Is moding worth it?
When the engine throws a rod and the dealer decides that the damage isn't covered under warranty cuz your "modded", are you going to be able to afford the $5000 to $7000 to drop a new engine in to get you back on the road? Or maybe a new clutch... or transfer case... or transmission. If you wanna play, you're probably gonna have to pay sooner or later.
Personally, I chose to mod because I can foot the bill if the drivetrain breaks. It would hurt the wallet if it did break but I'm loving my modded Evo.
Personally, I chose to mod because I can foot the bill if the drivetrain breaks. It would hurt the wallet if it did break but I'm loving my modded Evo.
Originally Posted by umiami80
Just get a Dyno Flash to start, it'll open your eyes....
or you could go with an Xflash if you feel like making a bit more power. . . but people seem to be obliviously happy with the dynoflash as well, so i won't knock it.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Fox Lake, IL
If you have used the evo in any other way then was intended ie: going faster than posted speed laws braking form those high speeds and or takeing turns at above said posted limit = voided warenty. So after you have done that you are free to mod as that you have no warenty in which any mods you do will void that already voided warenty.
Be upfront with the service manager at your 
dealership. Go talk to him and see what he says you can do with out voiding your warrenty. Bolt-ons should get a 
. But Boost-controller should get a 
. Do the exhaust (catback + down pipe or turbo (dump pipe) back). See how you like your EVO then. It all starts with opening up the exhaust. Go full 3" if possible. BOV helps a little but get it to recirc. DO NOT VTA (Vent to Atmoshphere) Sounds awsome runs like ****! If you want to hear your BOV do an intake. Intakes will not boost your performance that much. I hav ethe stock air box and make 320 to the wheels. Other with the same mods and an intake make the same. You just get to hear thier BOV when they shift.
If you are out to get attention - open up the exhaust first, then air intake, then bov (recirc). With all that you will get a wicked exhaust note plus you will hear the turbo spool and the BOV when you shift. (don't tell anyone I said this but, "Just like on the F&F")
(When your 21)
dealership. Go talk to him and see what he says you can do with out voiding your warrenty. Bolt-ons should get a . But Boost-controller should get a . Do the exhaust (catback + down pipe or turbo (dump pipe) back). See how you like your EVO then. It all starts with opening up the exhaust. Go full 3" if possible. BOV helps a little but get it to recirc. DO NOT VTA (Vent to Atmoshphere) Sounds awsome runs like ****! If you want to hear your BOV do an intake. Intakes will not boost your performance that much. I hav ethe stock air box and make 320 to the wheels. Other with the same mods and an intake make the same. You just get to hear thier BOV when they shift. If you are out to get attention - open up the exhaust first, then air intake, then bov (recirc). With all that you will get a wicked exhaust note plus you will hear the turbo spool and the BOV when you shift. (don't tell anyone I said this but, "Just like on the F&F")
(When your 21)
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: Wichita, Kansas
Is modding worth it?
Hell no if you value your powertrain warranty and this is your daily driver and only means of transportation. And in my case, hell no because it would take a whole lot of money to be the fastest thing in my garage-- when I can do 10.90s with a far-from-professional launch, it tells me that playing with the Evo is pretty dumb.
I have had hot rods and I have had new cars. The two shouldn't mix unless you don't mind rolling up benjamins and giving them a good puff.
Hell no if you value your powertrain warranty and this is your daily driver and only means of transportation. And in my case, hell no because it would take a whole lot of money to be the fastest thing in my garage-- when I can do 10.90s with a far-from-professional launch, it tells me that playing with the Evo is pretty dumb.
I have had hot rods and I have had new cars. The two shouldn't mix unless you don't mind rolling up benjamins and giving them a good puff.
the evo is amazing at 3.5k rpms but once you hit 5k rpms, you get a real downer... mitsu did this intentionally to give USDM evo's a HUGE safety margin.. a big reason is japanese gas is much higher quality then US (especially Cali)... so with $2k you can get good power gains...
1. ecu.. dynoflash is the way to go for bang for the buck and good power safely.
2. catback, test pipe and downpipe
3. intake
4. mechanical boost controller (leave it at 19 PSI)
if you are able to find a package deal, the following 4 will get you near 290 WHP easily... others in the forum will probably recommend you various brands but this IS the package you should aim for without seriously sacrificing reliability.
unfortunately for $2G's you will get some excellent power gains but wont make you special because this is the upgrade path 95% of the evo's go. so if you want to be special, you will have to ignore power and just get a JDM bodykit
1. ecu.. dynoflash is the way to go for bang for the buck and good power safely.
2. catback, test pipe and downpipe
3. intake
4. mechanical boost controller (leave it at 19 PSI)
if you are able to find a package deal, the following 4 will get you near 290 WHP easily... others in the forum will probably recommend you various brands but this IS the package you should aim for without seriously sacrificing reliability.
unfortunately for $2G's you will get some excellent power gains but wont make you special because this is the upgrade path 95% of the evo's go. so if you want to be special, you will have to ignore power and just get a JDM bodykit
Last edited by mifesto; Jun 29, 2004 at 04:24 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: TX
Spend the money on yourself first. Attend some driver education events so you can driver your EVO to its limit. Then spend the money on the car.
If you do decide to modify your car have it done by reputable shop. Check with an attorney, but technically the dealer cannot just void your warranty b/c the car has been modified, they have to provide clear evidence that the modification is the cause of the failure. Speaking with the service manager at your dealership before you begin modifying the car is a good idea. Some dealers are more with it than others.
If you do decide to modify your car have it done by reputable shop. Check with an attorney, but technically the dealer cannot just void your warranty b/c the car has been modified, they have to provide clear evidence that the modification is the cause of the failure. Speaking with the service manager at your dealership before you begin modifying the car is a good idea. Some dealers are more with it than others.
Evolving Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 145
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena
Originally Posted by nrcooled
My suggestion is to leave the car as is and learn to drive it stock to really see what needs to be moddified. Take 2g and do some open track events. You will realize that you can't drive to the limits of the stock car (unless you are a drag racer). Stock the Evo is amazing but at redline it is weak. I got flashed by DynoFlash and had a blast at the track. There were not any cars on street tires that could hand with me. I have a lot to learn but once I feel as though I have found my limits in the stock car I will then modify the suspension and maybe do small power upgrades.
As of right now I want to know exactly what to change on the car before I start blindly changing things
As of right now I want to know exactly what to change on the car before I start blindly changing things
Thanks everyone, im planning on going to my dealer tumaro and talk to the manager about mods and my warrenty. When i bought the car i was told, as long as the instalations are dont correctly, nothing will invalidate my warrenty. I dont know if that is BS or true, i would like to sign that sentance to a contract
I understand learning to drive the stock car 1st, cause i know my driving stills are average, maby alittle above average, when compared to the drivers in the valley. If anyone has the name of a driving school or something like that in southern cali, that would be a great help.
I want the car to be more of a atention grabber, more then a performance freek, cause i cant afford that gas with my lead foot. However showing the stock STIs and them 45 yr olds in their Vettes, my dad, a thing or two would be nice
Thats why i was only thinking, intake, turbo back, and SAFC II and BC, to tune up and down the car, for MPG reasons.
I thank everyone for their help, i think my choice depends on what my dealer says tumaro.
I understand learning to drive the stock car 1st, cause i know my driving stills are average, maby alittle above average, when compared to the drivers in the valley. If anyone has the name of a driving school or something like that in southern cali, that would be a great help.
I want the car to be more of a atention grabber, more then a performance freek, cause i cant afford that gas with my lead foot. However showing the stock STIs and them 45 yr olds in their Vettes, my dad, a thing or two would be nice
Thats why i was only thinking, intake, turbo back, and SAFC II and BC, to tune up and down the car, for MPG reasons.I thank everyone for their help, i think my choice depends on what my dealer says tumaro.