Hi, i am new to AWD and turbo, i had a 2004 S2000 before getting an Evolution X, what should be the first worthwhile modification?

i know for the s2000, if i had to choose again, it would be a shorter final drive as the best first modification for the s2000.

So what do you veterans recommend? what should i stay away from?
cold air intake or short ram?
exhaust?down pipe?

any suggestion is appreciated.

 

I'd say start with a after market Panel filter and an Upper Intercooler Pipe.

Once you start modifying bigger things you're going to need to get it tuned so plan your other mods around when and how you're going to tune your X.

 

well this thread will probably start an argument, but i started with sr intake and turbo back exhaust and went from there. you can see the progress in my sig, but thats what i would do, intake, exhaust and probably a tune

 

One of the best bang for the buck things to do is go get a custom tune right off the rip!! You could throw in a intake and exhaust too.... lol but then again the combinations are endless!....

Edit: Oh and Welcome to the forum!

 

+1

 

Welcome, i just picked up a X MR myself. I was advised to get http://www.tactrix.com/product_info....394def5df697e7 first, a K&N or HKS drop-in, and remove the flapper valve in the muffler.

 

Best bang for your buck, proven, and reliable:

- Catback Exhaust (buschur, ams)

- Intake (drop-in or buschur)

- Custom Dyno Tune

+100whp on our dyno and a very happy evo x owner

 

Terry I own an S2000 now and thinking of getting an EVO myself. Do you feel you made the right decision on switching?

 

Okay, here's my first set of mods:

1. Mudflaps!..protect the car's $#**ty paint.
2. Tune; i went for Perrin's Cobb AP
3. Shortshifter; i went for Works Shifter and Bushings along with Amsoil Trans Oil.

 

if i change the shifter, is it have to change the trans oil too?

 

First mod IMO is a TUNE of somesort. If you are worried about warranty, then a cobb accessport will be fine (that's what I have too). You will be amazed how easy it is to get power from the X, opposed to the s2k.

Have Fun!

 

Everyone says intakes are a good start, but I don't see much advantage between a drop-in filter and an SRI. I'd go drop in and still benefit from pulling cooler outside air at the expense of a couple HP, instead of feeding hot engine-bay air after the warm-up and losing power the rest of the time.

If you want to spring for a good aftermarket box intake setup or an fender CAI, go for it, but then the 'bang for buck' value diminishes a lot. Check out AGP's CAI if you really want to ditch the filter box. It's pretty cheap compared to the other options and places the filter in the fender.

Tuning is critical with the evo x. Find a good local tuner, or get a tactrix cable and wideband, then learn to do some on your own. If you think you're up to it, learning to tune on your own has lots of benefits.

My plan for the first $2k:
1 - Tactrix Openport 2.0 cable - $170
2 - Evoscan - $25
3 - Innovate LC-1 Wideband + Gauge - $250
4 - HKS drop-in filter - $40 (might upgrade later)
5 - AGP or UR UICP - $220
6 - Buschur Crossflow Catback - $770
7 - Forge WGA - $200
8 - Intercooler... dunno which one yet

no, its all done from the cabin. it helps remove some of the notchiness in the shifting. Not really a performance mod other than the fraction of a second you might save in shift times.

 

whitemike711: I have both cars. The (stock) Evo doesn't feel as racy as the S- even though it is. You definitely feel the extra power, if you're a VTEC junkie you'll go crazy with boost Feel free to PM me if you're looking for how the cars compare specifically.

ontopic: terry, you didn't really mention what you were looking for. If I had traded the S for the Evo I'd be looking for suspension mods first, but since you're posting in the engine forum I assume you want to bring out a bit more power before you mess with that. Best bang for buck is custom tune. Between intake and exhaust mods, the exhaust will yield more power in the long run. Of course it costs more too. My next mod will definitely be shifter bushings- they're cheap and effective (supposedly). Then maybe a short shifter that fixes the right hand drive offset of the stocker and shortens the throws. Compared to the S, the Evo shifter feels like doodoo

 

x2

 

whitemike711 - AWD on the evo feels a little different than the RWD of the s2k,
Suspension
i notice more body roll in tight corners, the s feels more toss able. Maybe i need to get used to awd. The turning radius is larger than the s2k.breaking is a little different then what i am used to in the s2k.
Engine
the X is definetly fun to daily drive since it has 300 torque vs 150 is of the s2k, i have not really max out hte engine yets since i only driven it for 700 ish miles,

Main reason for choosing the the evolution X is the four door, fun to drive 4 door, factory turbo.




Phenix - i guess i am hooked on the sound of the engine, blowoff valve, and power. so i want engine work before suspension.

Originally Posted by DG Motors View Post
Best bang for your buck, proven, and reliable:

- Catback Exhaust (buschur, ams)

- Intake (drop-in or buschur)

- Custom Dyno Tune

+100whp on our dyno and a very happy evo x owner

The general consensus seems to be what's listed above. It s appealing for about 1000-1400$ to gain 100+ WHP.

thank you guys for your comments.