After an ill-advised venture off road, I have noticed that the two small wire mesh covers on the left and right of the intercooler swing backwards when I push on them. Is this normal, or did I dislodge something?

 

If you're talking about the upper-left and upper-right corners of the mesh in front of the intercooler, then they're supposed to be bent back right in the corners. It does kind of throw you off when you first see it though.

 

Actually, I'm talking about the mesh that covers the smaller openings to the left and right of the intercooler, such as the one in the pic.

 

Just checked my car after reading your post. Mine are fixed and do not bend back when oushed. You must have dmaged or dislodged the mounting points.

How serious was your agricultural excursion? Must have been a good one to get bothe sides.

 

Damn, that's what I was afraid of. Fortunately this seems to be the extent of my damage, apart from a slightly scratched lower bumper. My excursion consisted of me taking a road I used to play on in my WRX, taking a corner a bit too aggressively, and catching a bit of brush. Very, very, stupid. I got a little cocky, I think, after autocrossing my WRX and getting a really good sense of its handling at the limit. But the EVO is a different beast, and I should have spent more time getting used to it before going 10/10ths. 100% driver error. I'm a doctor, but it's a good thing I don't play one on TV...

 

Well if that is the only damage sustained consider yourself lucky. 10/10ths should be reserved for the track. Need a little cushion on the street since there are no run-off areas.

Try staying at a Holiday Inn Express next time! Works for people who play doctors on TV.

 

Holiday Inn Express...!