For the past several months I have been lurking on an STI site gathering as much information as possible as I prepared to buy the car this May/June. Well, for the heck of it I decided to test drive an '05 VIII today before my STI test drive. This changed EVERYTHING. Although I'm familiar with the performance/capabilities of both cars I really had my expectations raised with that drive. The dealership (Jerry's for any Baltimoreans here) was fantastic. They even invited me back for another test drive. The Subaru dealership was great on the phone but changed their tune when I showed up and hassled me about the test drive (credit check, insurance, blood sample, etc.). The problem is that I spent so much time researching the STI I really never got into mods and options to unleash the Evo.

What would be a good way to spend an initial $2000 on an Evo? I'm thinking engine performance when I ask. 325-350whp is where I want to be eventually and considering it's going to be a daily driver I really am in no rush to get anything done (think reliability). Generally speaking, is there any advice/input anyone feels like giving? I am searching as I type, but I've gone from months of preparation to a few weeks. Any info would be appreciated. The search goes on...

 

Well of course a TBE to start and a Flash. That might get you around 300 whp.

 

yeah, you definitely screwed up haha. The Evolution engine is the definition of reliability. A nice turbo back exhaust intake and a flash is a nice simple way to start. Just my opinion. You can make an Evolution a much better beast than a STI and can easily be a better all around car with slight modifications, looks nicer too.

 

I did the same thing you want to do.....

1 - TBE (Helix with Test Pipe) = $765
2 - Fuel Pump = $80
3 - MBC = $60
4 - Gauge (Defi D) = $75 or so...
5 - 272 Cams (HKS) = $600
6 - Custom Flash = $400
7 - K & N Air Intake = $50

Total = $2030 Around there.....

on pump gas about I am at around 360-380 WHP
I have no idea what I would do on race gas and 23-24 PSI, but I look at Buschur Racing and the car they have and I kinda get the idea and I love it.....

 

Yea, that's what you want to do, but remember that price is without labor which can also be a chunk. And don't expect gains like that either....360whp is quite a stretch no matter what dyno you are using!! In reality, it should get you right where you want to be....325whp.

Good luck!

steinvb12

 

Jerry's subs and pizza, right? That place's cheesesteak is the devil, it tempts me like no other.

I hate to do this to you, but would you mind searching? Everyone has their own ideas, so I'll leave it up to you. The staged kits from any of the nice vendors on this site are rather good.

 

if your looking to mod thier is no comparison the evo is easier cheaper and respondes better to mods..... the sti is a good car but i would only own one if i was into interior and wanted a stock car that i drove everyday...

evoisdream

 

an evo with 2000$ mods will be ALOT more fun than an STI with 2000$ in mods.

 

add some i/c piping to the list to imporve drivability, not a new bov though. that will hurt it. the original list with tax and installs will put you up alot higher then $2000. if you want drivability i would get and EBC instead of a MBC. eliminates gauge, costs more, but if you don't want to pop your hood once in the morning and once at night i would go w/ the EBC. if you take off the cams and add i/c piping you are talking about parts you can install yourself @ around $2000. that should net you around 300+whp. BTW good choice, you won't be disapointed when you add that exhaust and boost controller for the highway.

 

hey i did the same thing as you. i'm glad i went with the evo. i researched the sti for about a year. I test drove one at car max and i wanted one bad. Then i test drove an evo on a whim and i was hooked. Love my evo

 

Get which ever car you want. Remember you have to live with it .... both are great cars and which ever you go with, you won't go wrong

 

hello and welcome - you are about to make the best decision in your life. thats buying an evo over the sti

 

+1

 

+2

 

Get a Hallman MBC, UTEC w/ the tuner pro and alcohol injection!