I used to drive an Evo X MR, and took a different tack with that car than I did with my other Evo; namely I drove it bone stock for a year before throwing parts at it. When I did start modifying it, I had a few things in mind: quiet, stealthy, reliable.

First mods were a drop-in-filter and an AccessPort running the off-the-shelf stage I tune. This would run you $700 retail, but you can find a bargin on used AccessPorts all over the place. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a used AP for $400 now. My recommendation would be to stop here and drive the car to get used to it.

Next came an AMS O2/downpipe, AMS high-flow cat, and modified stock exhaust (like the Works Exhale Stealth, but made at home), and the off-the-shelf stage II tune. These really brought the car to life, and at this level I was making 309 awhp and 323 ft/lb. While not earth shattering, it also sounded completely stock unless you were very familiar with the exhaust note of a stock Evo. If you were willing to do the work on the car yourself, or could get help, you could get to this point on $1500.

If you wanted to track the car, your mod path will be different (and different again for the type of tracking you'll want to do).