Hi. I'm from the Philippines. I have an '03 Evo 8 GSR (USDM), just acquired a few months ago. First thing I wanna do is restore the body and paint and bring back the OEM apex silver. As this is my first project car, I'm needing some guidance on how to better the build. A lot of work has been done to it by the previous owner already. Moving forward, I'm asking for advice on what future upgrades I should do. This is the current set-up:

ECM link tuned to ~450whp 4 years ago
Spoolinup Coil Pack
Injector Dynamics 1050x
HKS 272 Cams
HKS Intercooler
Aeromotive 340 Fuel Pump
FP Red Journal Bearing
Tial external wastegate
Screamer Pipe
Tomei Expreme Ti
Comp Clutch Stage 3
Ohlins DFV Coilovers
Energy Bushings
Stock Brembo Calipers
Dixcel Rotors and Carbon Ceramic Pads
TE37SLs 18x9.5+22 with 265/35

The goal is for this to be a weekend fun run/track car. I think I'd want to bring up the power to approximately 500whp since I'm feeling a lack of top-end power. Some buddies told me to upgrade the intake manifold and throttle body as well as get a big brake kit like Alcon. I'm asking for humble guidance from experienced evo owners here. Thanks for the help!

 

Hello / Welcome @bpdgzz

Regarding the current engine set-up i wouldnt touch too much of it as your setup is pretty solid (assuming this is the stock OE block & internals?)

Pushing the stock block torque into the high 400's to 500 WTQ is asking for issues. If we knew which Dyno type did your tune & the torque no.s that would be helpful.
Is E85 avail in the Philippines?

If your EvO is going to be a project car as you noted, post up in the Projects thread w/pics & we can follow you along

Cheers, Joe

 

That's a really good setup. I wouldn't do too much other than ensuring everything is in good condition and making tuning changes (brake pads, damping settings, etc). Maybe change sway bars or spring rates if the car doesn't behave exactly how you want. Some brake cooling ducts would be beneficial if you're going to track it, but I don't think you need to step up to a big brake kit yet.

In regards to the engine, the main thing holding you back is the HKS 272 cams, which are quite mild. You'll gain 20+ HP up top by switching to GSC S2 or Kelford 272 cams and it will pull much harder in the high RPM ranges where the HKS cams have already fallen off.

 

1. Maintenance
2. Track day / seat time
3. Mod

 

if its running well, leave it alone

 

Okay, alright, I'll hold off on power for now. But I will do an engine bay rewire and restoration coz its hella messy right now. After that, we'll do a retune and redyno it 'cause I do feel like the timing's a bit off. Anyway, no, we don't have E85 here so only pump gas.

Will post it up on Projects, alright, thank you!