I think.. I want an Evo X
 

I love my 2g, the car has been a blast since day 1, and anyone who knows me knows that I love and baby my car, but wanting to make more power is becoming a chore. I know the platform for DSMs is still strong, but at the same time I feel like I'm missing out on some of the newer advances in automotive technology. So I'm giving thought to possibly selling my 97 GSX and getting an Evo X. So I was wondering what were the deciding factors that made Evo owners on this board move from the DSM platform to the Evo platform?

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

If power is your goal then it seems like a bad choice to me, especially a X. What the Evo has going for it is handling and the latest drive-train features. If you're interested in road course or auto-x then it makes sense. If drag racing is your thing then it's a more expensive way to go, from what I've seen.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

Evos are newer and nicer, thats what made me get a IX. The X is smoother and more refined feeling while still being an Evo underneath, that's what made me switch to the X.

Stock the Evo's come equipped with all the things that make for a great street DSM: twin-scroll 16G (8/9), Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, etc. A few minor bolt-ons and a tune and you're at ~300 WHP @ DB on the stock fuel pump and injectors (with a IX or X).

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

^and 'big' injectors compared to a DSM. An exhaust, mbc, and a tune turn Evos into the perfect DSMs! Evo8's can benifit greatly from a fuel pump and cams too, but I was gunning 240whp or so with my last 1G (exhaust, FMIC, cams, big16g, 650's, s-afc) and that is pretty much cakewalk in any evo. Add in the brakes/handling/seats out of the box and they're a dsmer's dream!

It was actually Anna (my wife) that said I should consider getting my evo8. I had a 2G that I was dumping $500+into per month for mods and maintenance, and I was considering getting a ~$10k Audi as a second car. Two ~$10k cars worth of maintenance, insurance, and loan payments added up to more than a single evo, and the decision was an easy one for her!

In general they're more reliable than DSM's but *only* because of their younger age. They still have a lot of the same problems and will eventually need all the TLC a dsm does.

I jumped ship to the evoX after I crashed my evo8. I had found a steal of a deal on an evoX w/ 20k on it, and it was only ~$2k more than a 60k mile evo9. In general, evo8's can be had for high $teen's, IX's for low $20's, and X's for $25-30k. Figure out what you can safely afford (including insurance), plan for a little bit of fun money (exhaust and a tune) down the road, and don't look back! Then, start looking....

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

I switched to get away from the rust and 14 year-old car issues and get something that would be a much better platform for autocross. Everything else I would have said has already been said.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

What are your end goals for the car...just making raw power? The X is very capable of making huge power, just like the 4g63 did. It's only real disadvantage is it's weight if you are talking 1/4 mile stuff. I still fully intend to get my X down the 1/4 track quickly, but I had to spend more money then i would've liked :)

I would half way be tempted to suggest the 9 for straight 1/4 with a 5 speed. But the prices are almost too close, so if you can afford it, i'd probably say just get the X.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

How are you having issues making more power with your 4G63 in your car?

Switching to a newer car really isn't gonna help you there, unless you're talking baby mods.

Baby mod for baby mod, the newer car will most likely provide better results... or will they?

My healthy bone stock 1g probably would have made about 150 AWHP (based on an estimate from Shane) on DBs dyno. With an exhuast, air filter, MBC at 15psi, it went to 209awhp. Thats about 60awhp on a Dyno Dynamics... With the most basic of bolt-ons.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

For comparison, a stock IX or X would be ~220 then add in those basic mods and you're looking at ~290 with a tune.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

Yea with the X i broke 300whp with just an exhaust and intake.

I would say Evo 9 or X, either would be a great choice OP.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

Thats roughly a 30% increase.

The 1g got roughly a 40% increase, with old crappy technology, less efficient. WOO. Thats like comparing HP/Liter haha.

Output to output, the newer cars start with more efficient, refined, powerful engines.

Of course a newer car off the bat will be more powerful, but is the difference in true potential really there (in a straight line of course :) )?

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

If you are going to argue straight line performance you mind as well stop there...any older mustang or camaro will go faster in a straight line for cheaper than any import.

I am not trying to start shit but nobody buys an evo because it can only go fast straight...it can also turn very well. And if anything, the DSM's might of just had a crappier tune from the factory, there are tons of factors.

Also, the X's are more like 210, 215 tops and with the mods can break 300whp. However, as you stated, the are good and beefy :)

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

The OP was concerned with output, as in power, or HP/TQ of his platform (DSM). I really don't think that would warrent a change in platform, unless you want to upgrade to a newer, smoother, more comfortable, practical, better handling and braking, (uglier?), more expensive car. If power is the concern, the current platform really isn't holding back in my opinion.

And we cannot start a "v8 vs. 4bngr" arguement here.... We all know there really is no replacement for displacement. All the V8 guys with slow cars are too busy polishing their chrome or looking at a JCWhitney catalog...

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

LOL, i agree with you completely, that is why i asked the OP what his intentions were...twas my first question.

Honestly, if i were going for straight line performance only...a DSM would be a car i would look at, they aren't too tough to get moving fast, the 4g63 is a great motor.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

MAP
BUSCHUR RACING
AMS

Not that it can only go fast straight, but it can go fast straight very well LOL.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

I was talking about regular people that plan to DD them in some form or another.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

If you want life to be easy, get an Evo 9 GSR. If you want a nicer interior and a softer ride and less of a race car, then get the Evo X GSR, but it will be more work and more expensive to mod.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

^Couldn't have said it better myself, Shane is wise.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

Honestly, I want something that I can daily drive with decent power. I'll probably drive it year round. I don't have goals of anything above 350-400 awhp (if that) at this time, even with my DSM. I'm somewhat close to that with a few more mods in my 2g, but the reality is, the car is coming of age, in the sense that the body, suspension, etc are not holding like they used to. Things are starting to need replacement, in compounding levels. I've driven this car as a daily driver (not out of choice) for the past 4-5 years, through winters. I've done my best to take care of it, but I can only do so much. Do I really want to keep spending $100-$500 here and there to keep the car in running condition (not including mods) as Scheides also stated? Or would I rather save that money and put it towards something newer that I could mod heavily 2-3 years from now?

I don't know, maybe I just need a second car that is reliable and keep building the 2g - or just sell the 2g and use that money and the money I would have used to buy a second car, to buy a newer car, whatever it may be. The Evo 9 option Shane suggested is something I hadn't considered, will probably look into that. Regardless, I don't think I'll be making any final decisions until next spring, but I figured I should start planning now and get feedback/insight from others on the board.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

Not difficult. A stock turbo on E85 is around 340. A stock-frame turbo will get you there on pump.

Re: I think.. I want an Evo X
 

My vote is to drive one and see how you like it.

I have always owned old shit, my wifes car is a '05 and its amazing to me, when I jump in newer stuff I am constantly amazed by the common/standard features that weren't common/standard in '91.
No biggie I live in my price range and its cool, but it sounds like you want something a bit more today.

From what I have seen dyno wise, shane hit it on the head.
While I don't quite agree that the X motor is as good as the 4G63 this isn't the thread and I really don't know enough about the 4b11 to say.

I think you can't go wrong with newer anytime and it sounds like your reasons for the switch are good, plus they do make more power and handle better and there is more room. Which IMO is perfect for a daily.

Good luck. I'm sure these guys will take you on a ride and maybe even let you drive.