The Official 50k check in!!
48K on the clock.
EXTERIOR:
*sunroof sleeve rattles slightly when driving if it's pulled back. This is due to a past break-in and the dealer never fixed it properly. I never bothered to take it back to the body shop even though I have a lifetime warranty on it.
*rear spoiler still has clearcoat on it but it seems to show signs of age.
*brake calipers still have glossy coat on them.
* no rust.
* new rear bumper and trunk flooring was replaced for backing into a pole (ouch).
INTERIOR:
* armrest shows slight signs of wear.
* everything else is immaculate down to the door panels.
* pioneer nav system (AVIC N2) still works flawlessly with XM radio/traffic.
ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:
* replaced a faulty water pump about 1,500 miles ago. While I was at it, I changed the timing belt, head studs, tensioner, and all belts.
* replaced stock clutch around 22k miles with an ACT.
* idles perfectly, boosts extremely well, and engine bay is clean.
* from-the-factory slightly notchy shifting when car is cold, but otherwise flawless shifting.
* excellent drivetrain. typical from-the-factory transmission noise.
SUSPENSION:
* lowered Tein springs
* wheel alignment good
* new tires (Falken RT315s)
* upgraded rear adjustable sway bar.
* new MR rims.
Car now stays garaged most of the time for preservation..
EXTERIOR:
*sunroof sleeve rattles slightly when driving if it's pulled back. This is due to a past break-in and the dealer never fixed it properly. I never bothered to take it back to the body shop even though I have a lifetime warranty on it.
*rear spoiler still has clearcoat on it but it seems to show signs of age.
*brake calipers still have glossy coat on them.
* no rust.
* new rear bumper and trunk flooring was replaced for backing into a pole (ouch).
INTERIOR:
* armrest shows slight signs of wear.
* everything else is immaculate down to the door panels.
* pioneer nav system (AVIC N2) still works flawlessly with XM radio/traffic.
ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:
* replaced a faulty water pump about 1,500 miles ago. While I was at it, I changed the timing belt, head studs, tensioner, and all belts.
* replaced stock clutch around 22k miles with an ACT.
* idles perfectly, boosts extremely well, and engine bay is clean.
* from-the-factory slightly notchy shifting when car is cold, but otherwise flawless shifting.
* excellent drivetrain. typical from-the-factory transmission noise.
SUSPENSION:
* lowered Tein springs
* wheel alignment good
* new tires (Falken RT315s)
* upgraded rear adjustable sway bar.
* new MR rims.
Car now stays garaged most of the time for preservation..
Last edited by BOOSTEZ; Jan 8, 2008 at 09:02 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
I have 4,600 miles on mine, its a weekend warrior. I had the car for about 9 months now.
I changed my job so i don't drive anymore, the car sits in the garage though, so i'm not worried when i go to work. Parking the car on the street would suck, i would never leave my car on the street overnight, to many morons in NY bump into your car while parking or damage your car.
I changed my job so i don't drive anymore, the car sits in the garage though, so i'm not worried when i go to work. Parking the car on the street would suck, i would never leave my car on the street overnight, to many morons in NY bump into your car while parking or damage your car.
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: NH
purchased new in Feb/2006.......18K without an issue....weekend warrior.......mostly street driven, a couple of drags and NE dragway and two days on NHIS road course.
Ate through the stock Advans at 10K - running RT-615's 255/40/17.....like these alot especially at $750 installed for all four.
Mobil 1 every 3K, just did all new factory fluids.
Off the road for the winter....the car is basically stock:
Blitz Drop in filter + induction cover
Greddy front strut brace
Cusco rear struct brace
Ralliart radiator Shroud
Ralliart Oil filler cap
Custom 7 point Grounding kit
Rally Armor mud guards
ARC heat sheild for exhaust manifold
Samco Radiator Hoses
CF Hood Lifts
Momo CF Shift Knob
GG Agency Power Antenna
...can't wait for the snow to GTF out of here!
Sick Speed
Ate through the stock Advans at 10K - running RT-615's 255/40/17.....like these alot especially at $750 installed for all four.
Mobil 1 every 3K, just did all new factory fluids.
Off the road for the winter....the car is basically stock:
Blitz Drop in filter + induction cover
Greddy front strut brace
Cusco rear struct brace
Ralliart radiator Shroud
Ralliart Oil filler cap
Custom 7 point Grounding kit
Rally Armor mud guards
ARC heat sheild for exhaust manifold
Samco Radiator Hoses
CF Hood Lifts
Momo CF Shift Knob
GG Agency Power Antenna
...can't wait for the snow to GTF out of here!
Sick Speed
I posted earlier in this thread, but last night my car rolled over 50k miles and I thought I'd take the time to post up some thoughts. My car is a Black 2005 GSR w/SSL package, and I bought it in August of 2006 completely stock with 20k miles on it. Every few months I throw some new parts on it, and it has slowly evolved into beast. A reliable beast, I will say!
Here is my current modlist (condensed, so this doesn't get too long):
Autometer Boost Gauge in column mount, Street Scenes 30% tint, Buschur Racing 3" TBE w/ bullet testpipe, Buschur Racing Intake kit, BR Deluxe FMIC kit (3.5" core), BR Upper IC Pipe, BR Mini Battery Kit, OEM IX BOV , HKS 280 cams, ARP headstuds, Walbro 255HP fuel pump, Buschur Shifter Bushings, Buschur dipstick retension spring, SMC Alky kit, BR Ported/Coated Exhaust Mani, Ported Turbine Housing, OEM Evo IX turbo, BR SS O2 Housing, GM BCS, Custom tuned by Shane @ DB Performance, Progress 25mm Rear Sway Bar, Rota P45F 18x8.5 wheels in hyper silver, Bridgestone Potenza RE750 245/40R18 tires, Ferodo DS2500's, TechnaFit SS lines, Motul 600, Southbend OFE Clutch, Fidanza 9.5 Lb Flywheel, BLOX front motor mount
Sony CDX-M3DI Deck, IPOD adapter, Boston Acoustics Tweeters
MOTOR: I am very close to having it 'fully' bolted on and have already far surpassed that by many people's standards. The car makes ~350whp on Dyno Dynamics (over 400whp on dynojet) and just owns almost everything on the street. For the money and little wrench time that I have put into this car, it is a beast. I had an issue hitting a chunk of ice knocking off the main crank pulley about two months ago, but other than that it has been 1000% reliable. I sent in my oil recently for an analysis test, and its shown to be in perfect condition. I don't beat on the car, but I do rev it WOT to 6000+rpms regularly, probably 10+ times per day, and it keeps on taking it w/o complaint.
Going on this weekend: BR Ported Intake Manifold w/ EGR delete and BR 65MM TB w/ Works seals.
DRIVETRAIN:
Stock clutch stunk whenever I'd do extended WOT sessions, but held up fine until 38k miles. I pulled the restrictor out of the clutch line and I recommend this to any evo owner that has not done it yet. It will make your stock clutch last longer, as long as you do not launch it. I launched the car 5 times (probably 10 total in its lifetime) and the stock clutch was toast. Replaced with Southbend OFE clutch and Fidanza flywheel, could not be happier with it. Fluids changed every 15k miles or so and it seems to be working. Tranny shifts like butter except for 5th, which grinds a bit unless you go slowly into it. I installed a BLOX front motor mount two weeks ago and this has helped dramatically with overall shifting feel. Buy one of these if you have not already. Install it at the same time you remove your clutch restrictor.
BODY:
I keep it very clean, except for the winter, when i wash it every two weeks or so. Car cleans up nice! I have a small dent in my roof that I think is being caused by my sunroof, but not enough to make me take it to the dealership.
INTERIOR:
Leather ages nicely
I have more surprised looks from people getting into my car than you can imagine, they cannot believe how nice the seats are, front and back. I have developed a few extra creeks since installing my BLOX mount, but that is to be expected and they are minor. I seem to have a lot of scratches on my ash tray cover, but i think it is from constant use (I had my garage door opener in there). Again, very minor.
OVERALL/ MISCELLANEOUS:
I had two DSMs for two years each before owning this Evo, and I'm almost at the two year mark with this car. I have no plans of selling it for something newer, it still feels perfect for me. It makes me smile every day and keeps me sane by being an outlet for me to pour work and personal frustrations into. I hardly ever have to work on it, more often I am modifying it than doing maintenance. I was happy with the car when it had a simple MBC and intake as its only mods, and I'm happy with it now with +100whp.
I will say one more thing. Lots of evo owners step up and buy big turbo kits because they want more power after doing basic bolt-ons. There is a lot of power in OEM components, if you use these forums (and look at my mod list) you will find KILLER power combos on cheap, reliable, OEM parts. Take the time to explore these possibilities before buying a $4k turbo kit. A guy in a pretty stock looking, wingless evo might toast your *** on the street or strip!
Also, at least 7-10 pulls a day, most I don't go much past 6500 but 7500 is quite common.
Here is my current modlist (condensed, so this doesn't get too long):
Autometer Boost Gauge in column mount, Street Scenes 30% tint, Buschur Racing 3" TBE w/ bullet testpipe, Buschur Racing Intake kit, BR Deluxe FMIC kit (3.5" core), BR Upper IC Pipe, BR Mini Battery Kit, OEM IX BOV , HKS 280 cams, ARP headstuds, Walbro 255HP fuel pump, Buschur Shifter Bushings, Buschur dipstick retension spring, SMC Alky kit, BR Ported/Coated Exhaust Mani, Ported Turbine Housing, OEM Evo IX turbo, BR SS O2 Housing, GM BCS, Custom tuned by Shane @ DB Performance, Progress 25mm Rear Sway Bar, Rota P45F 18x8.5 wheels in hyper silver, Bridgestone Potenza RE750 245/40R18 tires, Ferodo DS2500's, TechnaFit SS lines, Motul 600, Southbend OFE Clutch, Fidanza 9.5 Lb Flywheel, BLOX front motor mount
Sony CDX-M3DI Deck, IPOD adapter, Boston Acoustics Tweeters
MOTOR: I am very close to having it 'fully' bolted on and have already far surpassed that by many people's standards. The car makes ~350whp on Dyno Dynamics (over 400whp on dynojet) and just owns almost everything on the street. For the money and little wrench time that I have put into this car, it is a beast. I had an issue hitting a chunk of ice knocking off the main crank pulley about two months ago, but other than that it has been 1000% reliable. I sent in my oil recently for an analysis test, and its shown to be in perfect condition. I don't beat on the car, but I do rev it WOT to 6000+rpms regularly, probably 10+ times per day, and it keeps on taking it w/o complaint.
Going on this weekend: BR Ported Intake Manifold w/ EGR delete and BR 65MM TB w/ Works seals.
DRIVETRAIN:
Stock clutch stunk whenever I'd do extended WOT sessions, but held up fine until 38k miles. I pulled the restrictor out of the clutch line and I recommend this to any evo owner that has not done it yet. It will make your stock clutch last longer, as long as you do not launch it. I launched the car 5 times (probably 10 total in its lifetime) and the stock clutch was toast. Replaced with Southbend OFE clutch and Fidanza flywheel, could not be happier with it. Fluids changed every 15k miles or so and it seems to be working. Tranny shifts like butter except for 5th, which grinds a bit unless you go slowly into it. I installed a BLOX front motor mount two weeks ago and this has helped dramatically with overall shifting feel. Buy one of these if you have not already. Install it at the same time you remove your clutch restrictor.
BODY:
I keep it very clean, except for the winter, when i wash it every two weeks or so. Car cleans up nice! I have a small dent in my roof that I think is being caused by my sunroof, but not enough to make me take it to the dealership.
INTERIOR:
Leather ages nicely
I have more surprised looks from people getting into my car than you can imagine, they cannot believe how nice the seats are, front and back. I have developed a few extra creeks since installing my BLOX mount, but that is to be expected and they are minor. I seem to have a lot of scratches on my ash tray cover, but i think it is from constant use (I had my garage door opener in there). Again, very minor.OVERALL/ MISCELLANEOUS:
I had two DSMs for two years each before owning this Evo, and I'm almost at the two year mark with this car. I have no plans of selling it for something newer, it still feels perfect for me. It makes me smile every day and keeps me sane by being an outlet for me to pour work and personal frustrations into. I hardly ever have to work on it, more often I am modifying it than doing maintenance. I was happy with the car when it had a simple MBC and intake as its only mods, and I'm happy with it now with +100whp.
I will say one more thing. Lots of evo owners step up and buy big turbo kits because they want more power after doing basic bolt-ons. There is a lot of power in OEM components, if you use these forums (and look at my mod list) you will find KILLER power combos on cheap, reliable, OEM parts. Take the time to explore these possibilities before buying a $4k turbo kit. A guy in a pretty stock looking, wingless evo might toast your *** on the street or strip!
Also, at least 7-10 pulls a day, most I don't go much past 6500 but 7500 is quite common.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: MiLwaLkiToUt
51,918 miles with the ORIGINAL clutch still in good working condition!
I've never had a problem, just oil changes every 2k miles and rotate the tires and brake pads. Probably the most reliable car I've owned in a long time and I've owned it for over 2 years now.
I've never had a problem, just oil changes every 2k miles and rotate the tires and brake pads. Probably the most reliable car I've owned in a long time and I've owned it for over 2 years now.
58k miles checking in. I have 4 more autocrosses this season (including one tomorrow) and will do my 60k mile service once they're done. Probably in November. Status:
MOTOR:
Only a MBC and HKS intake installed. I had an intercooler hose come loose once and needed an O2 sensor replaced which was done in <1/2hr under warranty. No real problems to report.
DRIVETRAIN:
Grind shifting into 5th due to bad synchro ring, sometimes hard to get into reverse, minor whine noise in first or with wheel at full lock, not the screaming transfer case whine. Nothing catastrophic. I'm just babying those few minor problems. Probably on stock clutch too (unless prior owner changed it), but I've put 30k on it with no problem.
EXTERIOR:
Had wing replaced at 35k due to faded clearcoat (got a new VIII wing, not IX), Brembos starting to fade a decent amount, paint holding up very well on the front end and everywhere else. No complaints really. I wax my new wing every so often to try to help keep it from fading like the last one.
INTERIOR:
Some minor expected wear on drivers seat. Absolutely no issues here.
OVERALL/MISCELLANEOUS:
The only mods I have done have been primarily cosmetic (JDM headlights/taillights, carbon fiber front lip, vortex generator, MR wheels for summer, stockers with Blizzaks in the winter) except Tanabe GF210 springs and Hawk HPS pads. I plan on buying Bilstein PSS9 coilovers for next year's autocross season.
I am extremely pleased with how reliable this car has been! I bought it at 30k miles and have just about doubled that. Having owned this car half it's life, it has been to the dealership only to be inspected before I bought it, to diagnose the 5th gear grind, replace the faded wing and get a new O2 sensor. Very minor issues that have cost me a grand total of $0. I change the oil every 3-4k miles, the HKS filter once a year and am preparing for the big 60k service so I can keep her running great for years to come! I've had such a good experience with this car (and to save money swapping wheels/tires/suspension over) I plan to buy an Evo IX to replace her when the time comes.
MOTOR:
Only a MBC and HKS intake installed. I had an intercooler hose come loose once and needed an O2 sensor replaced which was done in <1/2hr under warranty. No real problems to report.
DRIVETRAIN:
Grind shifting into 5th due to bad synchro ring, sometimes hard to get into reverse, minor whine noise in first or with wheel at full lock, not the screaming transfer case whine. Nothing catastrophic. I'm just babying those few minor problems. Probably on stock clutch too (unless prior owner changed it), but I've put 30k on it with no problem.
EXTERIOR:
Had wing replaced at 35k due to faded clearcoat (got a new VIII wing, not IX), Brembos starting to fade a decent amount, paint holding up very well on the front end and everywhere else. No complaints really. I wax my new wing every so often to try to help keep it from fading like the last one.
INTERIOR:
Some minor expected wear on drivers seat. Absolutely no issues here.
OVERALL/MISCELLANEOUS:
The only mods I have done have been primarily cosmetic (JDM headlights/taillights, carbon fiber front lip, vortex generator, MR wheels for summer, stockers with Blizzaks in the winter) except Tanabe GF210 springs and Hawk HPS pads. I plan on buying Bilstein PSS9 coilovers for next year's autocross season.
I am extremely pleased with how reliable this car has been! I bought it at 30k miles and have just about doubled that. Having owned this car half it's life, it has been to the dealership only to be inspected before I bought it, to diagnose the 5th gear grind, replace the faded wing and get a new O2 sensor. Very minor issues that have cost me a grand total of $0. I change the oil every 3-4k miles, the HKS filter once a year and am preparing for the big 60k service so I can keep her running great for years to come! I've had such a good experience with this car (and to save money swapping wheels/tires/suspension over) I plan to buy an Evo IX to replace her when the time comes.
Well multiple trips to Iraq have enabled me to keep my miles pretty low
35K on an 03 and I am here for atleast another 7 months so.. only major issue to report is tranny grinds when its cold and it hates going into reverse. But when I get back Shep racing will take care of that
35K on an 03 and I am here for atleast another 7 months so.. only major issue to report is tranny grinds when its cold and it hates going into reverse. But when I get back Shep racing will take care of that
