Ok, I know this isnt the first time u guys have had this question, but Ive done a couple weeks of (full-on, 6 hour-a-day)research and am still confused.... I have an 03 Evo 8 with the following engine mods:
-AMS TBE (test pipe)
-AMS MBC@21-22 psi
-JDM EVO9 DV
-Cone style open element filter w/ MAF adapter
-Walbro 255 lph fp
-tune
I recently dynoed the car and numbers seemed a little low to me, car did have ALOT of knock tho.. Just wondering what my next steps are w/o having to go big turbo, and if I should change out any of the things I already have.... Thinkn about ditchn everything except the TBE and fp ofcourse. I want around 330whp on 91. Please u guys I know Im a noob, but Im so frickin' frustrated Please help!!!!

 

First of all, I would get a better tune without all of the knock that you described. Once you are tuned for the mods you have, which is pretty much what I have done, try it out and see how it feels. Next would be cams, fmic, etc. If you do cams with your existing mods, you should see around 330 depending on the dyno.

 

Get cams,fmic,licp, and a different tune.

 

What whp are you currently sitting at? I would also keep every single one of those modifications you have. They are all good. You mention you have ALOT of knock. I would first get an updated tune if your knock is that bad. I would then look at the stage 2 upgrade from AMS or BR.

OT: How is Mesa? I graduated from Dobson HS.

 

my '03 is in Chandler & here's what i've done:

Perrin 3" DP
Perrin 3" testpipe
Espelir 3" catback
Hallman MBC
K&N drop-in filter, stock airbox
Turbo XS RFL BOV
self modded wastegate
Walbro FP
Racegas tune on 104octane unleaded

324whp/368tq on a Mustang Dyno
the problem is AZ has really bad 91 gas. the gas making the most power in the PHX area is Shell. there still can be knock but when tuning the knock counts will be waay higher on the other gas companies' stuff. there are some things u can do. if u need help send me a pm & i can get u in the right direction...

 

+1

Maybe some injectors

 

Well, now Im at 268whp, up from 232 which(not gonna mention name) had put me on before. Mitch over at VIVID gave me the xtra 36whp and told me about all the knock and the BAADDD tune I had been previously put on. THANKS MITCH!!! The 268 he told me was pretty conservative bc he was surprised I hadnt blown the car up. REALLY REALLY HIGH AMOUNT OF KNOCK! So I think im ok now. But b4 I go get retuned (u Mitch ofcourse) I want to do a couple more things to achieve the goal I have (330whp on 91 and around 370 on 100 oct, or alky). Mesa is awesome btw, overpopulated as h*ll tho!! hahaha. Thanks for the info. So what kind of cams/ic/piping should I run then?

 

FMIC can add as much as 18-20whp with the AMS frontmount. It is not necessary really until you get a bigger turbo but will definitely add power. LICP is a must. That is one of the bigger bang for the buk mods. You will notice it. Mods you have look good so far. Stick with them and move forward.

 

the stock I/C is rated up to 450whp so u really don't need to change it yet. piping is optional but the stock piping works well if u just add Samco elbows & t-bolts. cams are more of a debate bcuz of the extensive choices + alot of ppl don't do them right.

here are some cam options but be aware there are other things that go along with them that should be done which are listed below cams:

Works 269's- good midrange power, can use stock cam gears
Tomei 270 or 280 PROCAM- topend power & require alot of work to get them working on stock ECU but it is possible to see gains up to 50whp on racegas.
JUN 272- work well but hard to get
GSC S1's-work well from what i hear
Piper-custom grinds available in Europe up to 300 duration (require solid lifters)
Monster Sport 265's-they have 12mm lift but u cannot rev past 7800rpm
Dentist Mapped DM2L-my all time favorite & will outflow ANY other cam on the market!!!!!!!!!!!!

there are other cams out there but i forgot the names. there is a cam thread that breaks them all down but u have to search for it.

cam gears, valve springs, valve guides, Ti retainers, head studs, stronger timing belt are all highly recommended from a safety perspective...

good luck

 

Thanx guys, keep the info comin! Guess at this point I might as well let u all know what I had in mind b4 posting: Swapping my AMS for a Hallman MBC, (people cant stop talking so highly about these). GSC S1 or 272 cams w/ARP headstuds, a Megan o2 housing, ported MUSE manifold, Injens intake/ic pipe kit, and a retune. PLEASE COMMENT, THE GOOD AND THE BAD!!!!!

 

what brand licp do you guys suggest?

 

when i was still in hawaii, my car got 326whp on a dyno jet..., at the time my mods were: hks rs intake, hks 264/272 cams + gears, exhaust manifold, 3 inch turbo back, fuel pump, MBC , ams licp and a mail in tune.