Hello, new to the evo forums, but not to cars in general. I am currently in the market for an evo, however I currently own a 2G DSM, and have been a member of DSMTuners for quite awhile. (user name EclipseSH21.) Look forward to lurking for a bit and learning more about evos before I go drop some ching on one. Any reccomendations? (looking for an Evo VIII, wallet likely won't be too friendly for an IX or an X..)
If you can find a IX, that would be best, because they are the best all-around. Look for a regular IX GSR (not MR, not SE, not SSL) so that the cost stays down, although the best one of all is the IX SE.
If you have to get an VIII, then try to get an 05 (any trim) due to the front LSD, ACD, and larger hotside on the turbo. In the end, if you have to get an 03-04, you will still have a beast of a car...
It's the most useless thing they put on the Evo, which is why they got rid of it in 05 and replaced it with ACD. The ACD reservoir is where the IC sprayer tank used to be...
Again, good info. Glad I registered. So a 5spd IX SE is what i should be hunting for. I heard of clutch issues with the evos, is this a problem throughout the production run, or are there certain years affected more than others? (i know i should be searching for all of this, but meh, we're already discussing this sort of stuff in here...)
Also The MRs Have a kinda weak 6-speed... So racing with that = no. I will be converting from the 6speed to a 5 speed once I have the funds, and this one breaks the rest of the way.
____________________________
GG Evo IX Ethanol MR
Tobz Tuned
PMI 12.62
People like Clay (Warrtalon) are always going to tell you that the best Evo is the IX SE because he's all about road racing and autox.......which honestly only a few on this forum take part in...... If you're going to drive around town and occasionally drag it, or ocasionally track it, a IX SE is not needed at all. Most of us enjoy the advantages of the other models...... For instance, a six speed found in the IX MR is better if you're highway driving a lot, as it keeps the revs down, better gas mileage, as well as less vibration from the engine to the entire tin can we call an evo In my case, there's no way I'd go without the enjoyment of a sunroof and sound system, so I went with the SSL.... It all depends on what you want to do with it, as an extra 100lbs on the heaviest evo (the SSL), and don't quote me on the exact weight, is not going to make a whole lot of difference unless it's you're track car specifically. For me, if I can get a little luxury with the speed, I'm happy.
That was a bit off. My recommendation isn't only for road racing and autox. Many people get their Evo due to its extreme performance even without racing. It's not uncommon for people to want to get the best performance their money can buy while also getting extra features. The SE is also better for drag - I don't know why you'd separate that from road racing and autox. 100lbs of weight is 1mph and 1/10th in the 1/4, and the 5spd is better for drag than the 6spd.
The SE has extra cosmetics, it's lighter, it has better rims (same as MR, but nicer color), and it comes with HIDs. SSL comes with HIDs, but has the plain heavy rims, no exterior mods, and is heavier. It only is missing the sunroof - I don't consider the sound system worth buying, because you can put an aftermarket one in that is tons better and cost about the same. Leather is up to you, but I see little reason for leather in an Evo. I care for it in my Lexus, but not my Evo.
There are many benefits to the SE that have nothing to do with outright racing. I personally have an MR and agree that the 6spd is great for a DD - better than the 5spd, although you will not see a difference in gas mileage. The MR is actually rated lower in gas mileage, but I don't know why. I just know my gas mileage was no better than anyone else when I still had it, but I did like the 6th speed for highway cruising. The teflon-coated cables were very nice as well, but I think IXs have those, or at least the SEs do.
AutoForums.com is the premier network of enthusiast-owned
enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
We operate more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share
experiences and opinions as a community.
In my case, there's no way I'd go without the enjoyment of a sunroof and sound system, so I went with the SSL.... It all depends on what you want to do with it, as an extra 100lbs on the heaviest evo (the SSL), and don't quote me on the exact weight, is not going to make a whole lot of difference unless it's you're track car specifically. For me, if I can get a little luxury with the speed, I'm happy.
