nick_s494

I used to own an ‘03 BBY VIII in 2017 and got rid of it and regret it ever since. I’ve been looking to get back into another one recently. With that said what is a “reliable”, I understand this term is relative, whp range that allows fun but something that can carry the kids and get to work daily?

schuhie

This is super dependent on parts used and quality of the work done including the tune. I'd say to stay as reliable as possible, I would stick with stock hard parts so engine, trans, and turbo then bump the fuel system a bit with some like 1000-ish cc injectors and a walbro 255 so you can keep the stock fuel pressure regulator and get that tuned by someone reputable with them understanding reliability, not max power is the goal. This would probably end up somewhere in the mid-300s ish?

nick_s494

Thanks for the reply. Initially, as most do, I wanted power with the first one and never got around to it because o enjoyed the natural ness of the stock VIII. If I can get back into one I definitely want to start adding to it to make it slightly more fun.

schuhie

Even a tune on the stock turbo with a boost control solenoid and more fuel will net you significant power gains. If you have E85 available, that's another option for adding some power while keeping it reliable.
Once you start to add aftermarket turbos and built motors, the reliability starts to move a bit on you. If I could go back, that is what I would have done to mine but now here I am with a built motor, FP red, flexfuel, etc lol

ViciousLSD

iTrader: (2)

its not a reliable car but it can be a keeper. lets say a part breaks at 70k, then you have another 70k when you fix that part

Jahtoot

I think evolutions are reliable but require more maintenance the more you push it.

it is a solid platform that can make big power. Reliability can fall off here for many if not done right.

i have always kept all my evo’s near stock form (always stock turbo).

my current evo 9 is getting the block rebuilt because I bought it when low compression. The car drove for 3 years (10k miles) before I could afford to put her in the shop recently for a full rebuild. I will be keeping the stock turbo. I’m hoping for the built bottom end to hold up. Got 168k miles out of the stock block

schuhie

Ain't that the truth lol. A keeper doesn't mean that its reliable, it just means that you won't quit fixing it. That's the mantra I have with my evo lol.

ViciousLSD

iTrader: (2)

well i have encountered weird electrical issues. First was the common starter issue which was a total PITA (i rewired it) then the latest is the "harness being damaged" now my knock sensor is getting phantom knock reading. I read of a guy who completely changed the harness after spending months trying to fix it.

ViciousLSD

iTrader: (2)

maintaining

schuhie

If I ever need to replace a harness, I will 100% be getting a custom one made with an aftermarket ECU. No chance I would replace it with another stock one and ECU.

ViciousLSD

iTrader: (2)

yeah. I was rushing my shop guy for months, so he decided to "lend" me a haltech unit so I can attend a big event. not sure, maybe i'll keep it

schuhie

What this haltech? No I have had this forrreeevvveerrrr lol

ViciousLSD

iTrader: (2)

its password protected lol. i guess we need to make a deal on how much I need to pay. ugh these evo issues. i've lost so much hair already. If I dont get atleast one thumbs up a month from random people imma need to let it go

Jahtoot

Lol thumbs up ! You’re safe for April ! Lol

ViciousLSD

iTrader: (2)

lol i mean from random people on the street. but yeah I got one yesterday from a guy in a pickup truck while test driving the new ecu having the Tirerack banner helps lol