I have recently bought a 03 Evo and we had a brand new engine built. CP pistons, forged rods, crank, etc. The balance shaft was removed, larger intercooler and aluminum radiator. I want this to be a reliable daily driver with an occasional track day. so my question is what mods do i need to look into to ensure that i am protecting the engine. I know that driving style is a huge factor.
thank you for your thoughts

 

Just good maintenance. Mods doesn't add to reliability. Keep up with drivetrain fluids, and enging oil intervals. Replace spark plugs as needed. Timing service, etc.

 

As the above said keep up with fluid changes. Also useable gauges too would be a good idea. A Wideband is what comes to mind and maybe an oil temp gauge as well to monitor the engine.

 

nailed it

 

Sell it and buy something that actually is reliable hahaha and doesn't cost an outrageous amount of money to maintain like a truck or a nice little ford sedan

 

This haha.

Mods and reliability don't go hand in hand.


I guess simple things.... like... a vortex generator.... or a shift knob.... would maintain the reliability option. However, I've never considered my evo to be reliable.

 

Really guys... moded evo can be reliable like any other car if you maintain it properly. A 600hp evo can very reliable if you not always spooling to the moon at every stop light and don't act like an asshat and lauching it every second of the day...

 

Anything can be reliable sure,

But once you change one thing, something else gets effected, its a butterfly effect... I dont do that with mine and I still have issues often. Hell, I can safely say, I've never launched mine. I'm terrified to do so, in fear something will break. My motor is built top to bottom, as well as a rebuilt trans, but I would bite my tongue if I called it reliable. Everyones experience is different.


Also none of the issues I have had fall under "regular maintenance items" :/

 

Great advice...and just cover the basics.

Also, read read read! Whether its this forum as a reference or other publications by reputable tuners...its always good to at least "know"what goes wrong...even if you can't fix it yourself.

Become friends with your local Evo shop (if there is one). Bring them a case of beer and be on good terms ;-)

Good luck!

 

read the modification regrets thread, front to back, top to bottom.

 

The truth is you should have never purchased what you did--- that being a modded car with unknown issues. First question that comes to mind is why it was rebuilt in the first place, second is who did the job--and thats just for starters. To address the questions, a car thats never been modded is the best bet and most reliable. You on the other hand are at a place of wait and see-- whats going to go wrong with a car you purchased with an unknown history. Other have given good advice already. GL with your new car and stay up on maintenance, dont go cheap, and you really dont need to see redline everyday-- ( unless you can pay for it)

 

Best mod to a Mitsubishi...
A daily driver.

 

Motor mounts, a lot of people don't like the additional vibration they bring, but they do keep everything where it should be for shifts and acceleration and I have all four and I got lucky and it seems to have lowered my vibrations. Shifter bushings to again clean up the shifts and protect your trans a little. And a wavetrac or differential upgrade for the transfer case. And stay on top of your maintenance if not a little ahead. I change my plugs every 6k miles, is it necessary no, do I have misfires or odd afr's no so I think it's a fair trade. Which reminds me a cop system will help a little too.

 

Tires (235), but it's not really a mod. Maybe brakes? Just try and have as much control on the roads to drive safely.

 

Silicone radiator hoses, replace crappy oem hose clamps. Replace clutch line and brake lines with Stainless steel braided. Upgrade fuel pump. Upgrade rear trailing arm bushings. Install MAP sensor ( I prefer OEM 3-bar from an Evo X for under 30psi boost). Install a wideband 02 sensor. This is the stuff off the top of my head that will contribute to increasing reliability of your Evo in one way or another.