So here are the questions... I've got and 05 RS ordered for mostly a track day car.

1) Can a modified Evo be a reliable track-day car. By reliable I mean no major problems for every 12-15 events. AKA not a repeat of the OTC.

If so how much HP can safely be made, and by what means.

2) Is a modified engine using cams, intercooler, turbo, exhaust, intake, etc, but only running 16 PSI more reliable than an engine fairly stock but using 19-20 psi, given that they are making the same HP? This assumes both are tuned with a good safety margin for knock (aka proper timing and fuel curves for roadracing).

3) Overheating, does the evo overheat on the track, anybody have real guages and measure water and oil temp. I'm especially interested in oil temps.

 

its reliable as long as its cool...evo runs really hot.

 

Rule of thumb: Always use race gas.

 

Looking at the WB O2 sensor hooked up on my car during hard pulls. The stock ECU will keep richening (is that a word?) the air/fuels.

First pull was no higher then 11.2, second no higher then 11.0, then it got all the way down to 9.2 for the final pull. As coolant temps go up the A/F goes down to compensate and prevent knock. If worse comes to worse the ECU will pull timing to keep you from blowing it up. The ECU has many safety features built into it to protect you from yourself.

Moral of the story is:

Keep the stock ECU and don't worry, go with a standalone and I would be worried.

I am a roadcourse fanatic myself (will be in Summit Point in Oct) and this was one of the things that Al showed me on his laptop when we were tuning my car because this was a big concern of mine.

 

If you are going to road race your car focus on buying two things to help reliability. A bigger FMIC first! The stock FMIC will heat soak in hot weather or after a bit of time. Second a better radiator and thermostat. The stock isn't bad but the cooler the better. Other than that don't get happy on the boost levels run the best fuel you can and you should be good. The evo will take a beating if you can control your factors and those things will help.

 

in addition to race gas... i would reduce the boost by 1 or 2 psi for an extra margin of safety... your not there to compete on a road course so the minor power lose at the top end can be sacrificed for a peace of mind... besides, you will get back some of that power by switching to race gas.... also i'd fill up the intercooler sprayer to full and leave it at auto to spray; which will be constantly doing it since your engine will be so hot.....


i would also clean the intercooler so no oil or dirt is on it, your going to need every bit of cooling its going to provide..... remove all the bugs too

 

Thanks for the replys.

So NRCooled said to keep the factory ECU. Is a reflash still ok, given the caveat that it was programmed right and a safety margin was built in?

How does this sound:

Large Radiator
Big Oil Cooler
FMIC with pipes
Exhaust (full)
Cams (HKS)
16-17 psi boost
reflash

 

My Evo is not a dedicated track car but more of a weekend HPDE warrior. I am flashed and run all stock equipment (intake, tuboback exhaust, fuel pump, flashed) and haven't had a problem at 18psi. We shall see how long this holds up as I continue to go to events though

 

yes it is you just gotta prep it, like ANY track car

 

Start here: https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/sh...ad.php?t=91203 It's a good thread.

I modified Evo can be reliable. I don't have experience with anything more than a works P2 and exhaust but it has been flawless so far on the track. If you do some sort of custom tuning always err on the safety side. I just ordered the Works 269 cams yesterday with the valve springs/retainers. In case of an over rev these should help protect me by reducing the chance of valve float and other nast things.

Just remember, overkill on safety is the way to go.