Typical Issues with evos....?
Evolved Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 688
Likes: 0
From: California, Orange County, Fullerton
Veering off the flame war, I kind of see Evo as like BMW/Merc/Audi/Etc...no, I'm not saying Evo is luxurious or anything, but I think it's generally agreed that the name "Lancer Evolution" has prestige and popularity behind its name, sort of like Acura NSX *shrug* so with that in mind, you will be owning a piece of FINEASS machineary no matter which year you go with
This car is designed to be driven hard (or so we think anyway). Assuming you're planning on buying used, you should really look out for signs of abuse or negligent ownership (worn on brakes, mods, chipped paints, oil changes, etc). If inspection goes well, then car should have no problems. However, one of the most prominent problem is with syncros...typically because of user abuse/error. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. This car has been around for 15 years (off the top of my head) for a reason--it wouldn't be around anymore if it was a piece of crap. I have '03 and I did have issue with syncro (because I actually had to learn how to drive stick with the car...), but it was replaced under warranty. Strangely enough, although lot of people complain about clutch, I see it mostly as user's fault because even after 3 years of my not-so-great driving and occasional mess up, the clutch still grabs like a champ.
Each year (03-06) had its pros/cons...here's a few off the top of my head
03 - HID and foglight (neato) came standard (unlike 04), no leather option, optional sunroof, open diff?
04 - not too sure, but I think this is when they started the whole SSL (sound, sun and leather) thing...which meant that if you wanted HIDs, you had to get this option for extra 3g. Also, I could be wrong but this may actually be the year where they gave helical diff.
05 - bigger turbo housing and better diffs. SSL option--HIDs aren't standard. You cant get sunroof separately.
06 - MIVEC.
I'm pretty sure they had this stuff on wikipedia
EDIT: This is found on wikipedia
This car is designed to be driven hard (or so we think anyway). Assuming you're planning on buying used, you should really look out for signs of abuse or negligent ownership (worn on brakes, mods, chipped paints, oil changes, etc). If inspection goes well, then car should have no problems. However, one of the most prominent problem is with syncros...typically because of user abuse/error. If you take care of your car, it will take care of you. This car has been around for 15 years (off the top of my head) for a reason--it wouldn't be around anymore if it was a piece of crap. I have '03 and I did have issue with syncro (because I actually had to learn how to drive stick with the car...), but it was replaced under warranty. Strangely enough, although lot of people complain about clutch, I see it mostly as user's fault because even after 3 years of my not-so-great driving and occasional mess up, the clutch still grabs like a champ.
Each year (03-06) had its pros/cons...here's a few off the top of my head
03 - HID and foglight (neato) came standard (unlike 04), no leather option, optional sunroof, open diff?
04 - not too sure, but I think this is when they started the whole SSL (sound, sun and leather) thing...which meant that if you wanted HIDs, you had to get this option for extra 3g. Also, I could be wrong but this may actually be the year where they gave helical diff.
05 - bigger turbo housing and better diffs. SSL option--HIDs aren't standard. You cant get sunroof separately.
06 - MIVEC.
I'm pretty sure they had this stuff on wikipedia
EDIT: This is found on wikipedia
The American 2003 and 2004 GSRs are without the helical limited-slip front differential and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2004 US spec RS models, however, do have a front helical limited-slip differential. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 RS and GSR models have the Japanese Evolution VII's 5-speed transmission. The MR edition was introduced to the US in 2005, with ACD and the only model with a 6-speed transmission. The 2005 US spec RS and GSR have the ACD standard, and the front helical limited-slip differential is now standard on all models. The timing and tuning are also slightly lower than its Japanese counterpart, allowing it to adhere to the strict emissions regulations of the United States.
Most Evolution VIIIs have a carbon fiber rear spoiler with matching body-color endplates, except for the MR Edition, whose endplates are painted black. The basic RS Edition does not come with a rear spoiler.
Most Evolution VIIIs have a carbon fiber rear spoiler with matching body-color endplates, except for the MR Edition, whose endplates are painted black. The basic RS Edition does not come with a rear spoiler.
Last edited by TwoMix9900; Nov 7, 2006 at 11:16 PM.
I can't be sure of other year model as I only have my 03 to play with. And it's been a very well made car. I treat it very well(maintenance-wise) and in return I have had over 50K miles of amazing driving pleasure. I don't beat on it daily but I do give it the lead foot every so often. Just don't try to find the car's limit on public road. :}
One of the things u might not be used to is evo's lack of bottom end torque, especially coming from v8 cobra.
I was a little bit taken back when i made the switch from sti to evo.
Sti does offer impressive bottom end torque (stock) compare to evo (stock).
Sti does run out of breath fairly quickly though.
When I first joined up, i always got a smirk every time i read warrtalon's posts.
But after being a member for almost a year, I couldn't agree with him more.
Yes, it's easy to post up and get an immediate answer.
Would it be possible that is the reason why search function generates so many posts dealing with exactly same questions asked over and over again?
How many times do the members have to deal with questions about loud bov, intake, etc. that just hurts the performance of the car?
The mods put up rules for a reason.
They even went as far as putting up a newbie section.
Sorry for venting a little.
I was a little bit taken back when i made the switch from sti to evo.
Sti does offer impressive bottom end torque (stock) compare to evo (stock).
Sti does run out of breath fairly quickly though.
When I first joined up, i always got a smirk every time i read warrtalon's posts.
But after being a member for almost a year, I couldn't agree with him more.
Yes, it's easy to post up and get an immediate answer.
Would it be possible that is the reason why search function generates so many posts dealing with exactly same questions asked over and over again?
How many times do the members have to deal with questions about loud bov, intake, etc. that just hurts the performance of the car?
The mods put up rules for a reason.
They even went as far as putting up a newbie section.
Sorry for venting a little.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Downingtown Pa
I just want to thank everyone who anwsered my questions! And for those of you who didn't, thanks for posting. Didn't want to start a war here on my first post. SOunds like if I just take care of the car and do what is needed when it is needed things will work it self out.
I hope to get an evo in the future. And if I get a well paying job, just maybe I'll be able to afford teh 06 or newer evo!
I hope to get an evo in the future. And if I get a well paying job, just maybe I'll be able to afford teh 06 or newer evo!
Originally Posted by EvoPride
Hey everyone, Im new here, well not new, been browsing the site for a few months but havn't posted at all really.
I was thinking of selling my lowmile 94 cobra and saving some cash till the late spring early summer when I finish college to get an evo. I love these cars, the looks, the power, the suspension, everything. I am just unfamilar about them and I would like to know what the typical issues of these cars are. How reliable are they for daily driving whether it is stock or mildly modified. Thanks
I was thinking of selling my lowmile 94 cobra and saving some cash till the late spring early summer when I finish college to get an evo. I love these cars, the looks, the power, the suspension, everything. I am just unfamilar about them and I would like to know what the typical issues of these cars are. How reliable are they for daily driving whether it is stock or mildly modified. Thanks
Evolving Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: MA
Originally Posted by sti2evo9mr
One of the things u might not be used to is evo's lack of bottom end torque, especially coming from v8 cobra.
I was a little bit taken back when i made the switch from sti to evo.
Sti does offer impressive bottom end torque (stock) compare to evo (stock).
Sti does run out of breath fairly quickly though.
I was a little bit taken back when i made the switch from sti to evo.
Sti does offer impressive bottom end torque (stock) compare to evo (stock).
Sti does run out of breath fairly quickly though.
I have had an 03 Cobra, 03 Lightning and an 04 STi and there is a sever lack of tourque in the bottom RPMs of the Evo compared to the others. You will not be ready for it, lol. Aside from the lack of tourque in the very low RPMS, the car is awesome. The handling is insane and the turbo kick is fun. I wish I still had my Cobra (466 rwhp) but the Evo is the next best thing IMO.
Originally Posted by fitbikedominick
THERE IS A HUGE PROBLEM THAT EVERY ONE MISSED! you will be winning way too many races. The only major thing i can think of is the syncros they tend to be kinda weak.
Lack of torque at low rpm.......easy....Just keep your car in boost 
...I had american muscle cars all my life and I dont miss the low kick much...its REALLY how you drive it...just keep it in its power band and you will be rewarded.
Oh...you think cobras eat gas...HAHAA...Try a cammed evo at 22lb...Just warning yaah
...I had american muscle cars all my life and I dont miss the low kick much...its REALLY how you drive it...just keep it in its power band and you will be rewarded.Oh...you think cobras eat gas...HAHAA...Try a cammed evo at 22lb...Just warning yaah
You still havent got an evo.
Ive had my 03 since early 04. Gradually been modding it. No big problems yet.. (knock on wood) besides clutch, out at 35k. Just find a good deal man!
Ive had my 03 since early 04. Gradually been modding it. No big problems yet.. (knock on wood) besides clutch, out at 35k. Just find a good deal man!