Hello folks,

This is my first time posting on these boards (although I have been reading the forums for a few weeks).

I currently drive a 2004 Nissan Sentra SeR SpecV. I love the car. She is my baby. I think if I took care of myself as much as I did for her, I would probably be labeled as an extreme metro-sexual .
At any rate, I have been a big fan of the Subaru WRXs, especially the STi. A year and a half a go, from loving it so much, I *almost* pulled my savings and maxed out my credit cards just so I couuld put a down payment for one. But, after talking with family and some friends and seeing what the competition is out there, I pulled my horses and prevented myself from making a dumb decision (impulse buys with cars has to be one of the worst things you can probably do to yourself when it comes to spending a good amount of 'moula').

After doing some research, reading forums, some magazine reviews, and even a test drive, I came to the conclusion that Evo might be my next car. With the launch of IX being not too far, I am holding on to the money I have and getting some more in the meantime for a down payment; until then, I do have some questions about the car/platform (this mainly applies to the current VIII, but since the differences are subtle, I think I am right to assume that the same apply with IX);


1. How strong are the internals of the car? How much whp can the engine sustain *SAFELY* (before the pistons, rods or even the block goes south)?
2. As for the stock turbo, what is the max boost it can handle *SAFELY* (One thing that I hate is the lag ... it takes some time to spool ... but once it does, it's a wet dream times a hundred ...)?
3. How tough is the tranny? How much power can it handle *SAFELY*? Flywheel? Clutch?
4. What are some of the annoyances of the car that you think are the worst (pet peeves anyone?)? How is the reliability of the car as a whole (my family and I have never liked nor owned Mitsubishis for some reason ... I think that we all developed a prejudice that they are crappy cars when it comes to reliability ... I hope I am dead wrong...)?

My goal for the car when I get it (it will probably be an MR or even the RalliArt edition if they release that here in the States, whatever they label it, because of the 6-speed transmission and the Bilstein suspension) to make it at around ~300whp/tq (assuming that is a safe number; of course, if the stock internals, tranny, stock turbo, etc, can handle more, then that is another story ... but no more than ~375/400whp/tq). As far as the suspension, from reading some opinions, it is best to leave it intact (especially with an MR) ... is this true?

As you can see, I am trying to get as much out of the car as I can, without having to initially invest much into it (the only thing that I am looking to invest in it is an intake, ECU flash, exhaust and probably the BOV, since the stock BOV sucks according to numerous threads/posts that I've read, in addition to not hearing the orgasmic "tsss" when I shifted during the test drive)... cars are an expensive hobby for which I do not have the time or the financial backing to pursue at this point in time (and the MR is pricey as it is ... friends and parents do not understand how I can justify spending almost 40 Gs for a "Mitsubishi 4 door, 4 banger, ricey ****box" ...).

I'd more than appreciate all the feedback I can get, so please, do not hesitate . Looking forward to great times.
.
Best,
-Tony

 

Holly cow man, you wrote a book. I got one word for you though SEARCH. All the information you asked is here.

 

People usually get about 19 psi stock. And about the tranny a lot of people have problems with the clutch.

 

internals are stronger than the STi. People are putting over 450whp safely on them and boosting up to 30 psi. you'll have absolutely no problems if your goal is 300 whp. the weak clutch seems to have been on early production 03's. with any car, if you keep dumping the clutch at 5000 rpms, you'll have problems with the clutch. good luck.

 

I am assuming on stock internals minus the stock turbo, correct?

Thanks folks. Keep 'em coming