So it's finally done!! I've traded in my Evo VIII '03 for a GG IX MR. Here are my thoughts so far after 150 miles (picked up the car last night! )

Engine performance - I'm still trying to wipe off the huge grin on my face!!
I was curious to see how the IX MR would feel compared to my dynoflashed VIII with walbro pump upgrade. Let me tell you I wasn't dissapointed! This thing spools up real quick right around 2800-3000 range (at least on my car). Once the turbo kicks in, it just keeps pulling and I mean pulling!! This is compared to my VIII where it pulled hard in the midrange and then it felt kind of flat up top.
I can't described how happy I am with the stock performance of this car (must have gotten a strong car off the factory)!! To even think this is not completely broke in yet, and wait until the boys at precision dyno get a hold of this thing!!

Ride quality
Although not major, I did notice an improvement while doing some city driving (read lots of bumps!!). While I felt I was riding a wild horse when going over bumps on the VIII, the MR feels a bit more docile. Handling seems to be slightly better, but I haven't (don't have the driving skills, really!!) pushed the car that far yet.

Exterior
Let's just say the car looks much better in person. The pics don't do it justice.

Interior/cosmetics
Let's not go there!!

Thanks for the bandwidth!

 

Yup mine also spools around 2800-3000, you feel it start sucking in the air around 2500 and push you back hard around 2800, and it doesn't let go. They are awesome cars! Congrats on the MR

 

Thanks!! Congrats to you too. In my previous post, I forgot to mention how smooth the gearbox feels. On my VIII it was notchy and on the first-to-second shift, you could almost always feel the gates catching.

I have to say that, even with all the improvements/goodies I got with the MR, I was sad to see my VIII go. Even with all the minor stuff I pointed out earlier, It's still a great car. The best car I've ever owned.

 

Congrats man! I still can't get over my Evo IX.

 

It's an awsome car. Thanks, man! Congrats!!

 

congrats on the upgrade

 

Thanks bro!! I see that you're in Hawaii. I was in Waikiki a few weeks ago. Had a blast! The whole island was breathtaking!!

 

I got the same feeling on the gearbox and was wondering if this is normal, and if a gear oil chnage to HKS Super Gear Oil (75W140) will reduce the grinding feeling between gears. My IX has done 8000 miles so far, and still no improvement

That aside, it's a damn fine ride. The suspension is well set up for city driving (my only complaint being the amount of roll off the stock Bilsteins), and the pull is awesome even on a mostly stock car

 

yay, good to hear good reviews about the car since it will be the car i will be getting soon congratulations on your new car, and be sure to post some pix because i can't stop looking at the ix till i actually get my own. =p

 

When I was talking about the notchiness I was referring to the 5 speed box on the VIII. My IX MR 6 speed box feels smooth as of now. Let's hope it stays that way. From looking around in the forums a change to high performance gear oil always improve the gear box feel. I would do a search for "best gear oil" or something to that effect and see what people feel most comfortable with.
Thanks and good luck with your car!

 

Pics coming!! but as I said before, they don't do it justice. This car just looks beautiful in person (I got the GG)

 

Well you have inspired me to post my impressions. Having come from a g35 coupe there was quite a difference between my old car and the evo. The dealer delivered my MR Friday afternoon and I have put about 150 miles of pure joy on it.

The first thing I noticed which I was not surprised about was the lack of power below 2500 or off boost. However, on boost it completely blows the g35 out of the water...even in 6th gear which I was shocked by. The throw is a bit shorter than that of my g35 but I would say a tad bit notchier. The suspension is plenty stiff, just the way I like it with minimal body roll. One complaint I have is the brakes on this seem softer than the Brembo's I had on my G. As far as the interior goes...well...I obviously did not buy this car for the luxury, it will take some time to get used to not having my nice 6 cd bose system or the heated seats...At least I have boost!!

 

yup, that's what my IX GT comes with -- a 5-speeder. The 6-speed cross mission box is MUCH smoother. Makes me kinda wish I got the GSR instead...

 

congradulations on the upgrade...I'm seriously considering trading my 1500 mile '05 sti in for the IX...I never though it would look so insane but I can't stop thinking about it

 

How much did you pay for your car after the trade in? I was thinking of getting the IX, but I would be losing money. Didn't you have that feeling? My car will be paid off in March. If I trade my car in I probably won't get much back, then I will be paying for another car for a few more years. If the dealer offered me almost the same amount with a small difference to pay on the IX, then I'd consider it. Then what will I do, do the same thing when the X comes out?
I'm just happy that my car will be paid off and not have to worry about car payments. Congrats on your purchase though. I have driven Precision Dyno's IX and I loved it, makes the trade tempting. I will probably wait to see how turbo and head swaps end up.