Evo Ix Driving Impressions?
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From: Fresno, CA
Evo IX Driving Impressions?
With the recent advent of the new IX's, would anyone on this forum who has bought one care to give a succinct account of their impressions thus far? How does it compare to the VIII if you were a previous owner? I haven't seen a thread on this yet. I'm just curious as to whether they are living up to all of the hype.
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From: Dubai, UAE
a close friend of mine who got me started on the Evo (I got a IX GT now, he has an VIII MR, both JDM -- we're from Singapore) test drove my stock IX and his first impressions was that it's got better low end compared to the VIII MR. The VIII MR pulls relatively slowly until the turbo goes ballastic and the driver goes OMGOMGOMG, while the pull on the IX GT is so linear that you feel the inital pull come in from 3000 rpm, pulls harder from 4000 rpm, all the way to 5500 rpm, after which it tapers off.
Ride comfort is the same as the MR as the IX rides on the same Bilstein setup.
IMHO, I've been told by fellow forumers from my local Evo forum that the IX has better FC.
The only 'downside' to the IX is the magnesium-titanium turbo -- we've had at least 4 blown cases, all modded cars to some degree, with at least an aftermarket (Trust, HKS, Apexi) exhaust, intake, and electronic boost controller.
Ride comfort is the same as the MR as the IX rides on the same Bilstein setup.
IMHO, I've been told by fellow forumers from my local Evo forum that the IX has better FC.
The only 'downside' to the IX is the magnesium-titanium turbo -- we've had at least 4 blown cases, all modded cars to some degree, with at least an aftermarket (Trust, HKS, Apexi) exhaust, intake, and electronic boost controller.
A friend of mine (and poster on these boards) recently chronicled his trip to Japan on another site. Here's what he had to say about the JDM Evo IX as compared to his USDM Evo VIII MR:
Originally Posted by avngrguild
Interior:
I like the changes made for the IX. The dash panel is now made of a carbon fiber-esque material that has a slight shine, and the black steering wheel is a nice touch as well. The auto AC controls located in the lower cubby would be a welcomed addition to the USDM version. Unfortunately, we get the RS version which is unchanged from the Evo VIII AC controls. Although, from the pics the AC controls look nice, but they really are made of a cheap plastic. They felt flimsy.
The Recaro seats are made of a high grade leather with escaine type material. The grey portion is a mesh like material as seen in the pics. I've often heard peeps wish for the JDM seats, but the bolsters are too tight for Americans in general. I'm 6' 200lbs and I fit perfectly. IMHO, Mitsu would limit their sales if they left these high bolstered seats unchanged.
I've heard that the IC sprayer was removed from the Evo VIII MR because of the 6 spd tranny. The Evo IX has 6spd tranny, ACD, AYC, and IC sprayer...wtf?? There is also a button near the mirror controls that folds in the driver side mirror automatically.
Driving Experience:
Now for the important part!! I asked the Mitsu salesman to let me test drive their silver IX on the lot. He grabbed the keys and it was a go. Once strapped in, I tested the pedals and immediately noticed the clutch felt way different than my MR. It was very light and upon pulling out of the drive way I noticed the catch point was perfect. My MR has a very high catch point and took me a few weeks to get the hang of it. This felt like something between the STi and my MR (read: just perfect). The Mivec wasn't very noticeable during the test drive as I only took the car up to 5500rpm in 4th. Japan streets are very tight and the average speed limit was 40kmh in the test area.
The turbo spooled nicely at approx 3k rpm and the car felt very linear. Since adding the Power FC and exhaust to my MR, I've forgotten how calm stock Evo's can be. There were no gauges in the cabin, so I couldn't get an accurate reading on boost. Overall, the Evo IX left me with a very positive impression. The only hiccup was when I accelerated abruptly in 2nd while in a turn and the diffs started to lock up and do their thing. I suddenly remembered I was driving an Evo again.
This was a good experience; as I was never afforded the opportunity to test drive an Evo in the US. I'd say the Evo IX is as good as the MR, but not worth the upgrade IMHO. For someone looking to buy a new Evo, this is the only way to go if you can afford it. The salesman indicated he was a sports car nut, but with a price tag of 37k yen he couldn't afford the LanEvo IX. It's a shame as he is missing out on one hell of a car.
I like the changes made for the IX. The dash panel is now made of a carbon fiber-esque material that has a slight shine, and the black steering wheel is a nice touch as well. The auto AC controls located in the lower cubby would be a welcomed addition to the USDM version. Unfortunately, we get the RS version which is unchanged from the Evo VIII AC controls. Although, from the pics the AC controls look nice, but they really are made of a cheap plastic. They felt flimsy.
The Recaro seats are made of a high grade leather with escaine type material. The grey portion is a mesh like material as seen in the pics. I've often heard peeps wish for the JDM seats, but the bolsters are too tight for Americans in general. I'm 6' 200lbs and I fit perfectly. IMHO, Mitsu would limit their sales if they left these high bolstered seats unchanged.
I've heard that the IC sprayer was removed from the Evo VIII MR because of the 6 spd tranny. The Evo IX has 6spd tranny, ACD, AYC, and IC sprayer...wtf?? There is also a button near the mirror controls that folds in the driver side mirror automatically.
Driving Experience:
Now for the important part!! I asked the Mitsu salesman to let me test drive their silver IX on the lot. He grabbed the keys and it was a go. Once strapped in, I tested the pedals and immediately noticed the clutch felt way different than my MR. It was very light and upon pulling out of the drive way I noticed the catch point was perfect. My MR has a very high catch point and took me a few weeks to get the hang of it. This felt like something between the STi and my MR (read: just perfect). The Mivec wasn't very noticeable during the test drive as I only took the car up to 5500rpm in 4th. Japan streets are very tight and the average speed limit was 40kmh in the test area.
The turbo spooled nicely at approx 3k rpm and the car felt very linear. Since adding the Power FC and exhaust to my MR, I've forgotten how calm stock Evo's can be. There were no gauges in the cabin, so I couldn't get an accurate reading on boost. Overall, the Evo IX left me with a very positive impression. The only hiccup was when I accelerated abruptly in 2nd while in a turn and the diffs started to lock up and do their thing. I suddenly remembered I was driving an Evo again.
This was a good experience; as I was never afforded the opportunity to test drive an Evo in the US. I'd say the Evo IX is as good as the MR, but not worth the upgrade IMHO. For someone looking to buy a new Evo, this is the only way to go if you can afford it. The salesman indicated he was a sports car nut, but with a price tag of 37k yen he couldn't afford the LanEvo IX. It's a shame as he is missing out on one hell of a car.
Originally Posted by ghoonk
aThe only 'downside' to the IX is the magnesium-titanium turbo -- we've had at least 4 blown cases, all modded cars to some degree, with at least an aftermarket (Trust, HKS, Apexi) exhaust, intake, and electronic boost controller.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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Originally Posted by deepcover6
WHAT is this?? ...the mag turbo just blows up by light bolt on, I mean...at most boost spiking should do something to the block, haven't heard much about the turbo just poping?? Would care to elaborate because this is gonna be news to alot of the people who are buying to mod.
+1
i would like to know this too.
I have driven the Evo IX after my friend bought it and also during the PDI. The ride seems the same to me. I drive a 2005 evo gsr and noticed that the IX keeps pulling and you dont notice any dead spots like in the 2003-2005, or the intial spike in boost. Its a very nice constant pull almost like mine feels with a reflash. I didnt notice a faster spool or more torque down low. But the power feels nice and steady through out the power band. Plus the car looks so sick in black its not even funny. Im selling my 05 when the rebates come out for the IX's late next year. 
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: NA
Originally Posted by deepcover6
WHAT is this?? ...the mag turbo just blows up by light bolt on, I mean...at most boost spiking should do something to the block, haven't heard much about the turbo just poping?? Would care to elaborate because this is gonna be news to alot of the people who are buying to mod.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Illinois
Originally Posted by RiversideMitsu
I have driven the Evo IX after my friend bought it and also during the PDI. The ride seems the same to me. I drive a 2005 evo gsr and noticed that the IX keeps pulling and you dont notice any dead spots like in the 2003-2005, or the intial spike in boost. Its a very nice constant pull almost like mine feels with a reflash. I didnt notice a faster spool or more torque down low. But the power feels nice and steady through out the power band. Plus the car looks so sick in black its not even funny. Im selling my 05 when the rebates come out for the IX's late next year.
No initial spike in boost? Thats what I like about the car. I had a 350z so linear it was almost sleepy. I have a wrx now and the small boost spike at 3.5-4k rpm is what makes driving 50miles a day fun. Is it really that linear? I don't want it to feel like a muscle car.
Originally Posted by wEstSidE
Don't worry your tiny little head, us filthy, greasy, fat Americans don't get "mag turbo[s]" which "asplode."
Well that puts my pin head, filthy, greasy, fat american self to rest, I haven't yet come across the specs for the US IX turbo , care to provide a link
