The Blobeye Impreza (2003-2005) sits in a sweet spot for Subaru modifiers. It got the rounded-off headlights that replaced the Bugeye's bug-eyed look, but kept the same GD chassis bones underneath. The WRX came with the EJ205 turbo flat-four making 227 hp, while the STI (arriving stateside for 2004) packed the EJ257 with 300 hp, a DCCD center diff, Brembo brakes, and a 6-speed transmission. Both shared a 5x114.3 bolt pattern.
Suspension geometry is identical to the Bugeye and carries over to the Hawkeye that followed after. That means coilover options are deep. BC Racing, Fortune Auto, and KW all make direct-fit kits.
Wheel fitment on the GD chassis is well-documented. A common aggressive setup is 18x8.5 +38 with a 245/35R18, rolled rear fenders. Conservative daily setups run 17x8 +35 on 245/40R17 with no fender work. The front fenders pull easier than the rears. Watch the rear quarter panel seam if you go wide.
The Blobeye WRX is one of the more affordable ways into the Subaru turbo AWD platform right now. Rust is the biggest killer, especially in northern cars. Check the rear wheel arches, rear subframe mounts, and the pinch welds before you worry about power mods. A clean shell matters more than a built motor on these.
