Evo X vs. Evo VIII and IX
Evolved Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
From: St Louis
I wanted to chime in on the stock tunes a bit. I disagree that stock is the best for longevity. It's really geared towards emissions and *then* keeping the motor safe. Stock tunes generally have knock as well even and some cars hit as many as 4 counts completely stock. Others only 1-2 sporadically which is fine. Many pro tunes have no knock at all. Now Obviously tunes that shut off the knock sensor or reduce sensitivity don't count but many pro tuners will have a 0-knock tune.
So I pretty much agree though with everything else being said about longevity just not the part about the stock tune being the best for motor life.
Best for longevity in my opinion (1 being the best for longevity)
1. Pro tune with zero knock (no aggressive mods or power increase)
2. Stock rich tune.
3. Pro-tune with power mods
4. Power mods with no tune
Speaking points.
1. Rich is good, but AFRS in the 9's are too rich
2. Simple things like how easily the BOV functions can have drastic effects on turbo life. (Surge, lift off flutter from a tight spring)
3. Climate and humidity sometimes have larger effect than people admit.
4. How smooth you engage the clutch has an effect on the motor over time.
5. After you look at how much coin people drop to mod, rebuilding the motor isn't a big scare for them.
So I pretty much agree though with everything else being said about longevity just not the part about the stock tune being the best for motor life.
Best for longevity in my opinion (1 being the best for longevity)
1. Pro tune with zero knock (no aggressive mods or power increase)
2. Stock rich tune.
3. Pro-tune with power mods
4. Power mods with no tune
Speaking points.
1. Rich is good, but AFRS in the 9's are too rich
2. Simple things like how easily the BOV functions can have drastic effects on turbo life. (Surge, lift off flutter from a tight spring)
3. Climate and humidity sometimes have larger effect than people admit.
4. How smooth you engage the clutch has an effect on the motor over time.
5. After you look at how much coin people drop to mod, rebuilding the motor isn't a big scare for them.
Far more comfortable.
Also the SST far outperforms the manuals.
However, you already own the VIII, there are not huge compelling reasons to upgrade unless you have lost confidence (high mileage, breaks etc) or you're just itching for a new car.
Also the SST far outperforms the manuals.
However, you already own the VIII, there are not huge compelling reasons to upgrade unless you have lost confidence (high mileage, breaks etc) or you're just itching for a new car.
I went from a 03 VIII to a 2011 X, mainly because I started driving longer distances for work and wanted something more comfortable.
The older evo's are great for motorsports, but the X makes a more comfortable daily driver. Also, from a warranty point of view, I prefer the fact that the X is covered as long as I leave it stock.
I do still miss the "rawness" and power of my old VIII, but the X has alot of perks as well
The older evo's are great for motorsports, but the X makes a more comfortable daily driver. Also, from a warranty point of view, I prefer the fact that the X is covered as long as I leave it stock.
I do still miss the "rawness" and power of my old VIII, but the X has alot of perks as well
My 8 has no problems it runs great I do love the power handling etc and to me it's not uncomfortable to drive every day, has been my DD for a few years. It only has 55k miles and no rust. I'm concidering it simply because it'll be 4+ years newer. My car now is SOLID I'd drive it anywhere in the country without thinking twice so I guess my concern is losing reliability and handling. Even tho reviews say it handles just as good, the X just seems like a bigger bulkier car that'll be harder to throw around corners. I also have a fresh 5 year 100k mile warranty thru route 66 so warranty doesn't make a difference for me
If anything, keep the VIII and get the X too. But as for trading it in, I personally would not. It's a great DD and very reliable. All cars have problems, whether you like it or not, it's just how it is.
But yeah, keep the VIII and get the X on the side.
But yeah, keep the VIII and get the X on the side.
X is better for daily driver. More comfortable and lots of creature comforts like heated seats, nav, etc. I've actually thought about trading in my X on a 8 or 9 until I blew my engine. I still plan on picking one up once the X is paid for.
Stick with the 8 I say if you can't have both.
Stick with the 8 I say if you can't have both.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
If you want power the X can't hold the power the way the VIII's and IX's do. Not yet anyway. They're still working some of the kinks out. You could do it and start off slow and wait for them to solve some of the issues that people are having, or you can keep your VIII for the outstanding power it produces. If you want a better handling car and a more modern car then sure go for it but if you're doing it for the simple fact it's "newer" then I'd say stick with the VIII. You know you can always drive a X to see if you like it. I'm sure there's someone in NY that'd let you take their X for a ride to see how it is. Or find a dealership that will. The handling is outstanding...that's really the only benefit. GSR's rattle like crazy and MR's can't hold the power because of the TCU not being cracked yet.
So to sum it all up...test drive one.
So to sum it all up...test drive one.
I made the switch and I'd do it every day of the week of I had to do it again. My biggest issue was the seats. They seemed a bit tighter at first but I've since gotten used to them. And given your current mods and power level I'd consider an MR but keep an open mind when it comes to the tranny. Don't forget to try the different modes if you test drive one. Good luck and I think you'll be happy whichever way you go.
