As a wedding present from my awesome wife, I got the Cobb Stage 3 Power Package. We also got AEM gauges (Wideband, Oil Pressure and Boost) plus the CP-E gauge Pod which looks amazing.





For the install and tune, we went to Forged Performance in Atlanta. I have seen Sharif's work on everything from Evo's and STI's to GT-R's, so this was an easy choice. Even with very high expectations coming in, they exceeded our hopes and the weekend trip there was unforgettable. His crew got everything installed and wired in by Friday evening and Sharif worked for close to a full day on Saturday tuning the car. He stayed on the weekend just for us to knock it out so we could get everything wrapped up by Christmas week.







They use a Dyno Dynamics in which a stock Evolution X puts down around 220WHP. Our end result was 303WHP and 300WTQ. We gained close to 85WHP which has made the car so much more fun and strong! The powerband just grows stronger as you climb which is vastly different from stock. The power just sinks you deeper and deeper into the seat. I was hesitant about a full TBE because I didn't want a lot of noise but the Cobb setup sounds absolutely amazing and zero drone at that. To top off the day, we got to ride in the Forged Performance GTR which was insane I highly recommend this Stage 3 power package from Cobb and Forged Performance for anyone in the southeast area looking for a fantastic shop and tuner. His GT-R and 2015 STI is below (definitely dig the matching color combos).

 

Just sent my buddy this link. He was thinking about getting this kit. Amazing to see the results. I'm pretty shocked the WHP of stock was that low.

 

It really wakes up the X! Your buddy will dig it I'm sure The Dyno Dynamics is called the heart breaker dyno for a good reason, lol. Subtract the typical AWD drivetrain loss from the stock 291hp at the crank and it's actually pretty spot on for those numbers. It's all about the gains and Sharif gets fantastic power out of his tunes at Forged Performance. In a few years we will be back for an upgraded turbo, injectors, fuel pump, clutch and tune

 

Great result

 

You probably don't believe this, but FP ****ed up a lot evos. Retune it at top speed asap.

 

I know there is no such thing as a perfect shop but our experience with FP was fantastic. Their install of all the parts, gauges and most importantly the tune was nothing but professional. Everything is nice and snug and it was installed with care (not a scratch, mark or smudge inside and out).

I"ve had various maps (Cobb and AMS) and neither were finely tuned and free of knock as Sharif's map. I of course expected this though b/c it was a pro tune from a well known shop. Do you have links to these problematic Evo's you speak of? I'm sure if it there was a problem, it's heavily documented online.

 

Fellow Evo owners, DO NOT marry someone who does not support your addictions!
This was one of the first "sit down" conversations I had with my wife before we were married. If your significant other doesn't get any joy out of seeing how happy you are when modding, they are not the right one for you, period.

Awesome story and glad you are happy with the results (and your choice in mate!). I will tell you I followed the same progression - basic bolt-ons with a tune, then upgraded turbo/pump/injectors - and was not as happy as I was expecting to be after upgrading the turbo. Getting the car to breathe right and tuning properly over full-stock is such a huge jump in performance/sound - mostly due to the jump in TQ numbers. I was expecting to have an equally shocking experience when driving home from the shop after getting the new turbo and tune - unfortunately it wasn't as "insane" as I had hyped myself up to thinking it would be. That's because the TQ did not really change, just a lot more HP.

Just figured I'd share since you mentioned you will look into turbos down the road. Assuming you aren't planning on doing a full build with crazy numbers in mind so wanted to let you know what to expect.

 

Well said my man. I got real lucky and found a gem. My wife has always been enthusiastic of what I'm passionate about. I totally agree you are missing out if your significant other doesn't share or appreciate your hobbies.

I'm still undecided on the next path as far as modding goes. I would either just go for around 400WHP or save that money and put it towards a new ride that already supports those numbers or close to it. It looks like you have one quick Evo yourself! There is no doubt they are lots of fun

 

Fixed for you. Doug is no longer a part of TopSpeed

 

LOL

 

he isn't, it's true. He started dbw, I was just talking to a buddy about just this and why Rob was tuning at Topspeed and not Doug W.

 

He knows, he was laughing in agreement with me But yes DBW is the place to go, no real reason to get tuned at TopSpeed anymore

 

Awesome wedding present I'd say. She's a keeper. Hope you enjoy

 

Thanks man! And she's the best...

 

Man, that's quite a wedding present! Nice looking setup and numbers. Congrats on the marriage...although it's been a while.