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Evo GeneralDiscuss any generalized technical Evo related topics that may not fit into the other forums.
Please do not post tech and rumor threads here.
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People on car forums like to talk big of how cheap they can get everything but i never see this happen. A shell with a whole interior that only needs to be restored for $1k? camon man, be realistic. Do not but a bare evo shell unless you have a donor car to drop parts into it, Ive been through this. It will turn into a nightmare no matter how handy you are with a wrench and the cost would add up so fast you'd wish you just bought a whole evo instead.
Yeah, the only way to come out ahead is if you have most of the parts lying around as spares and you are ok with using old parts that may not look or perform very good. Any car that does not have a rear diff, transfer case, trans, and engine is already going to need another 8k minimum to get it moving. That's what makes buying a shell so hard to justify and why people still do part outs. There is the itch just to work on something though, even if it cost more to get it running Not smart, but could be fun.
If you have a track car plus daily/work rigs and want a project then option #2 is absolutely doable. 1k shell is obviously an extreme case but still happens. All the rest is patience and budget.
You want an Evo to drive today, go spend.
You want an Evo you can drive in 3 years because wrenching is satisfying as all hell, get a roller and start collecting parts.
If you plan on turning an Evo into a beast and will mod yourself? Get a roller and call it a clean palette to do with as you will.
All the guys with heavily modded cars are not really telling the entire cost story either. 20k for Evo then add same(at least) for mods to have beast.
Still say if you looking for project then get a clean one, not over pay for someone else's hatchet job. Do your own chopping!
i choose the shell route, i wanted to build my car how i wanted it piece by piece , i ended up with a 2005 shell,(off of evom)minimal interior (missing seats) , no headlights. i put a evo 9 motor in piece by piece , it took like a year , replaced all of the wiring, engine , trans, transfer case , and wheels .locating parts is trail and error. take your time in either decision , cause either way it’s going to need some work. good luck 👍🏾
I've had my car down to a shell voluntarily. It depends on your ambition and free time. Its not as bad as people make it sound. These cars are pretty simple to work on provided you've got a garage, tools, the necessary parts and time.
This is the current state of my car that I got as a shell about 3 years ago. Waiting on parts to finish the fuel system and it’ll be ready for first start. This is my first Evo so I wanted to put together a somewhat close to stock car. Currently has cams, o2 dump, ETS manifold, and some fueling upgrades. Still have a lot to do, and some things need painted but it’s all coming together well so far.
Not smart, but could be fun.
