I'm currently driving a '02 E55 with some Kleemann work done to it and have an '04 E55 on order. So basically I'm used to a heavy pig and a lot of displacement.

I'm thinking of picking up an Evo and doing a fair amount of work to it. Seems like a fun project to do and is really cheap to modify compared to a full Kleemann or Brabus car. Most of my driving is street and just goofing around. No dragstrip and very little track time.

I've read about tuner cars like the evo having poor 5-60 times or rolling start performance and weak low end... constantly needing to drive it hard to see the performance in stock form. Is this true?? Can I build an evo to get to low 12s easily with good reliability? In that form do you need to wring the hell out of it to get there or is it really on tap and always there? As I'm new to japanese tuning who are the best for the evo? HKS, Vishnu, Greddy, etc??? Any other recommendations or comments? Thanks!!

 

Mbowner,

Before I got my EVO, I owned a few European cars too including a Mosselman Turbo R129 and an Mcoupe. I knew exactly what I was getting so I’m not disappointed. However, you might miss the better material quality of the MBs and the enormous low end torque of the big displacement + supercharge.

EVO is way easier and costs way less to tune to a certain point. I don’t think your goal of low 12s is all that hard to achieve.

Things to keep in mind:

Pros:

- It costs only 30G’s compared to your MB.
- It’s fast.
- Very responsive steering.
- Stiff and solid suspension.
- Recaro seats and Carbon Fiber wing
- It’s a Japanese legend.

Cons:

- Paint is thin.
- Interior material’s quality is not very nice, for example, the plastics, radio.
(Keep in mind that you’re only paying 30Gs)
- Some turbo lag
(I suppose you are well aware of the engine’s characteristics. 2.0, 4 cylinder Turbo)

My conclusion: EVO is a great fun car to drive. For the price we pay, it’s worth every penny. But make sure you know what you’re getting.

My recommendation: If you’re getting the ’04 AMG anyway and would like an EVO too, no doubt, GET IT! But if you have to choose one (which I don’t think this is the case), make sure you know what you’re getting and make sure you get a test drive.

On the mod parts, I’ll let others who know more answer them.

Best of luck!

 

i don't think the EVO is going to be what you want...

after being coddled in those cars, you'll be hating it...

unless it's just a weekend toy...

 

It's definitely a project fun car... Not a primary driver. The Nappa leather is for everyday driving. I want something I can tune and throw around. I like the Evo's looks and character over the STi... is that like the M5 v. E55 battle on my other forums? A matter of preference?

 

then i think the EVO will be a great project car for you...

these cars can be put in the 11's for not a lot of money... but drag strips are not what the EVO is all about...

1/4 miles don't mean squat to me...