So I bought my Evo w/SSL at the end of December. It was the only Evo on the lot. I really wanted a regular GSR because I don't care for the sunroof or the added weight...I didn't know the SE model existed. Now I read that it is 75lbs heavier than a base 9 and handles worse than any other model; oherwise, I like the leather, the hids, and the stereo but would have prefered more performance. I autocross about once a month and will probably see an HPDE or two. I'm going to mod the car to include an upgraded suspension, can the drawbacks of the sunroof weight be mitigated with suspension tuning? Thanks

 

I think you are greatly overestimating the performance differential between the regular EVO and one with the "heavy" SSL package. In the hands of an average driver, the performance potential of either car will be indistinguishable.

Yes, the extra 75lbs or whatever is going to slightly affect things like acceleration, turning and breaking. And yes, the extra 45lbs or whatever that the sunroof adds is in the least optimal place on the car. But it's not like it's going to make a significant enough difference in performance to worry about - even for the casual local autoXer or track day participant.

 

Strip the interior and A/C, and get a mini battery, that should lighten things up a bit

 

Get the AMS Carbon Fiber roof. That'll dry some tears, but also create others as it costs some bucks.

 

lose some weight?

 

You are making it a big deal. The little you gain you get a lot back in comfort. If you want to you could take out the sub, that may be 10lbs. I really wish I had HIDs. However the biggest difference on the track will be your driving skill, i'm sure you woulnd't notice 75lbs.

 

AMS makes a carbon firbe roof, I want it.

 

the HID headlights add a lot of weight...i'll trade you my whole system plus cash for yours. lol

 

stop whinning, some people are just not happy with what they have.

 

If you get beat by a non SSL Evo at a track day or autocross, 99.9% was due to the driver...

 

I think the only real drawback with a sunroof, which you may not even notice, is the little bit more flex than the rigidity of an all metal roof, imo. But I dont notice it, on this or my previous cars.

 

I don't regret having SSL 1 bit, i love my sunroof; it is open 90% of the time that i drive, i couldn't live without it.

That being said; seeing as i own an SSL currently, i think my next Evo will be an RS...

 

I love my SSL and the extra weight is never going to be appreciable. It adds just enough civility to make it a terrific daily driver, without blunting the raw performance nature of the car. And at least for me, a sunroof is absolutely mandatory.

If the extra weight really bothers you, lose the wing, subwoofer, and/or rear headrests. Of course, you won't notice the slightest performance improvement...

 

yeah.

 

hmm performance and luxury..if i was spending 30+ on a car i do want a little refinement...trust me i have a gsr with ssl...and one of my boys has an rs..ill take my car over his any day of the week.....and a stereo which actually sounds decent..(coming from a guy who had 2 amps and a 15" sub in his last car)