Hi all just wondered when lookin at an Engine in a scooby how could you tell if its a STi or just an WRX etc..

 

Not easily i'm afraid. It may, or may not have a red manifold or STi slapped on the silver or black I/C dependent on version. Thats from factory, let alone what people have done to them since they left the factory.

The engine number is the only definitive way

 

Newage or classic?

Newage STI's, depending on model may have red manifolds as stated above, plus bigger intercooler and often have a strut brace fitted.
They'll also have an intercooler spray fitted around the undertray (WRX's don't), and a bigger undertray.
STI's also tend to have a higher pressure rad cap too - some with the STI logo on.
The STI's don't have the cat in the up pipe that the WRX's do - don't know how different this looks (if at all) mind.

All this can of course be retro-fitted to any WRX though, so as wisely stated above, the only real way is to do a vehicle check.

 

Trouble is till someone has had an engine failure and just got any old engine put in there to get rid