I purchased a Evo 9 a few months back, I got it for a good deal and its unmolested. The only down fall is the mileage, it's at about 149xxx now. Since it seems to be about that time to start digging in the motor, I might as well do a build. I'm not looking for anything crazy, just a reliable street build with occasional track days. Any advice on parts to start collecting?

 

If you're talking about engine internals, wiseco's 1400hd pistons and Manley's turbo tuff I-beams seem to be the most popular bottom end setup for the money. Also gives you room to grow safely if you wanted. Not sure if you planned on going with an aftermarket crank, but the oem one should be just fine for what you're trying to do. That piston/rod combo is what I'm currently running in my 2.3!

 

thinking of running stock block since i'm not asking for too much power, i wanted to focus on the head.

 

I would recommend not collecting parts piecemeal (as you may change your mind mid stream). Save up for your "build" and in the mean time make sure you have all your general maintenance done.

Once you have X dollars set aside, find a reputable shop you want to do the work and tell them your goals and your budget. Listen to them.

If you want the shop to stand behind their work, buy the parts through them. If you show up with a box full of random parts results will vary.

 

If you are only interested in the head, try going with the BR stage 3 head, cams and arp head studs.

 

Get most of the bolt on and fueling ready. Have a goal of what hp range you want to be in. If you want response I think fp's 71hta is very good but if you want to go all out then that's a whole different $$$ level to spend on the evo. I thought I was going to be happy with my full bolt on and a tune on my evo 9 but I'm also doing the head and just got a bigger turbo as well right now. I went with curt brown's head but I think BR'S head is similar as well. Be warned you are about to spend way more money than you think you would but do it right so you dont regret and waste your time. Find a good tuner is key***** TSCOMP or English racing, also I think you got a good shop in Vegas as well. I got shiet in the bay area. Ended up doing my head on my own at home. Goodluck and let us know what you end up doing.

 

Check out WORKS, they are only an hour north of SF. They are top shelf and can likely meet all your Evo needs. http://www.worksevo.com/

 

What i would do if i was you would make sure timing belt has been done. Do a Compression check. Then i would start with a Full Turbo back Exhaust. Open her up let her Breath. Change all Fluids. Get intake intercooler and piping and a tuning that will really wake the car up then figure out if you want to open the motor at that point.

 

having a spare clutch on standby is always a good idea with these cars. You will want to get a wideband 02 sensor, fuel pump, injectors (go a little overkill so you dont have to upgrade these again), a 3-port boost controller, a turbo back exhaust, and a LICP, then a tune. That will be a good initial bump in power and probably the best bang for your buck you will get. After that Upgrade the turbo, intercooler, cams, E85. After that you are at the limit of what the stock internals can handle. Once you pass this point the cost enters a new realm and the car will most likely become a garage queen.

 

sounds like the more practical thing to do. That way I could do a little meet and greet with the Tuner before doing a big project.

thanks. time to hunt for a wideband...