I recently purchased (what I was told to be a my 99) but after closer inspection the body number reads 8/98 . Now Im wanting to do the vf34 upgrade on this car. How do I MAKESURE it's a 98 engine in this car before I buy a aftermarket ecu to fit. What numbers am I checking ect? Also I read the 98 came out with forged pistons, will this engine (if it's a 98) be able to handle more boost than what I hoped for with the vf34 upgrade on the 99.

You have a MY99 mate.

__________________
my99 wgn sold
my99 sdn sold
2002 STI

it could be an August 1998 built MY99. The new model always comes out around Sept/Oct the year before.

Ok thanks for the replys, the main reason I want to know is I'm looking into a power fc for ecu upgrade. Correct my if I'm wrong but I've been told that they are different for the 98/99 models, so I want to be sure before I blow $1200

engine is different

2 different power FCs for either my98 or my99

__________________
2000 WRX - Grip King
1997 Sileighty - Gate Monster

Easiest way to tell is pop your bonnet. If the coil pack is in the centre of the manifold it is my98. If it is of to the passenger side it is my99

My98 standard wrx didnt come with forged internals

Forged internals is one factor for handling high boost but it also comes down to the ks and abuse it had copped over its life

Another good way to tell is look at the intercooler.
If the BOV is bolted to the intercooler it's a '99 if the intercooler has a elbow and a rubber hose that runs to the passenger side and down, the BOV is just bellow the 'cooler, it's a '98.

Big difference's under the bonnet would be cylinder heads, manifold and ecu/engine harness.
These parts wont interchange between the two models with out modification.

8/98 is an MY99 impreza.

__________________

Long live the WRC

Thanks heaps guys, bov is off cooler and coil pack is off centre.