I am new to the forum and I don't know much about mechanical workings. I am a pretty good driver, however, and am concerned on my next purchase, which will be an EVO. Need some advice on where to look, start, and anything else I may and probably will leave out.

K I have been researching cars a bit and decided on either an EVO VIII, IX, or WRX STI 04 or 05 model. However, I am starting to lean towards EVO's for tuining costs and ability to mod easier for beginners like me. In short, this will probably be my first car that I will be breaking regularly and repairing at my own expense, however humiliating it may be I am ready to learn some lessons the hard way as I don't know too many people locally to assist me.

I have read some stickies on this forum and there are still some questions. Here is my goals. I always drive stock for a while till I understand the car. I will be buying used. So at first I am not concerned about modding. Later on I will be working hard to get a 600+ WHP EVO set up for track. So lighter, stronger, better handling, brakes, etc. One concern I have heard and seen on TV is that EVO's anti-lock brakes tend to fail considerably in rainy weather. Is this true? What can I do to avoid that as rain is when I go out the most?

My dillema is this: Which EVO would best suit me (or which is the better buy), as I like the way they both look, as far as initial costs and learning curves go. Which EVO will give me a better advantage in the long run with ALL things considered. Weight, power, milage, costs, reliability, etc. Which model and engine has more potential? And what are each models' limits?

I hope I asked my questions correctly and if you have any concerns on what I have stated let me know and I will try my best to clarify. Sorry if this has been posted before but I have searched for almost an hour reading other threads on this forum and didn't see anything that really answered my questions.

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome

That's great, everyone should be driving and understanding how to drive stock evos.

If you are going to mod, I think 8 would fit you better because the price on used 8 is quite lower compared to used 9. But it will be hard for you to find stock-close to stock 8.

This for Drag or Road race?
Not many people would even use close to 600 horses for road races. With Drags I see more reason why but evos are not meant to drag race.(They do pretty well though)

Initial cost would goto 8, and they both look very similar. Some people don't like the 8's front, but I think it looks good.

I am not real mechanically inclined, so I would not really be able to tell you about learning curve, mechanical wise.

If the previous owner has been taken care of the car, the evo's are pretty darn reliable. 4g63 is one tough power plant and it can take pretty good load. I've taken my car for ~10 track days and I have not yet to have ANY issues(But I do frequent fluid changes oil, tranny, dif, brake)

If you really want to aim 600WHP, it doesn't really matter which model you choose since you will need bigger turbo. The 9 has MIVEC which might give you a slight edge, but not much.

As for reliability, as long as you are doing all maintenance, Evos are pretty tough. The more power you get, more work it will need to be done. Many owners here in the forum has an average of 330-350WHP and I have not seen alot of bad stories. That power range, I believe, is the perfect medium.
I'm sure there are many other cases, but that tends to be the norm here.

As for antilocks, I am not so sure. I have not heard of this. Maybe other owners can chime in.

And If I miss something I'm sure someone will chime in or flame
Welcome and I hope you find your match

 

firstly, welcome!! I was in your shoes a few years back and had the same delimma, much like many others who decided to come the Evo route.

I choose a new Evo VIII GSR for the better bumper to bumper and drivetrain warranty, as compared to the STi. I also read track reviews where the Evo was much easier to drive AND modify than the STi - dude, ever little mod you do, makes such a noticable difference that I am shocked! Plus the parts are freakin' dirt cheap as compared to my old Audi S4. I've kept mine mildly modified for daily driving and reliability, Stage II, it's still creams 911s and Z06s at the track (even other mod'd STis - see my vids), has had 0 issues in the last 3 years, still under warranty and returns over 26 mpg highway. Whatelse can one ask for? I'd say go for a clean Evo and start your project!

 

Just a year ago I purchased my evo and have changed it drastically ever since. I agree, go with the 8 just for the cost amount. STi vs an EVO mechanical wise, whew let's just say the STi has it beat. It cost alot more for their maintenance.(I traded mine in for the EVO)

600hp huh? Well of course you are upgrading the turbo, exhaust...etc make sure you get that tranny built stronger and the clutch too. Clutch may be the 1st thing to go when you are upgrading ya parts. It's said that the stock clutch is one of the weakest parts but it also depends on your driving. Take it one upgrade at a time and make sure you have everything planned out. You may hit a few dips and changes but just don't change your whole plan in the middle of a plan.

 

Welcome to the forum! I happen to have a beautiful lightly modded VIII for sale. As others have said an VIII would be your best bet if you plan on going with a big build (but I'm obviously biased) Anyways, check my sig for the for sale link. Best of luck and let me know if you have any questions!

 

if you are going for 600 hp in the future then get the 8 because it will save you money. The 9 would be the better choice if you just want to do the normal bolt ons.