Isuzu Impulse Info

Isuzu Impulse (1983–1993 U.S.)

First-generation rear-drive Impulse coupe (1983–1989) and second-generation front-drive Impulse (1990–1993).

Tech specs Capacities Torque specs Trims Fuel economy Colors Brochures

Tech specs

Item	Specification
Layout	1983–1989: rear-wheel drive; 1990–1992: front-wheel drive, with AWD on the turbo (RS)
Engines, 1st gen	1.9 L / 2.0 L I4 (turbo offered)
Engines, 2nd gen	1.6 L DOHC 4XE1 I4, also turbocharged; 1.8 L (1992–1993)
Spark plugs (1991)	Gap 0.040 in (1.05 mm)

Fluid capacities

Capacities are approximate refill amounts from Isuzu factory service manual data for the year shown. Always fill to the level/check plug or dipstick, not just by volume.

System	Capacity	Notes
Engine oil, 1987 (with filter)	3.8 qt (3.6 L)	3.4 qt without filter
Engine oil, 1991 1.6 L DOHC (without filter)	4.0 qt (3.8 L)
Cooling system	1987–1989: 9.5 qt (9.0 L); 1990–1992 DOHC: 8.0 qt (7.5 L)
Automatic transmission	1987: 6.3 L; 1991 initial refill: 2.9 L (3.0 qt)	DEXRON-II
Manual transaxle (1991)	1.9 L (4.0 pt)
Transfer case (1991 RS)	1.3 L (1.4 qt)	80W-90 GL-5
Rear differential	1988–1989: 1.5 L (3.2 pt); 1991 4WD: 0.7 L (1.4 pt)	GL-5
A/C refrigerant	1987 and 1991: 2.2 lb R-12

Torque specs

Safety first — verify with your service manual. These figures are transcribed from Isuzu factory service manual data for the model and year shown. Specs can change by year, engine and body style. Always confirm the figure in the service manual for your exact vehicle before final tightening, use a calibrated torque wrench, tighten wheel nuts in a star pattern and re-check them after the first 50 miles.

Fastener	Torque
Spark plugs (1991)	14 lb-ft (19 N·m)
Oil pan (1991)	7 lb-ft (9 N·m)

Trims & body styles (U.S.)

Years	Version	Notes
1983–1989	Impulse coupe (RWD)	Turbo offered
1990–1993	Impulse (FWD); RS turbo with AWD	1.6 L DOHC

Fuel economy (EPA)

U.S. EPA estimates in miles per gallon as currently published on fueleconomy.gov (older models are shown on the revised 2008 EPA method, so they read lower than the original window sticker). To convert: L/100 km = 235.2 ÷ mpg.

Model year	EPA listing	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Comb
1984–1985	Impulse	2.0 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	19	23	21
1984–1985	Impulse	2.0 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	19	26	22
1985	Impulse	2.0 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	18	24	20
1985–1987	Impulse	2.0 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	18	23	20
1985–1987	Impulse	2.0 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	18	23	20
1985, 1988, 1989	Impulse	2.0 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	18	24	20
1986	Impulse	1.9 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	18	22	20
1986	Impulse	1.9 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	19	23	21
1986	Impulse	1.9 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	18	25	21
1986	Impulse	1.9 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	19	26	22
1987	Impulse	2.0 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	18	22	20
1987	Impulse	2.0 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	18	25	21
1988–1989	Impulse	2.0 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	19	25	21
1988–1989	Impulse	2.3 L	Auto 4-spd	2WD	18	24	20
1988–1989	Impulse	2.3 L	Manual 5-spd	2WD	18	24	20
1990	Impulse	1.6 L	Manual 5-spd	FWD	23	31	26
1990–1991	Impulse	1.6 L	Auto 4-spd	FWD	21	29	24
1990–1992	Impulse	1.6 L	Manual 5-spd	4WD	19	26	22
1991	Impulse	1.6 L	Manual 5-spd	FWD	23	30	26
1992–1993	Impulse	1.8 L	Auto 4-spd	FWD	19	28	22
1992–1993	Impulse	1.8 L	Manual 5-spd	FWD	21	29	24

Factory colors & paint codes

Swatch colors are approximate screen representations. Always match paint by the color code on your vehicle’s paint label (usually on the driver door jamb or under the hood), not by the swatch. Availability varied by body style, trim and year (U.S. market). Two-tone swatches show the upper color over the lower color.

1983–1989

Cameo White

Code 0142 · 84

Cameo White

Code 808 · 85–86

Pure White

Code 811 · 87–89

Matterhorn Silver metallic

Code 0049 · 84

Matterhorn Silver metallic

Code 821 · 85–86

Hyper Silver metallic

Code 867 · 86–87

Romanesque Silver metallic

Code 851 · 88–89

Charcoal metallic

Code 0164 · 84

Charcoal metallic

Code 840 · 85–86

Pewter metallic

Code 825 · 87–89

Midnight Black

Code 001 · 83–86

Ebony Black

Code 826 · 85–86, 89

Parthenon Ivory

Code 809 · 88–89

Light Topaz metallic

Code 831 · 85–87

Fawn Brown metallic

Code 2155 · 83–84

Vivid Yellow

Code 2186 · 85

Claret Red

Code 1081 · 83–84

Claret Red

Code 865 · 85–86

Vivid Red

Code 861 · 85–88

Spectra Red

Code 806 · 89

Dark Fire Opal metallic

Code 885 · 85–87

Red Mahogany

Code 834 · 88–89

Light Blue metallic

Code 4126 · 83–84

Medium Dk Royal Blue metallic

Code 813 · 85–86

Pale Blue metallic

Code 818 · 87

Brittany Blue metallic

Code 888 · 88–89

Cavalier Blue

Code 803 · 85–87

Midnight Blue

Code 833 · 88

1990–1992

Pure White

Code 811 · 90–91

North White

Code 865 · 92

Platinum Silver metallic

Code 892 · 92

Iron Gray metallic

Code 849 · 90–92

Ebony Black

Code 826 · 90–92

Flame Red

Code 871 · 91

Torch Red

Code 721 · 92

Brilliant Red

Code 808 · 90–91

Red

Code 715 · 92

Steel Blue metallic

Code 823 · 90–91

Astra Blue

Code 718 · 92

Cobalt Blue

Code 816 · 90–91

Blue

Code 717 · 92

Factory brochures

Original U.S.-market Isuzu sales brochure pages, shown for reference. Tap any page to enlarge. Specs and colors in brochures were subject to change during the model year.