Ok so where to start lol...ok I have an evo 8 about 70k on it. I have all the major bolt ons along with an map ef3, gsc s1 cams fic 1250cc bluemax injectors jmfab exhaust manifold etc I was tuned on 93 oct seeing as I don't have e85 available by me :-/ I peaked at 421hp n 400lb/ft of torque..we tuned it back to 403hp n 358lb/ft at 28 psi to keep it safe and conservative on the stock block. My tuner said he did that so I can run the numbers I'm at all day with no worries. It's a blast to drive. So obviously I goin bigger cams prolly gsc s2 and beehive springs along with my arp headstuds already I'm confident in my top end. So now I want more power of course and been debating between upgrading to the bigger cams n an map ef4 and retune or first maybe getting a rebuild kit and bigger cams n sticking with the ef3. My ultimate goal is to break 500hp on 93oct now..while keeping torque manageable. And if I get the rebuild kit do I jus get a 2.0l kit or upgrade to 2.3 stroker. If i do that will that with my ef3 n bigger cams push me past 500hp or will i havd to go bigger turbo anyways?? Plus ive heard stroker kits can end up being probablematic..Budget is a concern but so is reliability and safety. Not tryin to buy a new crate motor or top end. So opinions and suggestions are welcome n helpful please. There's so many options I'm not sure which way to go lol

 

Subed I'm on the same set up pretty much but I have s2s and thinking 2.3 as well would like to see what ppl say. Can I ask you are you using an o2 dump and where are you seeing full spool I'm not seeing 26lbs till around 5200 but I'm stuck on the stock o2 housing untill my toxic fab o2 dump and mani get here

 

I'm using a Map o2 houseing but not a dump jus a normal divided o2. And I'm seeing full 28lbs at about 5800. I start spooling at around 31 or 3200 I think.

 

Ok guess they just spool slow but like you I think it would be awesome on a 2.3

 

I am In the same boat too. Don't know if i should build a full motor or buy a bigger turbo. But the way i think about it, it all depends on how much money i have to put out. Turbo is easy to buy, but when you start building up a motor, it can get out of hand Because there is alot of parts i should buy.

In the end, i just bought a turbo and will take it easy on the stock motor until the time come for a full build.

 

From what I've seen the best combos for 2.3 is a FP black spools super fast and it's not like you need to go over 8500 with that turbo and on a built 2.0 well bigger since you have the longer power band. I know if I can pick up this 2.3 I'm gonna leave my ef3 on it an build my 2.0 with a 6262 set up but its gonna be a little while tol that's done

 

I would build my motor 1st if i was you.
Way better idea is to keep the turbo upgrade until last