Help deciding on a year...
If you can afford a new ix there shouldnt be a reason to post this.I settled for an 05 with SSL. Now I kind of regret not waiting a few more months having saved some more money to put down on a 9.Dont get me wrong.The 8 makes me very happy and after I install my cams and get otherwised tuned, power wont be an issue.Its all the little things I want.Front bumper,seats,cf dash panel,mivec,wheels....you get the point, its all handed to you when you buy a 9.Intake,exhaust,mbc,flash,fuel pump,300+whp done.
If you are staying on stock turbo (which 360 whp hints at) the 9 turbo will get you there (on a dynojet) with a good tune, intake, mbc @ 25 psi, and a tbe. I'm making 340/355 on a Mustang Dyno and I still have a cat but I also have cams and alky.
If its going to be your DD, don't get the RS. It is missing alot of features you will wish you had. Hell I have a fully loaded IX MR SE and its STILL missing some basic things I wish it had.
MIVEC will make you a ton of torque, the larger turbo will make you more hp with less mods, and you can roll it off the showroom floor knowing no one has molested it but you. My opinion at least.
If its going to be your DD, don't get the RS. It is missing alot of features you will wish you had. Hell I have a fully loaded IX MR SE and its STILL missing some basic things I wish it had.
MIVEC will make you a ton of torque, the larger turbo will make you more hp with less mods, and you can roll it off the showroom floor knowing no one has molested it but you. My opinion at least.
you can get a good kit on ebay for $140 shipped.... tried and tested... very good quality too.. plug and play.. i plan to do the same here shortly with my RS
Evolved Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 609
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From: Long Island, NY (Hurry up and wait)
Listen, DONT get the RS unless youre seriously planning on road racing the car i mean c'mon some small pound reduction for crank windows and what not?? Get a IX or MR or even better deal SE edition and youre in business. Take out the jack, spare tire, get a lightweight battery etc and youve got a legit DD that kicks butt.
Evolving Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 362
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From: Northern Michigan
well the time has come to get out of my 06 Civic SI and on with a real tuner... My problem is, i can afford an 06' but i could also afford an 04-05 and have some cash left for mods... Any advice here would be useful. I dontknow from what i have read what the main differences are between the US spec years if someone could elaborate that'd be awsome. I know the 9 raised bonestock bhp a little which isnt much an 05 with minor bolt ons couldnt fix. What about potential problems with the different years, which parts are tending to "go out" and which year is the most worry free lol =) 03 might be an option with a tranny build..
BF
BF
There is nothing wrong with the 03 transmissions. For performance driving, the 5-speed is more durable.
When the specs of the 03 Evo8 was first released in the U.S., there was a lot of complaints about not getting the "real" Evo with AYC and ACD. I remember posts from people in Europe saying that the simpler drivetrain we got was actually more durable and better suited for motorsports. That is the way it has worked out for me. I haven't missed these components in 4 years of autocrosses and track days. I only have minimal engine mods (3" TBE), but I have had zero parts failures during this time. Just wear item replacement and good maintenance practices (fluid changes).
Before I get jumped on, an argument could be made for the front LSD. I feel a good suspension setup (coilovers, 450/550 spring rates, harder suspension bushings, etc) is much more important for handling performance.
The MIVEC and larger turbo in the 9 is very appealing though. For a while I was tempted to get an 06 IX, but decided to do some moderate engine mods on my 03 instead and wait to see how the X actually turns out.