Considering all the 03-06 differences in all 3 models (not counting the SE as anything different) what do you think is the best model to put on a road-race course?

Obviously we would want to redo the suspension/tires/brakes immediately if we're serious, so factors like these really shouldn't affect the decision of what model to start with - right?

Right off, I'd think an RS to keep the costs as low as possible starting out. I don't think any of the RS's came with ABS? LSD changes?

The 05+ have the ACD...
The 06's obviously come with more power stock and the visual updates...
The 05-06 MR's have better gearing for the track considering 5th isn't the final drive, but there's been a lot of people experiencing issues with the gearbox and burning out 4th specifically. Also the most $$ to start with.


If you want to mix/match; post up your config! If you want to briefly say what you'd do to upgrades (brakes, suspension, weight reduction, engine); post it up!

 

5 speed ACD car.

 

I would say a IX RS would be the most dominant starting platform. In fact, if I were smart, I'd have already sold my 05 MR and gotten a IX RS then put on the same suspension, tires, and power mods, but I just keep clinging to the amenities of my MR, since it's a daily driver.

I did not vote, because there was no 03 RS, and I differentiate between the 04, 05, and 06 RSs. The 06 RS would be the best of all for the track, imo.

 

I went for a 9 GSR. Couple reasons.

1. I run in florida. It rains. A LOT. (envision 2-3 inches, standing water.) I wouldn't track the car in the wet without abs.

2. It comes in blue. Can't get an RS in blue.

3. 5 Speed is more reliable, but 5th gear is terrible.

 

06 RS for sure. The MR Edition is junk, the 6 speed is weak and you have a bunch of heavy stuff like HIDs which don't help you on the track. You also don't have to mess around with wiring and speakers when stripping the car, which is always a plus. With the RS you get all the weight goodies and the 5 speed.

What sort of racing (Sanctioning Body) will you be doing?

 

I considered all these differences and chose the IX GSR, with the power difference, I would not consider the 8. I got the GSR because it does have the fancy EBD ABS and the RS does not and because youll need the wing for high speed cornering anyways. Power windows are also easier to put up/down with the door closed and a cage in the car. As for the weight advantage of the RS, it doesnt really matter in SCCA anyways since you can easily get to minimum weight without stripping out the car. With typical ECU mod performance increases, the 5spd becomes the better pick for the track and is easier to get into the correct gear when all hell is braking loose. MR isnt worth the price increase to me for having the alum roof.
Marty

 

In your case, marty, the IX SE may have been the way to go if it were available. It has the same goodies plus the BBS rims and aluminum roof, although it also has HIDs.

 

Couldn't we just change the housing? I know SCCA says you need front headlights, but I didn't see anything saying they needed to work

 

I voted for the VIII because it is cheap. You'll need the extra money to make it fun.

 

Black EVO9 GSR SE ... Closer ratio 5 speed, Mivec, ACD, ABS, EBD, Aluminium roof, wing and the extra weight can always be taken off ...

If the cars had to be stock I would go with the EVO9 MR ...

 

The 9's motor is much much more capable.

 

I'd say IX RS is best for track. The IX SE is a better daily driver/track car though.

 

ya know, honestly, this should only be about the 9's. theres nothing better about an 8 than a 9, (save the alum roof that all 05's had).

 

Not all 05s had it - only the RS and MR.

The only thing better about an VIII is the cost. You could probably get an 04 RS that has ACD, FLSD, and aluminum roof for very cheap, then put 10k into it to be above my car's level of power, handling, and grip, but still be lower cost than a new IX SE. I don't approach things that way, but if someone was building an all-out race Evo from scratch, that might be one way to do it.

 

The aluminum roof was introduced in 05. The 04 RS's didn't have it.