I currently own a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 8 with 149k. I did a compression test and was pleasantly surprise with results, 181-180-179-181 were the readings. There are no leaks on the car, no smokes, no knocks nothing that is concerning or that will prompt the purpose of this thread which i will ask later.

I purchase the car May 13, 2013 with 147k. (I went 8 months straight without driving the car due to personal reasons which accounts for the mileage to date). The only mods that were done to the car when i purchased it are the followings, megan o2 housing, upper/lower ic pipings and a greddy fmic. Everything else was bone stock, stock 8 turbo and even exhaust. I've taken in account that there might of been more mods done to the car, but put back to stock prior to selling. Im just being optimistic and that the mileage were accrued in a conservative manner. Evidence that electronic boost controller was previously installed but removed half *** before selling.

Now, for the reason of this thread. I want to get your guys thoughts on rebuilding the engine, what parts to use, or if i even should do a rebuild given the current status of my "relatively healthy" motor. I have a budget of 4-6k at the very most. Labor will more than likely be done at a reputable shop. I think the nearest one that comes to mind is English Racing.

Goals

350/450hp. I'll be more than happy with a mid to low 12's second street car.
This will not be my daily driver being that i have 2 other cars for my commutes, but i will want the rebuild it as if it was a daily driver. I want something reliable that will last 100k from now. This car will see occasion trips to the drag strip, maybe some highway pull every now and then, but mostly just for the pure enjoyment of owning an Evo.

Hope i was detailed enough, any questions just ask.

Will need a new tranny.

 

I would keep your motor the way it is. put on basic bolt ons and have it tuned. You should be able to hit your goal with the stock motor. Make sure all your maintenance is up to date before starting to mod your car tho.

 

^^^^this. I wouldn't touch it until I needed to.

 

If you still want to do it I would just talk to English Racing and see what they recommend. Very reputable business and trustworthy to date. Honestly you'll get so many recommendations from people on here your head will spin. The nice thing with a shop perspective is they typically have tried most combos out there and have a preference for what typically works for them and will steer you in a good direction. Just make your budget known up front.

 

Good luck, bud. I sit at 105k and while start my build in the next few months. 6466 v band on built motor.

 

Run it how it is for now, rebuild when you need to. Compression is fine, why rebuild?

 

English Racing will steer you in the right direction. Just let them know your plans and $$$$!!! Also get the maintenance stuff verified (timing belt, tensioners, seals, fluids, brake pads, wheels, suspension, drive terrain, etc).

Whatyou don't want to do is drop some cash on performance mods, then need to do needed maintenance and not have money for it!!! my .02!!!

 

Good luck with build

 

Though the car runs amazing aside from the drivetrain (tranny grinds and rear diff making a slight noise during acceleration) it has 150k.

At the end of the day, it's a high mileage car. I feel if I'm going to be adding performance parts to the car, I'm just quickening the "inevitable " engine failure.
Kinda like giving an old man anabolic steroids. What's the point if his time is almost up. Bad analogy?...somebody get what I mean.

 

Just cause your motor has done 150k doesnt mean as soon as you bolt on, it will blow up,it may just blow a bit of smoke when your compression drops down,so why not do a smart build, use parts that you can reuse when you do a new motor build in the future. Take a look at the high miledge club thread....150k plus and going strong is not uncommon

 

Motor is still holding compression. I would run it as is until a rebuild is needed.

 

ever thought that your motor might not really have 150k? maybe one of the previous owners at some point swapped the engine or rebuilt it? honestly i would do like these guys say...do all of the maintenance stuff first then buy performance mods...pretty much everything like big turbo, manifold, etc that you buy for the current motor will still work when you rebuild it...on that note, check out my for sale thread...got some stuff you might want...

 

Use the $$$ for a transmission if that is what you need, standard maintenance items, and a proper tune.

 

^ what he said

 

That honestly never cross my mind. Interesting.

Come to think of it, my block is a noticeably cleaner than my tranny. Hmmmm.