I've been sitting back with my stock EVO and waiting to see what Kit I liked best. By this time I have usually modded the heck out of my car but with the EVO being so new I wanted to wait this time. I think this would be a good thread to voice which kit you like so far and why you would go with it. Let's make this a long thread and let some of these vendors know what we want and what we like best out of these kits.

I'm going to have to go with TurboXS. I think with their UTEC computer combined with their in house designed parts have shown their great results on the WRX's. The idea of a stand alone that's not really a stand alone but can compensate for the EVO's "smart" computer flaws of pulling boost, timing, and pushing fuel will definetally provide good results. The idea of not just fooling the computers functions but controlling them works for me.

 

I'm pretty much pointed in the direction of Vishnu's Xede unit at this point. After having learned recently that on top of the timing and fuel management features, it also controls boost using the stock boost solenoid, I'm pretty well sold. The actual Vishnu stages are sounding appealing as well beyond just the Xede.

 

I am going to go with the AMS Stage II setup...

Considering they just posted a flat 12.0 quarter run, and that's without the upgraded clutch that will be offered as part of the stage II package...

AMS Stage II == 11-second car. Good enough for me.

 

Check out the prices of the dual plate clutch that AMS offers on the Eclipse. I think it is a fantastic clutch. And, honestly, the price relates pretty well to an aluminum flywheel and ACT 2600 combo on my car (which is what it replaces). But, for me, it would lighten my wallet a bit too much.

The great thing about the AMS clutch is that it holds a lot of power without having to rely on huge clamping forces that stress thrust bearings, like conventional clutches.

 

Yeah, I'm going in a similar direction... I'd say look at the dyno numbers and look at what some folks are posting for their 1/4 miles, 60' timnes, etc. Then, look at the prices and do some simple math.......If something costs 50% more it should be 50% better, otherwise you are getting ripped-off......

 

It's hard to quantify "better", especially when long-term reliability is a key requirement for those of us daily driving the Evo. I am leaning towards Vishnu's setup, but AMS has my interest. Decisions, decisions....

 

IDK that is kind of my dillema! I mean i live in the midwest area, and I am very close to AMS, and although they have produced VERY, VERY good parts to get you the times you would want, weather you want to Auto-X or wheather you're on the drag strip! Vishnu racing in the suby territory is well, very well, respected for their good power, and RELIABLE parts!! So i want to go with the AMS kit, but only after it's been proven to be reliable, cuz for me this car is my daily driver, so, ya...

Jus my .02 cents!

 

I'm using most of the components from Buschur's site.. AFC, MBC, Their Turbo-back exhaust.. However I'm also upgrading my clutch, larger FMIC, HKS Cams, adjustable cam gears, Portmatched Head, and turbo, EXtrudehoned intake, larger throttlebody (also port matched)

My guess is that combination is very similar to most of the stage II setups that either exist, or will exist.. The only change I will be making is replacing the S-AFC with a complete standalone ECU Replacement.

 

MalibuJack,

Some advice. Don't portmatch the exhaust side of the head. The step is there to fight reversion.

Second, instaed of extrude-honing the intake manifold, talk to Magnus Motorsports about producing their sheetmetal intake manifold for the Evo. Better gains, and not too far off from the price of an extrude-hone.

And skip the larger throttle body. It really doesn't benefit 4G63Ts.

 

I will probably start with Shiv's XEDE and go from there. I am trying to plan my upgrade path with as much logic and forethought as possible. I prefer the piggyback/ecu replacement over the fuel cpu + boost controller route, but I am not sold on Vishnu's exhaust (I think it is probably going to be too loud for my tastes - but that remains to be seen. I am not sold on any one conpany's "path", instead I will pick & choose the products that suit me the best.

 

To all,

Don't forget that most of what is out there from AMS, Buschur, Vishnu, RMR etc ... is the same stuff with the exception of adressing the ECU (choices between a reflash, full replacement, piggyback, and Air/Fuel controller) ... in other words, one does not have to stick with one manufactuer all the way through the upgrade process. Why spend all this $ on a stage 1 or stage 2 from one tuner when we can piece together our own stage 1 and stage 2 and save money from buying in different locations. It's NOT like a Vishnu Xede, an RMR ECU reflash, or a S-AFC from AMS will only work with their own exhaust systems, etc. Just my two cents ...

 

A boost controller will still work with ecu replacement or a reflash, although it won't be as much of a neccessity since in theory, boost won't be dropping off as much near and at redline .... it will just allow more flexibility ... being able to choose to run with more or less boost as needed.

 

bump

 

I know - but I would prefer one device to manage all my functions - just easier for me I think.

 

That's quite right... I've found the hard way that higher price and hype are not necessarily "better"........ If you go with a "pre-mapped chip or piggyback" solution, you are basically tied to that vendor or tuner unless it's easily re-adjustable by the user.

The truth is that is very easy to quantify "better", the problem is that it usually takes experience and empirical tests to determine it..... by then, it's usually too late and your $$ is long gone

There is really no other way to know what is what unless you are right there with people who have the mods in question installed. Then you can see first hand what really happens, how well they really work, what issues come up, etc. One cannot really trust the reports one reads in these forums because they are purely subjective and often colored by personal bias or hype.......

I'm going with simple, inexpensive, easily reversible mods to try certain theories. If these work well, I might try other things, if they don't, I'll try something else for sure or just go back to stock and sell the parts to another person who wants to try them.... After all, some things work very well for one but are unacceptable for another for a variety of reasons....