: Momo was the steering wheel brand for version 4 maybe even 3 so I'm surprised to see the older Nardi. Some version 4s came with the titanium sti stamped piston shift knob. I would've thought with the 22b being the best that it would have it. Another thing is that my front emblem and hood vents are the exact same, though I think the vent style was an option. Also, I'd be willing to bet that the paint is the exact same as the 74f that they painted the V-Limited editions in.

[@takafumiarisawa70]

Awesome birthday gift. Also get a cheap caliper, makes pointing out stuff so much easier.

[@daleoldfield7961]

Everyone loves it because it's a wide body and 2 door WRX

[@d3tach3d]

Best Subaru ever made. IMO

[@holidaydavontia]

I bet the 90’s were amazing in Japan I wish time travel was a thing this car is a all time favorite. 😭😭😭 and I still can’t wait to go Japan aswell.😭😭😭

[@arambhikroy]

One the best car channel

[@arambhikroy]

Been a JDM lover but never found a channel so dedicated to JDM cars Thank you JDM Masters

[@boogiestreet594]

That best motoring test was a mess! The version 4 was already fully accelerating as the 22B started moving... they needed to do 3 runs and average the times. The 22B is much closer in performance than that

[@xj_220]

Weird that when auto express tested 22b vs p1wr vs cosworth and rb5 ,the 22b killed the p1wr,rb5 except the modified cosworth in all tests...

[@GarethSchroder]

Thank you so much for this video! :) I will definitely make a plan to visit this dealership. For future videos, can you review other rare Subaru's as well?

[@williamdoromal]

I'd be a kid in this candy shop! Love the reviews as ever, JDM Mastaaahs!

[@RedPanda555]

The 22B blue colour looks slightly different from actual WR blue colour, which is kinda ironic.

[@maverick2242]

The earlier WRC cars were a lighter blue, this changed in later cars from late 90s when the rules changed yet again

[@RedPanda555]

Maverick224 Do you mean the 95 Impreza WRC? That was definitely a much darker, almost navy blue compared to the lighter/brighter blue of the 97 onwards Impreza WRC.

[@bradpittiful7288]

was at a car show at jenkintown subaru in the usa and they had the 22b that subaru of america has...touched it...tried to open the door too but it was locked

[@secmaga20]

I’m moving to japan and live with you and make videos of some of the best cars ever build.

[@jdu8y4m]

This channel is great!.. Thank you

[@jacquot413]

The real unicorn is the S201 imo, such a cool car but very underrated

[@KrustyPickles]

i have 1 of the 22b body kits on my 93 impreza wagon (GF8). i found 1 special made for 4 doors

[@dossieranddragon2757]

I don't know if I could say it is better than any other STi, but I do know that the 22B is my favorite STi.

[@djwnakata9406]

One of few cars that you truly cannot fully appreciate looks wise other than in person. Much like a like a mk1 Clio V6.

[@allgripgc8t765]

What is the name of the company that makes body kits for the gc8 2.5rs

[@sachinthaillangakoon6546]

Good & very informative. Keep it up 👌

[@twitchbook-1]

Awesome book shell dude

[@dehe87]

Really nice material !! Congrats! make also reviews for Honda NSX R , Mugen RR ,that would be cool :D

[@olavofernandes7286]

Akira Teshima designed this gen of subaru impreza wrx (gc8) including the famous 22b he also has instagram Teshimades he owns collin mcrae 555 impreza wrx replica and a subaru wrx impreza sti 22b his car is also in gran turismo sport PS4/sony

[@k-rizza5541]

My mouth drolling seing this treasure

[@CancelledMcCree]

Thanks for the upload! Yes, Bunta from Initial D doesn’t own a 22B.

[@simondorrington9886]

A wide body type R they sold before they were released in a very small number, equals rare equals £ $

[@superfast30]

Love your videos!

[@princepietrom]

Great job

[@philipkemp7510]

The center console top part that pops up really looks like it would fit in my 02 sf5 forester:/

[@sheddy87]

Awesome content!

[@alejandror765]

11:55 isnt trd and honda doing a thing where they are retroing parts like what nikes doing with old jordan shoes.

[@Exyeber]

Where is this in japan? Quite couldn’t get what he was saying

[@submaniac93]

Oboi. I just found this and i know i'm gonna be binge watching he channel now OwO

[@marcoantoniotamayoarribasp4034]

The 3 best SUBARU ever : 22b S202 Ra-R hawkeye End of story

[@keehin]

P1

[@bigjohnfury5662]

Legacy RS RA beats them then the first WRX Type RA then any Prodrive group a car

[@jonzkie7416]

The blob eye version is also sexy and nice

[@rusgnev]

Forester II STI

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

The 3 best SUBARU ever: JUSTY SVX BAJA End of story

[@MultiAlex1530]

So who makes the metal widebody for these cuz I need it

[@kotarojujo2737]

so that's the reason why some people mistaken bunta's car for 22b

[@Octaslash08]

I'm guilty of that.

[@SleeperHonda]

What a great car

[@tannertoby1834]

Subaru NEEDS to make this again 👍

[@jpreyes1028]

So essentially its only desirable because its limited. The normal version was actually faster. I would just buy a normal version and convert to 22b look and then tune to about 500HP. :)

[@olavofernandes7286]

that was the type r it was the top spec model over the base model wrx coupe

[@chicken636]

Still the best looking Subaru.

[@George19906oficcial]

I have one that looks the same but it says 2.5RS for some strange reason