https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evo-x-engine-management-tuning-forums/764818-starting-build.html


This is a continuation of the other post. I'm just trying to walk through my process of how I'm trying to build this up while also not being vehicle savvy.

As a new development my wheel bearings have been replaced tires are being done with an alignment this Friday and then I should be able to start buying the intake and exhaust.

 

A majority of problem when it comes to modifying a high-mileage Evo X is related to the manifold-to-turbo and turbo-to-downpipe (O2 housing) studs having already seized. It costs a fortune to pay for the master mechanic, the welder, and other specialists (e.g. on the threaded inserts) for all those hours of labor.

Perhaps an easy path is to modify everything on the intake-side first. And then in the future, replace the manifold, the downpipe, and the turbo with an MHI 18K altogether. That way, your master mechanic never has to spend a single day dealing with the seized studs.

For instance, you can first do:
　　
Load the starter tune to the ECU before installing the above, so the 3-port doesn't cause the car to over-boost. Alternatively you can install but keep the 3-port unpowered before loading the starter tune.

Then in the future do:
　　

 

AMS intake is now on order.

Driving straight is my next bear. Rn it pulls to the left at 75mph at 150 ft. Firestone informs me that camber adjusters or coilovers are the next step. Im leaning on coils. New tires are on. Now to just generate currency for more parts.

The ones in question https://www.maperformance.com/produc...-evo-x-b-20-br

 

Keep us posted! Let us know how you like the BC Racing coilovers.

With the intake and other bolt-ons installed, be sure to get an e-tune if you notice any over-boosting. That is, like people said, when the car starts "bucking like a horse."

 

Sooooooo...

I want the HKS twin cat back but the prices are all over the place. Is there a reputable site for this item?

 

Maybe try MAPerformance?
MAPerformance | HKS Super Turbo Catback Exhaust
MAPerformance | HKS Hi-Power Dual Exhaust

or Bulletproof?
Bulletproof Automotive | HKS Super Turbo Muffler

or STM?
STM Tuned | HKS Super Turbo Final Edition Exhaust

 

Choices.

1. https://www.maperformance.com/produc...-x-31029-am004

Or

2. https://www.maperformance.com/produc...-x-31019-am111

I'm not seeing the immediate differences outside of one cat existing versus two and I'm not sure I understand the difference. My deal is I just don't want to replace the exhaust again I'm trying to do the one and done.

Edit: For clarity the second link you sent refuses to send to my address for whatever reason.

2nd Edit: given the topic I thought this was funny https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ct9hP2HJqQs/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

Those aren't cats, they are mufflers. A cat-back replaces everything after the catalytic converter.

The first has larger piping and tips, with the single muffler.

The second smaller piping and tips, is lighter and has dual mufflers.

If you like HKS and the dual look, maybe consider this one:
https://www.maperformance.com/produc...xoCrcwQAvD_BwE

I've had it on my X for 7 years. It will save you some money and should flow better if you add more power adders down the road. It is probably a bit louder also.

edit: Just saw this one was previously linked. Not sure why it wouldn't ship to Colorado. Maybe give MAP a call, their customer service is excellent.

 

Only thing to watch out for with those "JDM" exhausts if you winter drive your Evo in the rust belt (yikes) is they rot out as fast as the car does. There are a bunch of better options out there for durability.

 

I have the HKS Super Turbo cat-back on my Evo X for 8 years (first 5 years in the rust belt). The Japanese HKS stainless steel is not made from cheap pipe metal sourced from some neighboring country. It's the real deal, and only the welded hangers as well as the M10 bolts and nuts have surface rust (for which I recently ordered JD Custom's stainless steel hardware). However, I cannot vouch the same for other HKS cat-back products. After all, the Super Turbo is their top-of-the-line product, and it's possible that the cheaper products are made from cheaper metal.

For winter driving, I went with Ziebart undercoating for my Evo X and it has worked out well so far.

 

Okay the exhaust is here but I can't put both of these in here without at least an etude. How do I do this? Allegedly the Cobb tuner is bad sooooo....what do?

 

Having only an aftermarket exhaust and an AMS intake is probably fine with the stock tune. That is, assuming you are retaining the stock cat, stock 2-port, and stock intercooler.

If not, your Evo X will run lean (and/or have boost spikes), and you will have to look for an e-tune. I have not hired any of the e-tuners myself, so I cannot vouch for their service or credibility. From other Evo X owners, I have heard that Slowpoke and Chag Tune are two choices.

I am also running on the stock tune myself with the stock cat still in place. I have the HKS cat-back already. I may buy the AMS intake and some other AMS products soon, just so I don't get screwed if AMS suddenly pulls out of the Evo X aftermarket. I may simply keep the AMS intake under a bookshelf while I enjoy my stock-ish Evo X with a cat-back.

 

Soon I'll be changing all that. I'm also trying to put the exhaust in so I'm wonderiwondering if that would actually make a difference.

Chag looks a little more straightforward. What do I need from them?
Edit: perhaps I'll be more clear I don't have a controller and I need to find a good one.

https://tunertools.com/collections/car-tuning

Am I going in the right direction?

 

Welp. Something had to stop me anyways. The water pump and install is going to be $1700. Guess I'll wait till September to get something new and this will be my August part. Le sigh.

 

Get another quote. The Evo X water pump is not part of the timing components like previous Evos. It should NOT be a $1,700 job.