Subaru Impreza WRX GC8: Rally Legend Turned Drift Machine
The Subaru Impreza WRX GC8, produced from 1993 to 2001, represents one of the most iconic rally cars ever created and an increasingly popular drift platform. While this first-generation turbocharged boxer-powered machine earned legendary status conquering World Rally Championship stages, forward-thinking drift enthusiasts discovered its potential for sideways action after converting from its stock all-wheel-drive system to rear-wheel drive. The GC8's rally-bred durability, robust EJ20 turbocharged engine, and phenomenal weight distribution make it a compelling choice for drivers seeking something different from the traditional Nissan and Toyota drift platforms.
From Rally Champion to Drift Weapon
The Impreza WRX GC8 earned its reputation through dominant rally victories, with Colin McRae and Richard Burns piloting World Rally Blue examples to championship glory throughout the late 1990s. The drift community initially overlooked this rally icon due to its AWD configuration, but innovative builders recognized that the GC8's lightweight chassis, low center of gravity thanks to the horizontally-opposed boxer engine, and bulletproof drivetrain components made it ideal for drift conversion. The STi variants, featuring stronger transmissions, improved suspension geometry, and more aggressive turbocharger setups, became particularly sought-after as drift build foundations. Converting a GC8 to RWD involves removing the front driveshafts and center differential while retaining the rear differential, resulting in a unique drift car that combines rally heritage with sideways capability.
EJ20 Turbo Power and Drift Modifications
The heart of every GC8 is the legendary EJ20 turbocharged boxer engine, producing between 208 to 276 horsepower depending on the market and specification. This flat-four configuration provides an extremely low center of gravity and near-perfect weight distribution, characteristics that translate beautifully to drift applications once converted to RWD. Common drift modifications include upgrading to larger turbochargers like the TD05 or TD06, installing aftermarket engine management systems, and reinforcing the bottom end with forged pistons and connecting rods to handle increased boost pressure. The GC8's drivetrain proves remarkably robust, with the rear differential and transmission capable of handling significant power increases. Suspension modifications typically include adjustable coilovers with increased spring rates, angle kits to maximize steering lock, and welded or two-way limited-slip differentials for predictable drift behavior.
JDM Icon Status and Drift Community Appeal
The Impreza WRX GC8 holds sacred status in Japanese Domestic Market culture, with the two-door coupe version particularly revered for its aggressive styling and lightweight construction. This JDM heritage translates directly to drift culture appeal, where drivers appreciate the car's rally pedigree and distinctive boxer engine rumble. The GC8's relatively compact dimensions and excellent visibility make it confidence-inspiring on tight drift circuits, while the chassis responds beautifully to suspension tuning. Competitive drifters appreciate that a well-built GC8 stands out in a sea of S-chassis and AE86s, offering unique character while remaining competitive. The growing GC8 drift scene has created a knowledge base around RWD conversion techniques, optimal suspension geometry settings, and power delivery tuning specific to sideways driving. Parts availability remains strong due to the model's rally heritage, with companies like Cusco, STi, and Tomei offering extensive aftermarket support for both performance and drift-specific applications.
Building Your GC8 Drift Car
Starting a GC8 drift build requires careful selection of the base car, with many builders preferring the two-door coupe for reduced weight and improved chassis stiffness. The RWD conversion stands as the most critical modification, typically accomplished by removing AWD components while maintaining proper driveshaft alignment and transmission functionality. Steering angle modification proves essential, with angle kits from companies like Wisefab and SLR providing the increased lock necessary for modern drift competition standards. Wheel fitment typically involves aggressive offsets to achieve proper stance and track width, with popular sizes running 17x9 or 18x9.5 wheels wrapped in purpose-built drift tires. The GC8's rally-derived suspension geometry responds well to drift-specific tuning, though achieving optimal weight transfer and transition behavior requires experience with this unique platform. Successful GC8 drift builds balance the car's rally heritage with drift-specific requirements, creating machines that honor their World Rally Championship lineage while carving their own path in competitive drifting.