Thanks guys for all of the info (and thanks to you guys that take the time to correct others to help set us noobers straight ).
It's really helped me out.

 

I think your best be is a 2006 IX RS! I own an MR and will be upgrading to a five speed from the six for drag racing and to handle more power.

 

I have an 03 and I got it for a few good reasons. I was able to get HID's without a sunroof. I have intercooler sprayers which I love. I saved money by getting an 03. I am doing an SC61 turbo kit and cams so the 9 advantages are less significant. I also paid for an LSD from Shep and it was worth every penny. A gear ratio upgrade would be about the same price. A 9 would be better if you are keeping stock stuff and just doing basic upgrades. If you are modding it you cant go wrong with an 8.

 

You are going to get biased answers from most on here towards the EVO they have...some will be honest (IE If I had to do it all over again I'd get X).

I researched the hell out of the EVO before I bought mine. I even considered getting a X. Ultimately the IX had all the features I would want. And Honestly unless you plan on going stroker motor and Big turbo going with a stock frame turbo and (if you have E85 close) you can easily achieve 450-550 (I think someone here has 600 HP on the FP RED which is the biggest stock frame turbo you can get).

Evo IX's are fairly cheap...hell the used car market is def. a buyers market...nothing is worth what its supposed to be. List whats important to you and see which version of an EVO fits.

Last thing I will tell you as someone who bought a used EVO. Set aside about 3000 dollars for whatever EVO you decide to get. It seems alot of people who buy used EVO's are screwed days, weeks, months later by the dreaded death whine (TCase) or a slipping clutch. Sheptrans.com or TRE or Jack's all are priced about the same. 1000 for rebuild and strengthening the TCase, another 1000 to rebuild and strengthen the tranny and 1000 for a good clutch....actually 1500 will get you an Exedy twin disk.

If you do that then you make your drivetrain bullet proof and you can not worry when it comes to power output...no matter what you decide (stock frame turbo or big time power).

Good luck. I'm still sorting out my car but all things considered I've had very minor issues (Just a lot of them.....LOL)

 

Some more of my advice would be that when you buy a used Evo without any matinence records, have all the fluids changed and put some fresh plugs in it.

My buddy bought a 03 from a dealership and the dealer had put fresh plugs in it, but they weren't the right ones nor were they gapped correctly. The car drove like crap. We took the plugs out, put the new ones in that were gapped correctly and the car drove perfect and has been fine ever since. He also changed all the fluids within the first month of owning it.

 

Corey, i saw on your list of the years/models. doesn't the 2006 year also have the MR SE?? red stitch seats, 6 speed and diamond finished bbs wheels?? :P

 

It does...I have one.

 

I have the last version of the 8 and if I could do it over I would get a 9.....the 9 motor seems like it can take more abuse stock for stock.....stay away from MR especially if your a drag guy

 

8 if you plan to eventually change the turbo. 9 if you only wanna do exhaust, tune, intake, and fuel pump.