really dont know where to start first, any recommendations?

 

Do a little of both. For about $1000 you can have a pretty quick, streetable Evo.
ETS Intake - $275
ETS Test pipe - $250
3 port EBC - $100
Tune - $300 - $500

On pump gas this will get you to the 330whp range which is a potent little street car.

For looks, just stick with some springs (I recommend H&R), wider wheels, and a lip for the front. Keep it clean and simple

 

On the subject of springs, would you recommend H&R over swift? I see that recommended pretty often

 

Hey,

Noticed you're from the North, where at?

It really is up to you. Most do a little of both. I've been looking at springs+spacers to improve the horrible stance the factory but I'm a bit worried screwing up the geometry, messing up the handling.

Do you happen to have bilstein oem struts? If you get springs, look into getting the struts revalved. I'm reading getting springs without revalving the bilsteins result in a decrease in performance instead of improving handling.

 

It all depends on what you have planned for the car in the long run. If you want to race it or if you want to be able to auto-cross it, or just show it. It will also depend on if you still have a warranty on it and your dealer doesn't mind if you do some small things to it as well as a slight tune.

Besides all of that stuff, if you do can do an intake like stated, a full 3" exhaust, 3 port boost controller like stated, as well as a good tune.
Other than performance the looks is up to you and what your taste is.

 

The all imoortant question is money. You money for either route you take. If you have enough do both. Or do as I did and take to the for sale section. Almost all my performance stuff came off of this forum. I bought my mhi 18k, intake, intercooler and ic piping, and cat back off this forum. Looks wise I got my KW v3 on the forum also. I bought my wheels amd tires new cause rpf 1s are on the cheaper side I paid 1500 shipped. My lip and side skirt extensions i bought new on rexspeed. Had the coilovers installed as a package deal with fender rolling, camber kit, alignment, and corner balancing at Works racing. All said and done money is what it takes! Im a looks and performance guy but do what you can afford. Dont forget maintenance in your budget.

 

Unless you are close to a shop that specializes in EVO's, especially if you have an MR, I say stay stock just drop in a cosworth filter and enjoy the car. Once you start modifying all bets are off for reliability as it is dependent on what tuner you used. Good luck and enjoy!

 

Cosworth filter alone will do what for an otherwise stock Evo?

 

gain of a few whp and it'll lean the car out a tad

 

Smooths things out in the Upper RPM band and doesn't require a tune. Noticed a big difference from that alone to be honest. I have the usual bolt ons now but in hindsight I wish I would have just put that in and left it. My gas MPG's are atrocious now.

 

Wow. Thanks guys! I am going search where to grab one now. Thanks again!

 

I think I got mine at rallysportdirect.

 

Performance.

I enjoyed spending my money on making the car perform better. Although it isn't as much of a personalization, being quicker than the next guy is better in my opinion.

 

well it really depends on you.. if the evo will be your daily for a while go for looks 1st for reliability unless you do alot of track and autocross then go for the performance. once you go full bolts on your clutch might gave out after 20k miles and be prepare for that.

 

Thanks! Any downside to it?