My new 05 EVO8 has just about reached 1,500 miles and I'm finally past the major break in (took the factory recommened route) period. I owned a 03 EVO which is the car I sold to get into my current 2005. The 03 was not a bad car by any means, and was a very solid performer till the moment I last drove her. I wanted to wait till I had some time in the seat of the 05 before I made any real comparissons that I have found in my time owning the 05 vs the 03. This is what I have found thus far:

• The car is definetly more aggressive right off the start as stated previously on EVOM, the more aggresive tune is there aswell as the help of the front LSD & the 10.5.
• The car is LOUDER than the 03. The turboback I put back on this one (finished with a Greddy TI) is throating and meaner. I love it, but its just a note.
• Squeeks and creeks are still there! #1 would be the drivers seat rubbing against the armrest. This might is due to the leather being bulk and rubbing against the leather armrest. Other squeeks/creeks still abound the car.
• Car overall feels sturdier and even more in control than the 03.
• The ACD is a nice addition, but I haven't really gotten to feel it in use since I haven't tracked the car or been on any kind of terrain which would require it.
• As a side note, the SSL stereo sucks, you can fix it up a bit if you atleast upgrade the HU to something better. I only bring this up because for being an "upgraded" stereo vs the stock EVO stereo, its just not worth it.

Overall I am happy with the upgrade and to me the new warranty, better overall car and proven platform made it wroth it. I could have waited for the 9, but not at 0% APR

The only issue I have with the car is a strange "clunk" noise when I brake, which I have a thread about. Haven't had a chance to take it into service for that yet, I can only hope it gets resolved easily.

thanks for reading, and hope it helps someone

 

was a good read. and +1 on the SSL radio sucking

 

I love the SSL radio, I have no idea why everyone *****es about it. . . .it's perfectly loud, great division of mid's, high's, and lows. . .what else do you need? Yeah, the HU looks ugly and doesn't have fancy things dancing around, but IMO, it's pretty darn kick ***. . .

 

how do you like the 6 speed over the 5 speed? ....i mean, it might be nice to have more of an overdrive gear but do you notice much power loss in other gears?

 

yeah, can you give us a comparo on the gearbox and tranny?

 

He has a GSR, not an MR. He still has the same 5 speed as the '03, only with the addition of the ACD.

 

Its not an MR.... it still is the five speed.

Ya beat me to it!

 

No 6 spd as stated above, I got another GSR (no MR's were left in my area when I bought!).

The SSL is just a disapointment when its considered an "upgrade" to the standard issue EVO stereo setup which is so-so on its own. I had an all Alpine setup on the 03 too which I wouldnt compare to a "stock" setup, but man do I miss how it sounds.

 

The six speed is nice. For City driving it's a tough call. If you use sixth gear, your always stepping on the gas just enough to get into the boost (the boost guage is super nice to have if you want to keep on eye on your gas mileage). Unless trafic is doing 80 or above, I leave it in fifth. The extra overdrive gear is really only good when your moving at relatively high speeds for an extended period.

 

nice thread. I'm actually shocked and pleased to see a thread with no hate, word fights or flames.

 

Good comparo. Glad to see that your new car is working out for ya.

I can't comment on the "SSL" radio, but the radio in my 2005 STi surely isn't a daisy, that's for sure. The in-dash 6 disc cd player is a nice touch, but the speakers suck.

 

Don't know if we will get to see a comparison between the 03, 04, and 05 on a circuit track.

 

Well, took it to the dealer and they werent able to replicate the problem. Said it could be the ABS kicking in but I've never heard that on my 03... ever. Real strange... they said next time they would take a look again and to report back in case I keep hearing it or what not...Funny part is right when I left the dealer I heard it... lol

 

I think the stock stereo sounds great, not sure what people's problems are, for stock its better than most. I mean its not gunna beat like 2 12's, but it does still shake the car!

 

you guys r pussified i dont have a radio in mine (RS) lol dreaming of tunes.....i know i can put 1 in but......