Hello all! I have a 2004 Tarmac black SSL evo 8 with 52,000 miles. The mods currently installed on the car are as followed:

Injen intake
Injen UICP
Injen LICP
Forge MBC
HKS BOV
PIT 3” downpipe
PIT 3” cat-back
Walbro 255lph FP (modded for 500+whp)
ACT HD-SS clutch

I have about $1,000 more to spend. I am getting ready to order FIC 1050cc injectors, and a test pipe to replace my cat. Here's where I'm lost. I can't really afford a new evo 9 turbo, because If I were to replace it I would want one with lower mileage or the same as my current car, and that's hard to find on a budget. I have also considered just the 10.5 hot side, however that nearly seems like money wasted, especially when I upgrade the next tune around, however I don't want to lose easy power that can be gained with little money on this tune.

I also have considered upgrading the IC, however i'm not sure about the quality and fitment of the reasonably priced cores. I found Turbo XS for $475 shipped, as well as the VSRF 3.5" for $425.

I'm at a loss guys. Does anyone have any *useful* opinions? As much as I care about power gained, I also care about reliability and that's my main concern. I would save up more cash, but I believe just the E85 alone is worth a re-tune, so really im just trying to figure out what I can easily put on with the injectors to gain some power.

One more concern:
I'm also getting four new tires tomorrow. My tires and wheels currently on the car were on there since purchase. I have 14 spoke Konig 17" wheels with Falken Ziex 245/40/17, and my buddy with an evo 9 pointed out to me that the tire height on those tires are off. I preferably would like a wider tire, however I'm also unsure if I could upgrade the width (maybe 255/40/17) or would it be wiser for me to go back to the stock tire size of (235/45/17). Preferably I would like to get a 255 tire, that fits the current wheels I have. Does anyone have a good summer tire that would fit all the way around? I cant find the measurements to the Konigs, let alone the model unfortunately although I have only done a limited amount of searching.

I know that's a lot on information, just wanted to get some opinions from the experts! Thanks for any help guys!

 

IMO don't waste ur time and money on messing with an evo IX turbo, the gains are fairly minimal for the cost and effort. Just get ur injectors and head to the tuning shop with some e85 and an empty tank.... Save up ur 1000 for a future turbo upgrade or get some cams.... Also ditch the hks bov mine sucks at part throttle... Only reason I'm running one is cause it was on the car when I got it, I've got a tial ordered with my new kit.

 

maybe get a better licp that doesnt taper down (ets tuning). i would recirculate the bov or get rid of the maf if you havent already

 

The HKS BOV was on the car when I purchased it, and It is recirculated. I haven't noticed any problems with it, luckily. I'll have to check into that. I couldn't agree more with the LICP, It sucks.

Is an IC core uprgade necessary? My shop didn't seem to think so, I just remember on my first tune (93 oct) they spoke about heat soak during my tune. They also told me recently when I go e85 the limitation wouldn't be as noticeable, so im a bit lost with that thus why I asked the question. Thanks for the opinions thus far guys!

 

The IC upgrade isn't all that important. I'm running pretty much the same setup as your on the e85 tune and I keep up with my friend who has the turbo xs 3.5 core. Make sure to get some head studs so you don't lift your head. better safe than sorry.

 

They probably said that because ethanol burns cooler and probably help with lowering the cylinder temps even if the ic isn't keeping the intake air temp as cool as it could. A more efficient core is never gonna hurt, but u probably wont see huge gains on a stock turbo setup besides consistency. Once u start flowing more air with a bigger setup it becomes more of a necessity. Also head studs wouldn't hurt cheap insurance to help keep that head down if u get some unexpected detonation.

 

An intercooler would be nice but what really holds the 8's back is the cams. If you can find a used set of Kelford's or something like that i would be all over it. See my sig for my E85 results with similar mods. I had a ported 9 turbo on it but i'm betting it was only good for 10 hp or so with the stock IC and cams.

Either way you're going to love the corn, feels like a totally different car!

 

Thanks so much for all of the replies guys! I would love to get cams, just don't believe I would be able to find them in time. Did you see gains on the ported exhaust manifold? I am juggling the o2 housing and the ported EM....One thing that I think would probably be a good idea would be to replace my already dented injen LICP for an ETS LICP

 

Maybe 1 step colder plugs, Catch can for the PCV. Make sure the tune is solid. Also i recommend searching about the maintinece with e85 and some of the problems that occur. Good Luck!

 

I would agree with headstuds , 02 housing and if you arent running e85 all the time a new fmic.

 

not to thread jack, but ill b doin a similar mod list to wat ur doin, just workin on gettin all the parts now,(almost there), ne ways i assume u guys r goin to buschur for ur tuning or u guys goin sumwhere else?

 

Fathouse tunes mine, wouldn't go to anyone else.

 

Headstuds are a must! You will regret not doing them when that thing starts pushing coolant.

You're headed in the right direction with the 1050's and a 255, but if a bigger turbo is in your future you will need more fuel.

 

^^True. Run either BPR8EIX or BPR8ES.

 

just to update; I ended up ordering the FIC 1050cc injectors, invidia TP to remove my cat, ordered a set of BPR8ES as well as BPR7ES (couldn't decide). I ended up also choosing the Falken 615Ks 255 all around. Figured since I'm retuning now on E85 I should push what I can out of it so I also chose to order a set of GSC S1 Cams from Mellon Racing last night as well...

Will report back with dyno #s after next weeks tune! Thanks for the help guys, hope it will be fun!