Ok so quick question for y'all, can I use a braided oil return line like this STM one on my stock Evo 9 turbo to my stock Evo 8 oil pan like I'm getting the impression?

https://www.maperformance.com/products/stm-turbo-oil-return-line-10an-2003-2006-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-8-9-evo89-torlb-stk

I believe I have a crack in my oem and have had repeated leak issues from its gasket/flange on pan side before so I would like a better solution than another oem to give me hell lol

 

The OEM works fine as long as you use a NEW OEM gasket, and the oring washers under the head of the bolt. I would pick up a new return tube/line, gaskets, and the oring washers for the bolt. The AN stuff is more hassle than its worth.

 

You really think so? I replaced the gaskets twice now believing that to have been the issue without success, now I'm almost sure the line is cracked from trying to get it flush and installed. I just had a conversation with a mechanic where he said he thinks the oil pan side has two different angles depending on build date and that I may have had the wrong return line ( I have two one from my car and one from the IX turbo but can't recall which I used..) and that I may have cracked the line flexing it to fit the angle

 

My thoughts on the AN line were that it would always be flush and present no cracking risk...

 

The line can crack, but it's not common. If your car is an 8, you need to use the 8 return line.