Hey guys. I've been lurking your forum for a little while now, but have decided to finally join and ask some questions that have been on my mind.

I'm 20, and have been driving since I was 15 or so. However, all I've driven since then are absolute beater cars. Still, I'm a calm and well-coordinated driver (in my own opinion). I have come into ownership of a 2006 Evo IX MR. The situation is somewhat personal, but I'll put it to you like this, my father does not need it anymore, and is giving it to me for a very good deal. I can afford it right now, on my pay with the Marines.

I regret to say that I really don't know much about my car, other than what you can read online. I didn't buy it myself at the dealership, so I had no opportunity to ride with a dealer and have him tell me all about it. My relationship with my father is somewhat distant, so I've only really talked with him about the car a couple times. At this point feel like I don't deserve the car, but since my dad has already paid off much of the loan on the car and was generous enough to give me a deal on it, I felt like I needed to take advantage of the situation.

My question is: What should I know about my vehicle? I've driven it for about 5 months now and absolutely love it.. but it's an expert's car, and I'm not an expert! I humbly ask you for some advice on care and maintenance, on driving it effectively and taking advantage of its capabilities, what the strengths and weaknesses are (if any), the most common mods both internal and external, and anything else you can imagine an Evo driver should know. The last thing I want is to feel like a spoiled trust fund baby zooming around in a car I know nothing about. I'm working hard to own this car and I want the knowledge that should come with it.

Anyway, I apologize in advance for my heinous ignorance of all things Evo-related, and I hope to learn much while I'm here at these boards. Thanks.

 

the search button will be your friend...I wanted to say this..others will make the same comment but in a much more harsh tone....lol

Check the Newbie/Frequently asked section

to get the best bang for your buck mods are Manual Boost Controller, Drop In/Fuel Pum (Walbro 255), and flash/tune..then get a 3 inch TurboBack Exhaust.

 

like already said, drop in filter, mbc, turbo back exhaust and a tune are good for a nice bit of extra power. Definetly read a lot of stuff on this site, there's an endless amount of info to learn about your car

 

MBC, TBE unless your a tree hugger, then get a catback, and tune it. tuning is very important.

 

Be careful modding your car, alot of warranties have been voided. Find a mod friendly dealership before you do anything to your car.
Good luck and enjoy your car.

 

If you play, you WILL pay..............

 

How much will most of this stuff run me w/installation? I'm not looking to do all this immediately really, but over the next few years.

Thanks for all the replies though, I've been reading nearly every thread that catches my eye. You guys are a terrific source of very valuable info!

 

installs vary from area to are and place to place...

 

Dont listen to anything about mods

You are the FIRST person I have read from on here that admits the Evo is above your capabilities. My suggestion, put money towards track time, autocrosses, and driving schools. A stock car in the hands of an experienced driver is a better situation than a modded car with an average driver. Improve yor car control, perfect it with the stock setup, then approach the modification route.

Good luck, and welcome

 

Thank you! I've actually been interested, somewhere in the back of my mind, about taking the car to some kind of school or getting some professional instruction. What kind of place should I be looking for?

 

There are alot of tracks out in California, look to some local car clubs to see if they offer track time. SCCA offers autocross schedules on their site, as well as each regional website. There are also many California Evo owners who Im sure would be willing to help you out. Good luck and Im sure youll love your Evo even more after tracking and/or autocrossing it.

 

Find a HPDE event and get some instruction. Be careful on the street.

 

When he drove off the dealer lot...is warranty was voided...it is Mitsu..lol


Tristar is right...learn how to handle what you already have by attending some schools. But if you must have more POWAH then the ones I suggested should calm the appetite for a little bit.

The mods that I listed vary from $500-$1500 depending if you know how to install yourself and if you're getting the TBE as well as the other mods.

Dont get caught up in the Dyno numbers game....each dyno is different as well as each evo. Track times (1/4 mile, road course, etc) is the best way to gauge how well you car is performing.

Please keep up with maintenance...check for boost leaks, compression checks, oil change, etc. the more you are familiar with these and up to date the longer and better your car will run.