Can anyone provide me with differences in the stock sway bars through the different Impreza models?
Specifically the L, RS, WRX, and STi. (I think the STi stuff is not cross compatible with the other models but maybe someone can clear this up for me too. I'm nearly certain the endlinks are different.)
What about differences through the years? Or Sedan versus Wagon (The wagon WRX is longer than the sedan right?)
Are all the stock bars cross platform compatible.

I'm just trying to figure out if I can get someone else's stock bar to improve my ride... Since I'm at the bottom of the food chain in my 99 L Wagon.

Thanks

 

From what I've read, the rear sway bars on all subaru imprezas are interchangable (97-03 excluding sti). This info might not be exactly correct, but for the most part, I believe it is. As for the links, I installed endlinks designed for a 02-03 WRX on my 98 wagon (still using my stock 13mm pinner bar), and they fit just fine.

I'd also like to know, however, of any subtle differences between models.. any experts out there?

 

I don't know about the L, but the RS (at least my 04) came with a 20mm FSB and a 13mm RSB.
The WRX sedan comes with a 20mm FSB and an 18mm RSB
I believe the wagon came with a 17mm RSB to let it push a little more do to the extra 70 pounds on the back end, but I believe it still has a 20mm FSB.
Even though the FSB's on the WRX and RS are 20mm the FSB's are not interchangable. The RS bar goes above the exhaust and the WRX's goes under. All rear bars seem to be interchangable however on second gen Imprezas though.
The STI comes with a 19mm FSB and a 20mm RSB.
Also the WRX wagon has different endlinks on the FSB than the WRX sedan, but the RS and WRX FSB endlinks seem to be the same. I wish I had more info on the L for you, but if by some chance you can get a rear bar to fit I'd go with the STI 20mm RSB unless you have a really small FSB on the L then maybe the 18mm would be a better choice depending on how tail-happy you want your car to be. I had the 20mm STI bar on my RS and it was definitely way better than the OE 13mm bar especially on the street, but the 20/20 setup didn't work out to well for auto-x. The car still pushed alot. Well I hope this helped

 

Rear swaybars-

93-96 L: Swaybars were an option, some didnt even have them. 13mm if they did.
97-01 L: 13mm swaybar
98-01 RS: 13mm swaybar
02-03 RS: 13mm swaybar, same design as before.
02-03 WRX wagon: 17mm swaybar, same design as before (IE compatible with earlier models)
02-03 WRX sedan: 20mm swaybar, same design as before, but the rear endlinks are metal as opposed to plastic I believe.
04-05 RS: Not sure, aparently a new design, need confirmation but still 13mm
04-05 WRX wagon: 17mm, not sure on the design.
04-05 WRX sedan: 18mm??? I know it was changed away from the 20mm, not sure on the design.
04-05 STI: 20mm, not compatible with the earlier models, new endlink design too I believe.

Front swaybars-

93-01 L or RS: 19mm, plastic endlinks. Same design over the years too...
02-03 RS: 20mm, different shape I believe, not compatible with the 93-01 (need confirmation)
02-03 WRX wagon: 20mm, turbo crossmember design, not compatible with N/A cars for sure.
02-03 WRX sedan: 20mm, turbo crossmember design, not compatible with N/A cars for sure, uses metal endlinks rather than plastic (not sure if its different from the wagon, need confirmation)
04-05 RS: 20mm aparently.
04-05 WRX: Not sure
04-05 STI: Not sure, 19mm aparently.

Basically, what this means is that front swaybars arent really compatible between the 93-01's and the 02+'s, while the rear swaybars are ALL compatible between 93-03. A 2002 WRX sedan swaybar will work great on your L wagon. Should have a nice bit of oversteer when you want it

 

Slightly OT but Sport Compact Car found that while the rear anti-sway bar was IIRC 20mm on the Forester XT2.5, it was a hollow bar to save weight and not quite as effective as the same diameter solid bar found on the WRX. They did the swap although it was not perfectly compatible at the attachment points.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Ill have to go confirm that one myself

 

I definitely agree with Kostamojen a 19/20 set up should work pretty well.

 

I ran a stock 19front/20rear on my RS with Prodrive suspension for a long time and it's excellent for backroads. But, for autocross and open tracking, I wanted to get the rear end out easier so I switched to a Whiteline 20-24mm RSB. It's all in your style and what you are comfortable with.

 

Wow thanks for all the info!
I'll start looking for a WRX sway.