Hey Guys, new to the forum and looking for some of your input.

I just bought a new WW '11 Evo X GSR and I'm looking to start modding after the break-in. My question is, where to start? I was thinking getting coilovers out of the way before spring hits so I can buy some wheels. But on the other hand getting an exhaust and some other goodies might be more worth it. And I don't know if I should be touching the engine before its ready.

Gimme some input! Thanks!

 

What are your goals for the car? What do you want to do with it? A tune will give you the most bang for buck. I would start first with a tune and a wideband. The wideband to monitor your AFR. After the tune, if the car's power doesn't satisfy you, get boltons. I would go for a catback, high flow cat/test pipe, drop in filter/intake/, UICP, and get a retune. Going to a driving school and learning to drive your car will make you a better driver than those mods will.

 

^ +1
What are your goals? Coilovers, wheels, tune, exhaust parts, and intercooler piping are what everybody does first.. just in different orders. If you are goin for looks I would do coilovers and tune.

 

Jersey checking in, yea we need more input on what's your goal bro

 

Thanks for the quick replies. I'm not looking for BIG numbers just a nice 400+ daily which I know is attainable with bolt-ons. All I'm looking for is some advice on which route to go first. I think I may bite the bullet and get coils to get my suspension needs out of the way. Plus I love a mean stance lol.

 

For 400+ you're going to need a turbo upgrade. Most people make around 350whp/350wtq with full bolt ons

 

Jersey here too. I'm just doing bolt-ons for my SE that currently has 3K miles. My goal is just a fun DD. Here is the route I'm taking:
1) Cosworth Drop-in - Did not feel any gains but like the sound.
2) Exhaust - just installed a Buschur CrossFlow w/ Quiet muffler cat-back. I'm 44 and find the exhaust too loud. No, I did not hear one in person but just relied on videos. I know, it was an expensive lesson.
3) Lowering Springs - I was happy with stock handling but wanted to lower the car. I went with Swift Spec-R's. I'd like it to be a bit lower but I think it will still settle. It is not much stiffer than stock and not jarring like I feared.
4) Pro-Tune - I'm waiting until 5K. Leaning towards Ivey since they are local to me.
5) Wheels - I have not decided which. Will do this in the spring.

 

In the same boat as you. Bought my Evo X 2 months ago and it had a DC CBE on it when I purchased it. Just installed AMS TP which was surprising on how much of a difference it made from just the CBE. Saving up now for ICP then DP then tune.

My HP goals now are like you, around 400awhp. I don't think that will be the case a year from now when I get use to the power though.

 

What are your suspension needs?

 

My suspension needs are my coilovers (tweaked the way I want it) and
spacers if needed because I'm not getting wheels til the spring.

Also, I would do full exhaust but I'm not trying to get it without the intake and
ic piping because tuning more than once would just be a pain. BTW I'm not using
the hand-held tuning maps because I just don't trust it over dyno tune.

Just my thoughts lol.

 

how much snow do you get in nj? you might not want to lower it when its snowing like crazy out. i think evokerfes said it best with setting your goals, basic mods, and driving school. you can never have too much driving school.

 

I see some snow, nothing insane, but not enough for me to not lower my car. My last car was on Tein S-Tech's (IS 250 AWD) and had a pretty nice stance. I even drove that in the snow. When it snows now, the evo stays in the garage lol.

 

+1 for the driver mod and exhaust.

 

I say screw what your goals are for the car... in my opinion your asking for some general guidance related to "where you should start." There's tons of threads here, but to sum it up. (you need to search all of these and decide what works best for your application)

clear bra, especially the rear door that flairs out

buy a second set of tires, don't matter if you see snow or not, the stock tires are not good in cold (<30 degree) weather

get an alignment right away, the stock alignment is way off and getting a new alignment made a huge difference for me

empty out your trunk.. you can loose 50 lbs by pulling the tire/tools

buy weathertech floor mats

buy an exhaust

buy an uicp

either get the coilovers you were thinking about or go with a rear sway bar and springs

search for a tuner

now start thinking about what your goals are....save up money and get ready for the second round of buying stuff, everybody needs a tune, pick up some wheels in the summer to put your stock tires on...



Just my opinion, but I'm guessing where should you start, and everything above will get you started with basic things everybody needs

btw, you should reconsider waiting for the breakin period, I'd say start on this stuff now.

 

i disagree, respectfully of course. you need to have some idea of what you want out of the car before you start modding. are you going to track it? is it simply a fun DD? theres a huge difference in routes to take simply from distinguishing that fact.

it sounds like you want looks and a stiffer suspension in prep for your wheels. decide what the purpose of your car is and your budget then decide if springs or coils (and what kind) is your best bet.

i do agree with the alignment, it makes a big difference.

sway bars, IC piping, filter, boost controller, TBE with a high flow car (or better yet a test pipe), and a tune will make the car night and day difference. it should satisfy power needs for a bit.

if you want to get close to 400whp without turbo upgrade, consider E85 (need injectors and fuel pump). a walbro is never a bad idea (cheap insurance) once you up the boost.

i completely agree with the driving mod, although hard in the winter. if you get a chance to take it out on the track, you can mod as you feel the "weaknesses" of the car. it will make it more fun to drive and you can mod for personal preference. (ex. autoX for me, realized wider tires, more camber, and a stiffer rsb really helped with roatation).

once you decide your future plans and your budget, build for down the line. better to buy bigger and better parts then having to buy twice. theres tons of info on evoM, just search around. gl with the build and enjoy the new car!