I think I finally have everything to do my daily driver build (or mini build as I call it compared to the other build threads out there). I drive the **** out of my evo, even has to be the work truck on occasion, so I am going somewhat moderate and not expecting huge numbers. I want to run mild boost, around 22, to give me just a little more "passing" power and not totally kill me at the pump. No E-85 for me just 91, I don't think I could deal with going to only a few certain gas stations that offer it.

Here's the list of what I bought

Evo IX turbo w approx 34k and install kit
MAP 19psi wastegate
FIC 750cc injectors
AMS fuel rail and stainless line
Walbro 255lph fuel pump
Hallman Pro RX boost controller

Already on the car

03 VIII turbo, 9.8 hotside
aftermarket o2 housing, unsure of brand
3"downpipe and 3" test pipe, unsure of brand
stock mid-pipe, Works exhale axle back
stock exhaust manifold
Forge BOV (light spring installed)
stock intake pipe w/ MAF, k&n filter
stock intercooler and piping

I am debating on a few things......exhaust manifold, intake, and ic. I do plan on coating the exhaust mani and o2 housing w/ VHT ceramic exhaust coating, but should I go the extra mile and port and polish, or the extra 9 miles and wait to get a custom header? For my purpose I don't think I will see much difference in just the porting, am I wrong?
I will be getting a new fmic and piping this spring, and possibly the intake pipe as well. Am I leaving too much on the table by not doing these upgrades now? A new filter is a must, but is the stock intake tube that horrible?

Thanks for taking a look, I will keep you updated as progress takes way...

 

I would go with at least a LICP and 3.5" intercooler. These parts will add more power to your current setup along with other benefits.

 

Bang for buck: get yourself a lower intercooler pipe yesterday.

 

I think you should go with what you have now and then do the intercooler in the spring along with the piping. Yeah you may have to tune again but who knows, by then you may want to change your boost or even do some more mods by then anyways. But either way I think you will be happy with your evo. Nice choice on parts Can't wait to see the results!

 

Ditch the fuel rail. You won't have use for it with the power you'll be making.

+1 on the LICP and intercooler. https://www.extremeturbosystems.com/...oler-Pipe.html and https://www.extremeturbosystems.com/...tercooler.html, about $690. This would be your best bet. The UICP does little for your performance.

Or the https://www.extremeturbosystems.com/...ooler-Kit.html for $915.

 

Update: Didn't realize how long I had been hoarding parts for my build. I can finally say that I am done with this build, well at least for now. We are never really done right??


Evo IX turbo, stock manifold, unknown o2 housing, MAP wastegate, IX turbo install kit. I coated the exh manifold and o2 housing with VHT header paint, flat black. Not sure if it is really functional but it looks good and it is holding up to the heat really well. Wish I would have done the hotside too.


As far as the install went in was fairly straight forward and the EvoM community supplied me with plenty of info and write ups to help me through. A big thanks to Carz Performance for a great tune, stand up team, and being very flexible to get me in their schedule after I had to miss my first apt. I also can't leave out all the help I received from the whole team CCB Motorsports, without which I certainly would not have been able to finish this, thanks a million!!!

I did run into one snag and ended up having to pull the head I broke off an exhaust manifold stud and ended up having to try and re-tap the hole after all other attempts to remove the stud failed. Well that went well until the last few turns and the tap broke off, at that point all I could do was laugh I did end up spending quite a bit more than I had originally planned but it was all in the right areas; new head-valve cover-intake manifold gaskets, decked the head while it was at the machine shop, new timing-balance shaft- and serp belts, ARP head studs, and a few nuts and bolts. Without all the extras I was right around $1500 for parts and the tune. With those extras, that put me over the $2000 mark. It would have been so easy to spend way more with the "while I'm in there" mantra, but I had to restrain from all the other goodies I want, for now...

I am about 4000 miles in and I am loving every bit of it! I am happy with the parts I chose for my style of driving and I love the quick spool the IX turbo has. The tune, absolutely spot on! This is the first car I've had tuned so I had some nerves about the whole process, but Lucas was awesome to deal with and he must have read my mind. I gave him my keys, told him what upgrades I had, and let him do his thing. I don't want to start any debates with numbers so I will only say what my butt dyno feels, and it feels great power through the whole band all the way to redline. I have taken it up to altitude and it doesn't feel choked up at all, does great putzing around town and cruising at 75 on the highway all day, and I am most impressed with the driveability at partial throttle in any gear. All this and I am returning better gas mileage than I was before.

There are plenty of cars that are faster with way more power, and I'm fine with that because I still grin from ear to ear every time I get out of my Evo.