I know the Evo IX has a better fuel pump than the Evo VIII. Is a Walbro Fuel Pump necessary on an Evo IX if I am just going with basic mods, exhaust, intake, mbc, and an ECU reflash?

 

if you want to run more than 21-22lbs of boost

 

It wouldn't hurt to add it as a safety precaution.

 

Safety from?

 

it ensures you have adequate fuel pressure, therefore keeps you from going lean at high boost levels.

 

Lots of IX's tuned out there with exhausts, myself included, running stock pump no problems. I have 12,000m on my IX dyno tune FWIW.

If its all your going to do I would think it over. Tons of noisey problems with the walbro have been reported. I would only install if I needed it. The IX has a higher rated flow vs. the VIII pump.

 

I would highly recommend it, if you're not on that tight of a budget...

If you need to pinch a few pennies, leave it OEM...

 

Its an $85 part that offers cheap insurance when you are running high boost. Needless to say, I'll be getting one before my retune.

 

+1 - I just got one before my tune this weekend.

 

hmmmm...

$85 dollar part or $5000+ engine. Hard decision...