Hope everyone is well! So I'm in need of fellow enthusiasts. I'm at a crossroad where I'm considering going to another platform to meet my goal. So here are my options.

Keep my 2008 GSR Phantom Black SSS w/ aero kit, or move to a 93-97 Supra TT.

From my calculations, I'll end up spending another $15k-$20k in mods to obtain 400+hp (motor rebuild required). This includes wheels, brakes & suspension. Basically a complete build. My other option would be to start on a supra and spend about the same in mods, but have around 700+hp.

I understand that hp numbers is not the best way to represent what I want, but it's a numerical value that we all understand. So don't hold me to sheer numbers when replying. Either way your opinions are welcome.

Open for suggestions.

Thanks!!

 

What happened to your evo X that it requires a rebuilt motor? You should be able to hit 400 whp on your X with bolt ons and a turbo upgrade. No need to spend $15k-$20k.

 

Here's the breakdown of pricing the upgrades I'm looking to do. Nothing has happened, just getting input on what others are thinking of when higher power is wanted as well as other upgrades. Supra would get the same treatment / modifications, but I'd probably yield better results in the end.

Power -
Fuel pump - $250
Injectors - $470
Possibly an upgraded fuel rail + FPR - $500 (both)
Turbo upgrade - T3 flanged Kit like ETS / AMS ($4500-$5500)
- or CBRD manifold + BBX turbo + AMS o2/dp ($3200)
Cams - kelford + sprins & retainers
Bottom end build - $3000
Clutch - $2000 installed
Magnus CMC - $400
UICP /LICP - $500
Intake - $250
BCS - $100

Brake - approx $1500-$2k
2 piece rotors
Pads
SS lines
Fluid

Suspension- $5000 installed
Coilovers - ohlins dfv
Front/rear sway bars
Whiteline RCA
Bushings

Wheels- $4500
Volk CE28N 18x10.5 +18
275/35/18 tires

 

This is what you need to get 400whp:

1100cc injectors - $500
FPGreen - 2.5k
3" exhaust - 2k
3port - 70
filter - 40
E85

 

Supras are old, would be a big downgrade IMO.

 

I know you put out numbers, but I'm not sure your goals were represented in a way we all understand. There is a *big* difference between 700hp and 400hp. Are you going to track or drag your car? ***** envy? Or are you just confident on the power it takes to keep you interested in the car?

Personally, I understand the latter. I ultimately want what it takes to keep me on that edge of "slightly scared to put my foot down". The really sad part is, that power level (different for every person) will get old and you will get used to it, until the exact point the vehicle is simply not streetable. As soon as you make enough power where passing someone on the freeway becomes a risk to stepping the car out of line and wiping out another car...you need to consider how to calm your need for that much power.

The last 2 vehicles I drove that had me at the limit I was either going to orgasm, or **** myself was a 94 TT Supra tuned at 640whp with a +150shot sitting on top of it. That POS simply would not drive straight on street tires. My friend even gave it up and went to an M3. The second was the same friend that had a 94 RX7 with a bridge-port and an 88mm single turbo that was 540whp....I drove it in the rain, but still, pressing the gas did not mean you were going to go down the on-ramp of a freeway, and that is when I was in your shoes for wanting big power.

I bought a GSXR 750 with a $5k built engine and 0/+10 gearing instead of going for big power in a car. (I did regear for -3/+2 after I bought it) but yeah roll-on 4th gear wheelies on the freeway were a quick way to calm my desire for that much power.

Also Supras\RX7\3000GTs\etc are very very high-geared. The really short rally inspired gearing of the Evo and Subies will give you that acceleration on the low end with less HP. Really the highgearing is just not realistic for fun unless you're on the track or want to go to jail. On the bike I was pulled over once doing 3x the speed limit on a highway. I stopped. The cop was just happy I stopped and let me go with a HUGE lecture. But he was right, using the power where it's fun on something geared so high will mean it's not a simple ticket, it will be an instant go to jail thing.



Okay -- beyond that, I think you should give the Evo a chance to make some power that will satiate your need for power. Bolt-ons + turbo + a tuner that understands your needs (with E85 as Tephra said), and you'll have a car that does what you want, can actually take a passenger to show them why you like it, you'll pass emissions easier and have some nice modern luxuries.

 

keep the Evo, save some $ and thank yourself in the end... I doubt you will regret it

 

It would help you explained your goal. If this is just about power, lots of easier/less expensive options out there. You mention needing to upgrade the brakes and suspension. Why, to what end? How is this car used; what are you after?

 

What I don't get, is you're talking t3 and built motor, but only 400whp? I'll have well over 700whp with the same mod list you say will give you 400. Just get a larger Turbo like hra86 or 6262/6266 and you'll have your 700whp on the Evo, with a much berrer chassis and car overall

 

Agreed +1

 

if you are really willing to spend 20k and really want that much power... take a look at the ams 900x?

 

Half of what you are "planning" on spending is wheels/tires/suspension. You would be spending the same on the supra, but with less benefit.

Most supras are drag cars. For a road course, the Evo is geared very well, making use of your estimated $12000 in wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension.

 

If you want to do highway racing then yea buy a supra. Evo vs supra is comparing two totally different cars that do totally different things.

 

Sorry for not clarifying my goals as clearly as I should have. I listed the items of mods to show what things I am considering as long term goals (list of things I may or may not do) - as well as other options. I initially threw out the "400whp goal" as somewhat of a feeler, but really was attemping to show you guys what things I am considering changing and the cost associated with them. Yes, there are cheaper solutions and maybe it's a fault of mine that wants the better part just in case. This is difficult to communicate because it's not all about numbers.

I hope I am not communicating that I dislike my Evo X, I like it, but I'm not loving it like I did. I use to really enjoy driving, but now not so much. So basically, I am at a crossroad where I'm choosing to mod the Evo (end goal seems like a heafty $$$) or move to another platform to spir on that passion to drive again.

FYI... About a month ago I was really close to trading in the Evo for an 08 Z06 w/ 4700 miles, but at the last minute decided against it. The searching for other options came about when I was discussing options / limitations with a shop. When discussing a mod path, it became apparent that there would be a laundry list of things necessary to change when running the motor at / above 360-380trq.

Tephra - Thanks for the list of power mods to obtain 400whp! I understand that my initial post was not as clear as I'd like. I'm sorry to not have clarified my question. But to let you know here is my current mod list. AMS FMIC, drop in filter, RRE rally cat, UR catback, tune, nonpower stuff - eibach springs, advan rz 19x10+25.

Kracka - haha thanks for your input! True, i'd be sacrificing some amnenities going to a supra, but could you explain why it's a "downgrade".

TheBlade - Thank you very much for your input! It's not about the ### or ***** envy, I think what really bothers me is the fact that I have to change so much if I pass the 400whp barrier. With another platform, a stock block motor could handle around 800whp, not that I'd go that route, but at least I don't have to touch the motor. I got a bike as well... Ducati 1198s for big speed.

Horus - I think what is bothering me is the fact that I may not be saving money in the end if I indeed rebuild the motor. But I have only owned a 90 TSI Talon GSX, 06 Evo IX, and the 08 Evo X, that I modified.

FJF - I use this car as a weekend warrior - got a work truck for daily stuff. Mind you, like above I like nice things / parts and if I could get 2 piece front rotors, I will. It's like the Duc I have, I may not utilize everything the bike can deliver, but when I want it, it's all there.

chkmgnt59 - In the mod list, I was considering a T3 solution since the motor would be built. It seems like there's a $1k difference between an ETS / AMS turbo upgrade (if you include a tubular manifold with the stock housing solutions). Honestly I'd probably be very happy and content with having 450awhp at the very end, but now i've past the safe barrier of the stock rod / rod bolts... rebuild necessary. Then if i'm rebuilding, why not install cams + springs/ retainers, and get some upgraded pistons, rods, and bolts... Then it's becoming a very expensive money pit for me. If you wouldn't mind could you PM me your mod list and give me an estimate of what was spent on your car?

 

healthynine - That's correct, I wanted to include all costs.

Nzo - Isn't it about car setup that dictates how it'd do on a road coarse? I believe in last years castrol's challenge, the supra came up on top on their time attack event. Yes, lots of supras are high horsepower drag cars. The reason why I even considered the supra is because it's basically a US version of Japan's GTR. Always liked them, but never owned.

Thank you all for your advise / input!