Stop comparing the Evo to the Eclipse. The Eclipse has horrible front end design for cooling and is notorious for running hot. The Evo is the polar opposite. The front of the Evo is designed a billion times better in that regard.

The OEM evo radiator actually works quite well.

Here is a perfect example. There is a basically ONE opening (with two VERY small side intakes) in the front of the Eclipse. If you convert from the side mount intercooler to a front mount, you basically block that ONE opening and significantly drops the airflow to the radiator.



Compare to Evo 9 that has FOUR large openings and designed with having a FMIC in mind:

You're right. I don't have experience with that generation EVO and honestly have not yet road/raced my EVO X. I will stop using the Eclipse as an example, but man it was such a hassle at the track having cooling problems and I just don't want a first timer to have to deal with that. I will let someone who knows the cooling of that car to speak to that. My comments on bleeding the brakes, proper fluid, and proper track pads is universal and is something that should always be done. Going to the track for the 1st time with 500whp is scary enough, so making sure you don't have brake issues is a high priority.

I hear you, I've been there too. The Evo is so much better designed in every way when it comes to motorsports usage it's actually kind of comical to compare the two.

In my experience, the Evo 10 has even better cooling design than the Evo 8/9. It's almost like they called these cars an Evolution for a reason.

temps are not gonna be an issue starting in hpde 1/beginner/whatever. you will not be pushing the car that hard...problem is not driving it super hard is going to make that huge turbo even more of a pain in the ***.

Then there's that gear ratio.....

​​​​​​You'll still have fun...But previous owner seems to have done everything they could to take away what makes these cars special.

But, you can save it!

Thanks for the input fellas.

I knew going into it that the set up was not ideal, but I had a good deal from a trusted seller. So I was willing to overlook the track shortcomings.

I think I need to see if it makes sense to convert the car or just leave it as a drag car. And use something else.

I have great news... the process of saving this car has begun!

I'm replacing the 6466 with a 5558 gen 2. Replacing the AMS f1/boomba TB with ported stockers. Debating if I need to replace the s3 cams with s2s.

Adding a 265/35/18 setup.

We'll see from there.

I'm sure you will love it. These care are SO much fun when they are quick and responsive. It may surprise you. They become a whole new car.
If I wanted to go fast in a straight line, I'd go buy a 4th gen Camaro LOL. Though I admit: I never understood choosing an Evo as a drag car. It never made sense to me (coming from a guy who used to drag race FWD cars, just for the challenge )

As for tires, that's okay, but don't let them distract you from more important items. During my last track day, I kicked a lot of butt on my OEM-sized Hankooks.
[thumbup]

I know; I can't wait! I actually had a stock block/turbo Evo 9, e85 full bolt ons, and that was perfect on the street. It'll be interesting to see how this compares.

The 2.3 shouldn’t have S3’s to begin with really. I would at least step down to R2’s. And since you’re actually looking at a turbo rated for 650, and you’re probably going to run it in the low 5’s for track use, S2’s may net the flatter/wider torque curve. Especially since the 2.3 will only rev to 8k.

I used to road race with a 6262 on my 2.3. I run 255s and no additional are. It sucked. It was too laggy and too powerful to really enjoy the track time. I dialed it back to waste-gate pressure (420ish) and the power was more manageable, but the lag still sucked. I swapped to a 5858, picked up 800 rpms of powerband, added torque and enjoy track days a lot more.

I'll add that I recently had to go from an HTZ FP Green to my stock IX turbo (long story). While I feel the Green is better suited for track duty, I am having more fun with the stock turbo. Since my car also sees occasional weekend/show/meet duty, I appreciate the immediacy of the boost curve.
In short: The car is more fun to drive, overall. When you are passing Ferrari 458s and C7Zs around Laguna Seca.. that's fun stuff.
It's worth noting, however, that my goals and desires are different than most, so a LOT of people will argue that I'm crazy LOL. I don't drive around town at 8,000 RPM, don't drag race, and don't need 600whp to drive to Cars N Coffee. For all those reasons, I have no need for laggy turbos. I feel my car is very well balanced right now and it requires very little maintenance (and $$$).
It's also worth noting that I've gone the high-hp route before. I've been around the block and coming back "full circle", I guess. I like to think I'm being a bit more realistic, but I think I'm just getting older and have less patience to deal with down time, etc LOL.
The point of my babbling is that some people get blinded by HP numbers. It's addicting, I know. But there are advantages to keeping things simpler.

Either way you choose, you have a great platform to build from. Evos are really, really good all-around cars. It's hard to beat the performance/dollar.

The stock turbo goes a long way. Many things on the car can be improved before power including driver.

For Road Racing, my pick would be the GTX Gen II turbos by Garrett.

Agreed. I'll most likely go with the s2 or a 272. I'm thinking boost should be under 30 on e85 on the track. We'll see what my tuner thinks too.

How is it with the 5858? What boost do you have it at the track?

Agreed! I considered going to a stock or stock frame turbo, but I'm hoping this turbo will be more reliable at low boost vs stock at higher boost. Also, it came with the T3 kit already.

Those turbos looks awesome. I already have a set up for a direct swap into the precision turbo so I couldn't justify the switch. Plus, PTE was a bit cheaper and offers comparable performance and hopefully reliability.