what to do?????
Keep your VIII.
Most of the quickest and fastest EVOs are VIIIs.
An VIII can be bought for much less, thereby leaving you more money for mods. I'd say dollar for dollar the VIII is the better value. But I do admit I'm prejudice.
You are much more likely to find good used mod parts for the VIII. I run a used IX turbo, used MR DV, and used HKS cams. Much harder to find used upgrade parts for the IX.
The VIII has been around much longer, therefore a much broader selection of mod parts are available, and sometimes at lower prices.
Since it has been around longer there is a lot more known about the ECU code in the VIII.
The IX may end up being a one-year won-der.
Most of the quickest and fastest EVOs are VIIIs.
An VIII can be bought for much less, thereby leaving you more money for mods. I'd say dollar for dollar the VIII is the better value. But I do admit I'm prejudice.
You are much more likely to find good used mod parts for the VIII. I run a used IX turbo, used MR DV, and used HKS cams. Much harder to find used upgrade parts for the IX.
The VIII has been around much longer, therefore a much broader selection of mod parts are available, and sometimes at lower prices.
Since it has been around longer there is a lot more known about the ECU code in the VIII.
The IX may end up being a one-year won-der.