Link G4X WRX4X Plug-In ECU, Subaru Impreza WRX and STI Version 3-4 GC8 EJ20 (1996-1998)

The WRX4X is Link's G4X plug-in ECU for the Version 3 and 4 GC8 Impreza WRX and STI with the turbo EJ20. The Link board goes into the factory ECU case under the passenger floor and plugs into the original loom, and it ships with a startup map to get the engine running before tuning in PCLink.

Fits

• Subaru Impreza WRX and STI Version 3, GC8D, EJ20, 1996-1997
• Subaru Impreza WRX and STI Version 4, GC8E, EJ20, 1997-1998

Before you order

• Designed for manual-transmission cars. If your car is an automatic, contact us before ordering to talk through automatic transmission control.
• Compare the connector on your factory ECU with the header shown in the product photos before ordering.
• Link identifies these cars by version number, the Japanese STI convention. The GC8 WRX was not sold new in North America, and Link lists the turbocharged EJ20 cars only.
• No onboard MAP sensor: the ECU reads the factory MAP sensor, which is good for 125 kPa (about 18 psi) of boost; replace the sensor to go beyond that.
• Some of these cars have a factory intake air temperature sensor; on the rest, Link highly recommends adding one.
• Four DIP switches inside the ECU flip the crank and cam sensor polarity, because some cars, often those with a factory immobiliser, are wired the opposite way. The wrong setting shows up as a no-start or unstable rpm.
• Built for high-impedance injectors (over 6 ohms); low-impedance injectors need ballast resistors.
• Installation: the Link board goes into the factory ECU case under the passenger floor. If you want the USB cable left connected, a slot is cut in the top cover beside the header.
• Configuration choice: Standard is the ECU as Link builds it. With E-Throttle Upgrade adds Link's factory modification (part 400-0100) so the ECU can drive an electronic throttle body. Link's HQ carries it out on a new ECU before it ships, which adds about 3 weeks. Link only modifies new ECUs, so an ECU you already own has to go through Link's tech support instead.
• It arrives with a base map that gets the engine started; that is a starting point, not a finished tune. Tuning is done in Link's free PCLink software on a Windows laptop, and the USB tuning cable is in the box.

Highlights

• Knock input on the factory knock sensor.
• Two CAN buses for a dash, keypad or CAN lambda, plus an expansion connector with spare inputs and outputs.
• G4X feature set: flex fuel, open- and closed-loop boost control, dual closed-loop lambda, engine protection limiters, CAN keypad support and a built-in trigger scope.
• Motorsport functions: launch control, anti-lag, traction control, nitrous control, gear shift and paddle shift control, cruise control, and race timer with power management.
• 512 MB of onboard data logging.

Specifications

• Dimensions: 190 x 160 x 30 mm (7.48 x 6.30 x 1.18 in)
• Weight: 260 g (9.17 oz)
• Operating voltage: 6.5-24 V (36 V maximum input)
• Tuning connection: LTW 6-pin USB
• Communications: 2 CAN buses
• In the box: WRX4X ECU, USB tuning cable, anti-static strap, Link stickers, plug-in manual card and product registration card