I want to first say how great this site is and the members that belong to it. Ive gotten some great info from here and couldn't wait to find a deal on a used 8 or 9. So earlier this month I picked up a 05 VIII with 36k miles for $21k. After looking at other evo's, I'm almost certain this one isn't stock. So I've taken a couple pictures of the engine bay to see if any of you guys could tell me a little something about the car vs a stock evo. I have no idea how many lbs it's pushing as there aren't any guages inside the car. Any help would be great! Also, if any Houston Members knows the previous owner, i would love to talk to him and get a feel for what all he's done to the car, etc.

Thanks in advance.

 

That is not a stock car, it looks as though it has a RnR(Gay) turbo kit.........

 

This is clearly not stock. Someone put some time/money in that engine.

 

Looks like a RNR 50 trim turbo kit.

 

First the obvious, aftermarket turbo kit, UICP, manual boost controler, Upper radiator hose replaced with metal tube.

Now the not so obvious but still easy to pick up, at one point there was an assortment of gauges because there is an EGT probe in the tubular exhaust manifold. The radio relocation kit, which is where I imagine those gauges where also hints at a gauge assortment.

Also I believe it has cams in it based on the aftermarket RTV around the Cam angle sensor as visible in one of your pictures.

Pop the oil cap off and get a small flashlight and look past the cam and see if you can see the top of the head stud or bolt, I have found many "stock" Evo's at dealers with ARP head studs. if there is oil on top of the bolt/stud then use a long q tip to clean it off and have a look.

I hope this has helped a little.

Josh

 

Thanks Josh, I'll check for the ARP studs later on this evening. Would an aftermarket fuel pump be needed to run the kit? Would I be able to have the car tunned using the stock ECU or would I need some sort of Fuel managment?

 

You need to get some guages ASAP to see what your set-up is doing. Boost and EGT are a good start.

 

I think you bit off more than you can chew with purchasing this car but this site will helpyou as much as possible... If it has all those mods I am sure that it has an upgraded fuel pump, and yes you can have the stock ecu tuned for the upgrades...

 

I'd say most likely the guy has a walbro 255 fuel pump...it slightly louder than stock so you should be able to hear it....i dont think any shop would put that turbo kit on w/o one...and yes, you can tune that setup on the stock ecu...also your exhuast looks like the tanabe one

 

your stock ecu will support up to 850cc injectors. there is probably a bigger fuel pump in there already as the injectors have almost certainly been replaced to accomodate the turbo kit.

 

didn't you notice the car pulling a bit harder then your everyday 4 cylinder? haha im just messin with you. Big turbo FTW and nice exhaust damn.

 

yea better hope it was retuned when they took off the upgraded turbo and stuck in the stocker

 

The day I test drove it I also test drove a WRX in the same parking lot. The sales rep said, "doesn't this car feel much safer!". It does pull hard, and that's one of the reasons I bought it. Buy now, figure it out later! Well, it looks as if the previous owner got me started in the right direction, So far no regreats on the purchase! Thanks again guys for your replies!

 

I would take a good hard look @ that UICP on one fo the couplings it has tape....WTF is that all about.

It definately had gauges on it at some point in time so i would find out where the wires are and if they were taken out properly of done half assed to prevent any type of fires from arising...

Turbo manifold looks like crap so I would check it for cracks. Also the back of the radiator is pretty banged up so it may have an o2 housing, I would also check this for leaks or anything that could cause a leak in the future.

Tanabe Medallion exhaust if you didnt know already.

Take pics and post of these two points as well....



The yellow tag or what ever doesnt look normal to me and what ever id in the UICP by the throttle body as well.

Take a look around there the fenders bolt on under the hood for wiring, some people like to run meth kit wiring through there.

Take a look under the car and see if you have the undertray and if so take it off and see if you have a LICP, DP, TP, o2 housing, wastegate acctuator

 

What are you talking about? He doesnt have a stock turbo