I joined the forum back in 03 when considering the EVO vs. STi. After 3 yrs and 42K miles in my STi, I am ready for a change. I just returned from driving a IX MR - loved the handling, shift linkage, and the power delivery.

The car will be for fun-only - weekends, track days, etc., and I would like to mod.

My question for the forum is - what would you rather have and why - a 2.3L built motor EVO VIII with a GT35R, suspension, etc., or a new IX MR with bolt-ons (stock turbo) and Alky?

Granted, I could build my STi, but it's much more feasible, financially, to buy a car that's already built, and since it will be for fun only, I prefer the EVO's sharper handling to the STi.

 

Evo VIII 2.3L GT35R.

 

the 2.3l gt35r is pretty sick. But you can get 400 awhp from the IX pretty easily. Still alot less power than the 2.3l combo but it may be less of a headache. I love my IX MR and don't miss the STi one bit.

 

Without a doubt I would recommend the Evo 9 with bolt ons. Poeple are running 11's easily with the stock turbo and a budget for well less than $2000.

Getting into a Evo 8 with stroker and turbokit with limit you in many aspect like budget and reliability not to mention complex tuning and expensive upgrades.

I know a few people that went turbokits and aren't happy at all. A good Evo 9 with stock turbo and some bolt on and good tuning could be as fast as some low budget turbokits.

I am just speaking from close Evo 8 owners from around Tucson area. Get the Evo 9 MR, you wouldn't regret the smoothness and reliability of it.

Also, like someone mentioned, you can now get a 400whp Evo 9 on stock turbo..

my .2c

Carlos