Hello all.
My name is J, im 30, married, one kid and am about to have my first new car ever; An Evo X GSR.

Ive got a bunch of questions, but first ill tell you about my car history.
at age 18 I got a used 3000gt FWD non turbo DOHC. Had it for a few years, intake exhaust and ran a 9.99 in the 1/8 mile.
got the itch for boost and AWD.
I found the 'badass3000' VR4 for 8k and modded the HELL out of it. Enough turbo and fuel for 800 to the wheels had I ever finished it. It sits 99% done, just in need of a tune. Problem with that is there is only 1 or 2 people in the WORLD I would trust to tune it and none are close. One slight mistake and I need a new engine. I choose to use a new stock bottom end since they have been shown to handle 600AWHP several times but thats pushing it for any car.
It runs on E85 or E99 with AEM standalone. Everything done by me personally custom mods and all.

anyway, on to my questions.

1)what are the weak links on an Evo X?
2)how much power can the bottom end handle?
3)tune by flashing the ECU? best way to tune?
4)does car have a little black box that records driving habits?
5)what mods will void warranty?
6)drivetrain, anything explode during hard launches?
7)possible to run e85 (with tune) without voiding warranty?
8)few good websites for aftermarket parts?
9)anyone helpful near 29687 area code?

thanks for any help.

Check out the pics of the badass3000 http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v110/badass3000/

anyone unfamiliar with 3000gt go here (I love this video)
[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orSxhAmt9PM"]Pass Time

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Hey there,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your new car!

I'm not a pro by any means but I can help answer some of your questions.

1)what are the weak links on an Evo X?
Apparently, when pushing for big power, the weak areas in the engine are with the head bolts and valve springs. Upgrade the springs/retainers when doing the camshafts.
2)how much power can the bottom end handle?
Should easily handle 450hp (safely)
3)tune by flashing the ECU? best way to tune?
Flash tuning is the way to go. However, flash tuning can possibly void warranty.
5)what mods will void warranty?
Not sure. Best to ask your dealer.
6)drivetrain, anything explode during hard launches?
As long as fluids are maintained and fresh, you shouldn't have any drive train issues with these launches unless you got massive power (500hp+)
8)few good websites for aftermarket parts?
Depends what your looking for, different brands for different needs.

Cheers

 

1)what are the weak links on an Evo X?
FUEL ECONOMY SUCKS. BUT HEY, THIS AINT NO PRIUS

2)how much power can the bottom end handle?
Look for an AMS or COBB Tuning near you and ask them. THEY ARE THE PRO'S. If none are around you, just call.

3)tune by flashing the ECU? best way to tune?
Hands down, COBB Access Port. They can tune in a shop or you can remote tune with maps they have on their website.

4)does car have a little black box that records driving habits?
Never heard of them unless installed aftermarket.

5)what mods will void warranty?
My dealership said any internal engine work, but they were dumb as hell and let the car sell itself.

6)drivetrain, anything explode during hard launches?
Im a newbie but I think that depends on your definition of a "hard" launch.

7)possible to run e85 (with tune) without voiding warranty?
If you buy a COBB Access Port you can hold several different maps on it. If you mess something up running an E85 map and you have to take it to the dealer, change it back to pump gas and hide the AP

8)few good websites for aftermarket parts?
I havent used them yet but lancershop.com looks pretty good.

9)anyone helpful near 29687 area code?
Not even close

About me, I bought a brand new 2011 Evo MR, drove it to COBB in Plano and got their 400s kit. I dyno'd at 391 awhp on 91 octane and now run 96 octane so I should be right at or over 400 awhp.
Good luck