What's going on guys? New to this website and just had some questions on a build I'm trying to achieve before I get home from deployment. Alright details about the car:

Engine

-2003 Evo 8. Mostly stock. Only lightly modified.
-HKS cold air intake,
-GSC (AMS) titanium springs and retainers.(revs now at 8k)
-M7 Japan intercooler
-DC Sports 3" downpipe
-GReddy SS (Original) 3" full stainless steel downpipe-back exhaust
-Walbro fuel pump
-stock turbo,
-stock intake manifold,
-Kelford 272 Cams,
-HKS turbo timer
-Heat shield
Suspension

-Fortune Auto 500 coilovers (24 position adjustable dampers) with Swift spring upgrade.
-Muller air cups (front)
-Stock wheels

Brakes

-DBA 4000 slotted rotors
-Hawk HPS brake pads
-DOT 4 fluid (flushed at 101k)

Others

-GReddy intelligent Informeter
-Boost gauge
-Carbon fiber Mitsubishi rear spoiler
-HID JDM headlights
-Intercooler sprayers
-Alpine Head unit
-Alpine amplifier
-Boston acoustics component speakers in the front, drop-ins in the rear.

That's basically it.

Before I left I tried to get it tuned and should have been making around 350, but I was leaking boost, later I got that fixed by doing a boost leak test, and sealing those spots. Right now I am trying to build the block but not sure on where to start, brands to get, etc. Been shopping around on AMS and wanted to buy their intake manifold, manley I beam connecting rods, and AMS pistons. For my intercooler I was leaning towards the ETS 3.5", just not sure on what path to go for. My end goal is to make 650-700hp. So I know its a pretty broad questions but what build do any of you recommend that is safest, but will make power. I have an exedy twin disk clutch and 1600cc fuel injectors at home. Also, my alternator and battery crapped out from not being driven for a few months. i'm not pulling any significant power from anything besides my air compressor and amp. Should I replace that with a OEM alternator? and if there is a battery what brand? Don't want to go to the mini battery because VA gets cold and it wont be a daily. Not sure on how to relocate but im sure that's in another forum. And should I rebuild the tranny since im rebuilding my block? Thanks in advance guys.

 

It sounds like you are ready to make the plunge. Iv'e dealt with alot of different cars with alot of different purposes, and the best advice i can give is to find a good engine builder that you can build a relationship with. Explain to them your goals, and let them help you choose what will work best for what you want to do with the car and your budget. Try and find a place that specializes in engine building/blueprinting as they will have all the necessary equipment to do the work in house. This will help with turn around times alot.

For the battery i would suggest just grabbing something from Costco. Its cheap and they have a really good return/exchange policy. Once the car is done sitting for long stretches then you can dump some money into a nice battery.