evolution, I have evolved Options

[akamiami]

Well folks, in addition to being the proud owner of a mighty 92 GSX, a troubled 95 TSi, a beater 90 Laser FWD turbo, and currently working on a 99 GST 6 bolt swap, I have purchased a new LanEvo.

Sorry guys, I'm keeping the GSX forever, but the Evo was just too tempting to stay away from for long. I feel guilty for owning a car this sweet, as I should.

[wortdog]

I'm jealous

Edit: Color? Details?

[akamiami]

tarmac black, pretty much no options other than the spoiler and sunroof.

Both the spoiler and sunroof I could do without, but I got a decent deal on the car (500 above invoice), and there were no other available ebony versions in the state.

[natedogg]

You f**k'n copycat.

[natedogg]

When you picking it up?

I might as well let the cat out of the bag...

I'll be getting mine sometime next week. I worked a deal with Zach from CII. I'll be getting his EVO for my bimmer and $19,000. Not a bad deal for an EVO that's putting down 260 hp on an awd dyno.

I think Zach might be trying to surprise some people on CII with his new bimmer, so do me a favor and keep this info on this forum guys.

[akamiami]

You're f&*king kidding me!!!! THAT'S AWESOME!

I had no idea you were the buyer for his car. Congrats man!!!

edit:
I picked mine up at about 1pm this afternoon. So far I've driven it to work from lunch, thats a total of 2 miles because the odometer reads '12'

[AWD DSM 1]

You all suck...

That would have made a perfect car for what I want, just to damn expensive.

Congrats guys! I'm major jealous!!

[JBone]

I think the only options that the evo comes with is the spoiler and sunroof. Congratulations and F*&$@ both of you! I wanna ride.

[natedogg]

You're f&*king kidding me!!!! THAT'S AWESOME!

I had no idea you were the buyer for his car. Congrats man!!!

edit:
I picked mine up at about 1pm this afternoon. So far I've driven it to work from lunch, thats a total of 2 miles because the odometer reads '12'

Haha! You too, buddy. Where did you get yours from?

[akamiami]

Congratulations and F*&$@ both of you!

That sums things up perfectly, thanks.

I got mine from Obrien Mitsu in Bloomington.

[KOU In3]

Congrats guys and by the way I officially hate all you p-town high rollers.

And Rob- ever think about maybe going Galant VR4 as the cheap EVO alternative?

[AWD DSM 1]

And Rob- ever think about maybe going Galant VR4 as the cheap EVO alternative?

Yea, but I have to get enough out of the POS to pay for one. With only 3000 out there, they are becoming kinda hard to find.

[SCCA Stang]

i am jealous of both of you also, i sooooooo baddly want an evo, but cant swing the dough!!!!!


you have gotta give me a ride!!!!!!!!!!

[Turbo Tension]

This is badass! When you guys autocross now, you really will be able to tell who is the better driver;)!

[natedogg]

Can't say that really matters to me

[NOMIEZVR4]

lucky guys...

[akamiami]

well......just thought I'd ad a little update here to the saga of the evo and it's humble beginnings.

Last week I installed a set of Tein S-tech springs on the car and it's stance is definately improved. A 2" drop is exactly what this car needed and the ride hasn't suffered a bit.

However, I couldn't stand that I keep modifying the car in ways that are ostensibly appealing, but not performance oriented. So, this week, I went off and followed SCC's recommendation and installed a larger, and adjustable, rear sway bar.

Pics are in the gallery, and there would be more, but I seem to have reached my limits with the before and after pictures of the springs.

These weren't the only modifications though. In the process of removing the old sway bar, I had to remove the axleback portion of the exhaust, which pretty much just included the muffler. FYI, buschur sells a peice that replaces this section with a straight pipe or muffler, and charges around 165 if I'm not mistaken. I was in turmoil. The performance side of me couldn't reinstall the exhaust back on knowing it was a bottleneck. However, the dsm'er in me wouldn't pay for a store bought part. So the cheap pooper diy side took over, ran to autozone and bought a 2.5" tailpipe extension, welded it onto the cutoff flange of the stock muffler, and I was set to go.

[eclipgst]

I CANT BELIVE IT, YOU ARE GOING TO GETTO THE EVO!! THAT SOUNDS JUST LIKE YOU. R U COMING IN TOWN SAT?

[xian 1g]

actually i wouldn't consider it ghetto in light of marcus's hot rod thread... i respect kris's diy and admire it as a quality i wish i had more of.

but then again, i am dirty dirty white trash, and admire anyone who doesn't have to spell foneotikally like me.



caps check

[Kazz5]

You bastard - I have to see it and hear it in person now!

[awd4kicks]

This black EVO looks truely Bad A$$ with evil intent! Seen it over the weekend...

[akamiami]

wow, the sad part is that I seem to only be updating this thread about once a year, but I suppose the good part is that this update is a big one.

Leaving off from the last update, I had an all blacked-out evo (headlights, tailights, removed badges, and modified front bumper cover) with a 1g bov and simple suspension upgrades consisting of tien s tech springs and a hotchkiss adjustable sway bar. A cheap diy muffler delete was thrown on as an afterthought. The car was hitting a weak 10-12 psi and I really didn't care that it was quite possibly the slowest evo; ever.

Commenting on those past parts....

The tein s springs were junk. I was under the impression that good companies always made good parts so if a company with a reputation like tein put springs out on the market, even at a ridiculously inexpensive price, it was a bargain, not a pipe dream. I was wrong. The springs sagged, creaked and rode like hell within 2 weeks. I replaced them with a set of springs from hotchkiss in February and I've been pleased with the change.

The hotchkiss sway bar was nice, but it does rub on the cross member which is annoying. This may be from installation error, I need to investigate. The car seems a lot flatter, but honestly, I could use more of that. I'm thinking about replacing the rear trailing arm bushings as well as the front lca bushings for added response.

The exhaust sucked. It was unnecessarily loud and looked like hell compared to the stock tip. I soon replaced it with a full aps 3" exhaust which I mostly enjoy because it's not terribly loud and it appears very stock.

New mods.

Over the past few months I made small additions to the car consisting of the following:

Defi BF boost, oil pressure, and EGT gauges
BM short shifter set at 45% (very short throw with this)
manual boost controller set to 1.3 bar
backed out maf screw (thanks to Natedogg for the reminder)
tein front pillow ball upper mounts
HKS 264/272 (never installed)


Over the course of the past several months living in the West suburbs, the car was broken into twice with varying degrees of damage. But then misfortune struck again as I was rear ended at a low speed in a toll plaza. The little evo was sandwiched between two smaller SUV's (an Xterra and a VUE) which resulted in 5K worth of damage to my bumper fascias, trunk lid, hood, and intercooler. It really wasn't that bad, but evo parts are not cheap. This car seems to be a magnet for insurance disaster....

And now I've reached the primary impetus of this update. The new new new mods and those to come in the near future.

A local friend was selling his evo and needed to return the car to stock. I got involved because, as most know, the wrenches are always for hire and the bargained for deal was I would get a free koyo radiator in exchange for my efforts and my stock core in exchange. Alas, the modification mayhem struck and I saw an opportunity to score some parts at a bargain. I offered a lump sum for the parts I was removing, and he accepted. Here's the booty.

hallman boost controller
272 cams
koyo radiator
greddy cw shift knob - works really nicely with my b&m short shifter
turbo timer
SAFC II
cusco catch can
defi d series - boost gauge
walbro fuel pump
arp head studs
buschur fmic
upper/lower intercooler pipes
tial bov (black anodized top is beautiful!)
buschur intake and filter assembly
weapon r engine damper

There may be more parts, but I'm still midway through the back-to-stock process. I'm faily excited to finish up and get to installing most of the parts on my own car.

The only other thing to note, is that after the recent collision, I purchased a replacement CF trunk lid that doesn't have the holes for the stock wing or a provision for the trunk lock cylinder. It's quite fetching, I assure you. My evo's ass has never looked more appealing. Take a number for your chance to stick it in the tailpipe next time it hits the mean streets of Peoria.

[SCCA Stang]

as far as the added parts on your EVO... good catch!!!

also, you say you have an aftermarket FMIC.... could it be possable that I could snag onto your stocker???
PM me and we will work out something

and for the unfortunant break-in's and the most recent collision...
Thank god for high priced stock parts... it allows for you to use the money to buy aftermarket ones that are often the same or lower in price that their less desireable stock counterparts.

Good to see that the EVO is coming right along!!!

Ben

[akamiami]

pm sent.

[Kazz5]

Get the hell away from that urban minefield man - I'll be parking up there overnight somewhere inside and I'm scared shitless...

Anyway, yes, nice catch! I have a million questions!

Tell me what you got from the pillow-ball mounts and what you expect the engine dampener to do for you. I don't like the driveline lash and think some shifting problems result from it. I believe some are purporting that the dampener helps that - but it seems to me the tranny's still going to be a bit mobile. Got some insights?

Anyway, go for it, let me know about the cam gear, head stud, and bumpsticks install - I'm gonna wanna hear ALL about it!

Oh, yeah, and get your ass back down here again, eh?

Kazz

[akamiami]

I'm actually holding off on the cam install until I get gears, retainers, and springs as it's really a package combination I think that makes the each part work better. I did put the studs in though, that was simple and easy.

The pillow ball upper mounts in the front seemed to increase turn in slightly. I got them because I wanted the camber adjustment mostly.

I've read a lot on the engine dampers, but haven't had a chance to get the part on my car as the one I bought suffered from a fractured mount and the owner never contacted weapon r to get the revised version they were offering. I'm still waiting for a reply from their rep myself. I'm waiting to pass judgement on the part until I see for myself.

[Kazz5]

That all makes good sense - and yes, if you're going to be in there get everything done now - folks are even upgrading the belt.

Keep us posted!

[natedogg]

Were you planning on degreeing your cams to get the most out of those gears? If so, I'd like to help. It's something I've never done before and I'd like to learn.

[akamiami]

I won't be going so far as degreeing the cams. I would however experiment with the timing of the cams. Most seem to like -4/-1.5. It seems that HKS has tight enough quality control to ensure that their cams are accurate enough from the box. This is backed up by the fact that most guys are seeing the best gains at nearly the same settings with adjustable gears. The only question I would have is why HKS didn't change their cams to effectively negate the need for gears if the accepted settings are so widely agreed upon.

The main thing I'm considering at this point is whether to go with a full blown ems that will allow a speed-density conversion or to simply stick with the maf, and most likely get a dynoflash in combination with SAFC. I'd rather go ems, but the driveability is a concern as well as the feeling that I wouldn't be taking full advantage of it's capabilities on such a mildly modified vehicle. On the other hand, the flash/safc would be more plug-and-play, offer less temptation to continue adding unnecessary modification, but might end up being a wasted effort in the end, should I choose to get bigger injectors, etc..

So what do you guys think? SAFC/FLASH or EMS?

[natedogg]

The only question I would have is why HKS didn't change their cams to effectively negate the need for gears if the accepted settings are so widely agreed upon.

Probably because they are enjoying selling their adjustable cam gears to every Evo owner who wants the most out of their HKS cams. Damn sneaky!

Not having big plans at this point for the Evo myself, the SAFC/Flash combo is more appealing. Course I could see myself having big plans for the Evo in the distant future, in which case it would make sense to go with an EMS. I suppose you could always sell your SAFC/Flash combo if you ever decide to switch up to an EMS down the ro-ad.

[Kazz5]

I've asked a similar question, Kris. I know there's more to be gained out of a good tune beyond the off-the-shelf Works P2. I'm yet to be convinced that the SAFC would bring anything valuable to the table - and there's the logging issue, as in needing a system to log with.

Fuel pump and injectors come soon for me I think if I want to do much more power mods. So that's a reflash (free) or the perhaps inevitable move up to EMS. I keep reminding myself of 2 things. One is that the EMS done right is wildly expensive and the second is that I got the flash because I could always have it reflashed for any mod or generic update the company brought to the table. For instance, the 5K+ launch control they currently have built into optional flashes for our '03s.

Keep us posted!

[akamiami]

the flash wouldn't be sell-able. the ecu is programmed to the keys so to swap ecu's you 'd need to swap lock cylinders as well.

You get free reflashes with the works brain flash, Kazz?

[Kazz5]

I know about the ECU and key being electronically mated.

Yes, the Works flashes are reflashed for free. Check with the other flash companies, I think others do as well. One of the reasons I went Works is that they're tune is considered "safer" ... since it's my DD I need it up and running so tuning it to the fine edge is out of the question - for now.

[akamiami]

that's awesome if the works flashes are free. So if you add cams or injectors you can just pay the shipping and get it upgraded at no cost eh??? Not bad, but for 500 they better be giving you something extra I suppose.

The fat man is charging 200 for his mail-in with a hundred-a-pop for upgrades. I've got at least one guy trying to get me to go that route, but I'm a little hesitant considering all the screwing around I did on analubé before I went to a full system.

ah, maybe I want to be a ricer with a loud bov so that's why I want the ems. Either way, the best price I've found is like 1520 shipped for the ems and a aem 3.5 bar sensor. You guys priced anything out cheaper?

In the meantime, I've got the safc on there and I'll be playing around. Sad, but my biggest concern at the moment is tuning the STFT and LTFT. so much for HP and TQ... I should have bought a hybrid....

[Kazz5]

Did I miss something? Did you get your boost issue resolved?

The pricing I did a while back made my eyes hurt so I've not looked into it again ... there is whatever Vishnu pushes (XEDE?) that now has some "smart" automatic tuning of some sort. That rig's about double the aem I think ...

[akamiami]

I just threw a boost controller on the car and it seemed to wake right up. Never did figure out what the problem was but I know it wasn't the turbo, wasn't the wastegate, nor the boost solenoid, nor the ecu, nor the vacuum lines. So it must have been evil magik.

[akamiami]

In sharp contrast to all this talk of tuning and engine to-do's. I've also been working on the ICE for the evo. Here are some pics of a 25% finished mount for the in-dash I'm already quite proud of.







I had to trim the mount, fiberglass it into the HVAC/radio panel, fiberglass it on the top and now I'm on my third layer of bondo to smooth it out. hmm, bondo...

[akamiami]

Here's a pic of the stock HVAC trim piece so you know what I started with. It also shows what I did not want to end up with. Some tv that definately looks like it doesn't belong. Flimsy...



And here's the monitor I started out with....The mount was much too large to fit the stock panel.



Wait, that tv doesn't match,....they must have changed the design in the last month or so. It'd be nice not to have to deal with the damn buttons.

[natedogg]

Kris's inner ricer finally has release.

[Kazz5]

ICE?

[awd4kicks]

Looks good Kris. Getting back into your Car audio pleasures I see.

Where are you going to move the HVAC controls to?

[Mike]

Its a good start, I made one for my car but had to sell my screen and other parts due to bills! damn bills! I assume you have been reading mp3car.com to get a lot of good suggestions. What are you going to use for a front end?

There are a lot of options for moving/removing the buttons! what model do you have?

[akamiami]

Okay, I'm done with the indash for right now. It's not perfect, but I missed having a screen and I'll touch it up when I have more time. Keep in mind that the lower trim peice should be in the dealership tomorrow to cover the head unit and the major damage to the dash was done by theives and I refuse to replace it because of the cost. Here's the pics though....





And, I put on the FMIC and intercooler piping, but my POS camera lost all the pics I took of the installation....

...but, I do have pics of the ignition I just finished putting on the car a few minutes ago. Yes, DSM parts do make Evo's go faster. Sure, it looks ugly as hell with the wiring but I just wanted to make sure it would work before I cleaned it all up. It's not half-assed if I claim the job isn't complete yet.




In response to the earlier questions, ICE = in car electronics, or at least that's what I think since I've never had the acronym explained to me.

No, Mike, I haven't been on that website. I just peiced the whole system together off the top of my head pretty much and I'm hoping those in the know (such as yourself) won't be laughing their asses off at the mismatched set of components. It's been a while since I had a 'system' in a car and I'm admittedly out of touch. But, it sounds decent to me and I'm my most important critic. I'm thinking about fiberglassing an enclosure in the trunk well, but I don't know if I want to pay for a new amp and sub since the one I have is dedicated to the enclosure.

I've got a few more choice parts in the mail. The car seems to be shaping up pretty well, though admittedly, much faster than I anticipated.

[natedogg]

I think it looks great! Good job!

Now you can watch 2fast2furious all da time, stunnah!!

[Kazz5]

That's not a stock ignition setup - whatcha been up to haxxor??? =)

[wortdog]

That's not a stock ignition setup - whatcha been up to haxxor??? =)

Those would appear to be a pair of stock 1G DSM coils.

[The Iron Goat]

Nice looking. I always admire folks that choose to custom fab parts. Be it stereo cosmetics or a steering knuckle, I love fabrication the way Dan loves my cats. Good luck with the rest of it!

[eclipgst]

Man i thought u were a fag before but this just takes the cake! Next thing you know youll have a body kit and neons! No just f-ckin with ya that looks a hell of alot better than it used to. Maybe you can take you fine fiberglass skills and do my rear end i mean my rear bumper.(or do i) Dont for get to bring me that throttle body and data logger when you cum down on sunday. Now lets see some pics of that sweet ass carbon fiber trunk and the new intercooler you got.

[Mike]

That is a pretty nice setup you got there kris! where do you have the comp? that is the beauty about ICE. which I always heard it was In Car Entertainment. I dunno maybe I have been wrong as It has never really been explained to me either. I love electronics though so I dont really give a shit what ICE really means. It just sounds cool when I tell people I have ICE!

[akamiami]

I don't have a computer dedicated to the car, I use the dvd player function of the head unit. A computer in the car would be really nice, but a bit extravagant for my needs.

[Mike]

ohh I guess I just assumed that. Opps! I like that custom dash. that shit is pretty fun to make too. Rewarding.

[akamiami]

well, now that the car is pushing down a little more than 200 hp (sad, but that's actually what it dyno'd at with a measely 12psi) I managed to tear up my clutch with some nice, abusive driving. I guess a 7K clutch dump is a little too much for the stocker. I even followed it up with a nice long slip for good measure, but that only exascerbated the problem it seems.

So I was left with a beaten up clutch and tough decision. Should I go cheap (if 800+ can be considered cheap) and pick up an ACT clutch with Fidanza flywheel? Or bend over and take it in the tailpipe with a fancy Exedy twin disc cerametallic? And even that was oversimplifying the choices. Maybe an Exedy Hyper single disc would suit my needs at a mere 1200, or should I go for the proverbial gold with a carbon-carbon unit?

Either way I looked at things, I was going to be shelling out some serious loot, so I went balls out and selected Tilton as the clutch of choice. If any of you are familiar with Quartermaster clutches, the Tilton are on the same level though more readily available from vendors. The key here was that I wouldn't suffer from the dreaded shift-lockout many ACT evo customers complain of, and would no longer have to deal with a pull type clutch as the Tilton and Quartermaster both convert to an integrated hydraulic release bearing. Another selling point is that the Exedy twin disk assembly weighs in at roughly 30 lbs while the entire tilton unit tips the scales at a comparatively feather-light 19 lbs. Pedal pressure is supposedly very light, and the clutch holds 600 ft/lbs.

I haven't yet received the clutch as it's not in stock anywhere, but it should arrive in the next week or so and I'll be sure to post impressions once installed. For now, heres a pic.





One other change is I also had to put on new brakes as the stock rotors got a little warped from some high speed braking. Powerslots, Hawk HPS pads, SS lines, and ATE super-blue fluid really improves the braking feel in the car.

ps. sorry for the freakishly huge pic.....I hate that shit too.

[natedogg]

Nice! How much is the clutch setting you back, if you don't mind my asking?

I've been looking into some powerslots as well. I've resurfaced my rotors once and they feel like they're starting to warp again. I guess its the price to pay when using high performance pads.

[Kazz5]

I've been lucky with rotors I guess although they've been turned once, I couldn't feel any real problem. I understand slotteds are lasting better than x-drilled (cracking). I'd like to do steel lines and new fluid soon.

However, Kris, WTF do you mean it solves the shift lockout problem? To-date I've not seen that analyzed and a true root cause defined. Ditto on wanting to know the price if you've gotten it ...

Thanks!

[akamiami]

Okay, I don't think there's actually a 'shift lockout' issue with the ACT's. I think it's a good product, hell, I've got one on my gsx and I like it. But, for one reason or another, everyone I've talked to on the Evo's has said that it's just not as good as an exedy in terms of life, feel, and especially ease of quick shifting. I think a dual disk setup is a huge advantage. I think everyone with an exedy (or any dual disc setup like RPS, etc.) just has such quick shifts that it makes the ACT seem like theres something wrong with it.

The way I broke it down was this, I wasn't going to get the act/fidanza combo at ~800, so the next step was the Exedy at 1300. At that point it seemed like a worthwhile price comparison to step up and just do it 'right' the first time with no looking back so I'm shelling out 1625 for the Tilton. The next best option would be a true carbon carbon or triple disk for 2500+. This clutch should be easy for a DD and still be able to lay down low 10's with ease should the need ever arise. I'm very eager to get it on the car and feel the difference for myself.

[kapoosh]

did you get a bad evo, or do they all only lay down 200whp?

[natedogg]

Miami's Evo had an issue from the factory where it would only make 12 psi of boost. Its been fixed since with an mbc. Should be making well over 200 whp now.

[akamiami]

more new parts with a writeup.

http://www.geocities.com/krisj144/evo_manifold.htm

I really wish the clutch would come in so I could get it to the track and take the money for the race to 11's.....

[Kazz5]

Nice parts, nice writeups - impressons?

[akamiami]

Nice parts, nice writeups - impressons?

car feels noticeably quicker down low and up top without much lag increase at all. So far I'm liking the parts.

[akamiami]

Aw shizzle. 275's on an evo????
pic1
pic2
Probably going to be picking these suckers up tomorrow. Titanium Bronze 5Zigen FN01R-C's in 17X9 with Azenis rt-615 tires 275/40/R17's. Perfect for the snow

I'd have posted the pics here, but I can not figure out how to resize images with phpBB. Would anyone care to englighten me?

[akamiami]

I've never felt a car turn so hard as this one. Honestly, gentlemen, it's remarkable how much an extra 40mm of section width changes the characteristics of the car. Sure, Azenis are stickier than Kumho's too, but this is almost enough to make me want to believe in jesus. it's simply soooo good in the turns.

I also tallied the total amount of money spent on parts for various modifications for the car over the course of the past year and was shocked to discover I managed to brake into the 4th digit and that's not counting the ones right of the decimal.

I've also got a list of planned mods for '06.

Here goes:
upper rear pillow ball mounts ----------------150
engine ground system------------------------- 50
new tires -----------------------------------------600
finish monitor mounting/placement----------- 50
install clutch (tilton already purchased)-------50
front lsd?----------------------------------------1500
install poly bushings (bought already)-------100
__________________________________________
06 total----------------------------------------- 2450

[Kazz5]

What's the wheel offsets? 275's won't fit on the OEM wheel will they???

Front LSD? Who's/which one? I'd assume that helps the "stick" you feel!

[akamiami]

255's are the biggest to fit the stock wheels so I hear.

I'm not sure on the offset on my wheels, I'll have to investigate but off the top of my head, I think it's +12.

Quaife makes the LSD and the only way to get it is through RRE as they monopolized it...

[Kazz5]

Quaife makes good product ... !

[akamiami]

255's are the biggest to fit the stock wheels so I hear.

well, I've got the stock evo wheels with 255's on my gsx right now and I'm pretty sure I could have fit bigger tires on the wheels. Not the car, as the gsx is about maxed out at 255, but the wheels, probably yes.

This evo is so fun to drive with the current suspension setup (falken azenis on hotchkis springs and a stiff rear swaybar). I should preface the next two paragraphs by stating that I don't drive aggresively on the street, as a rule.

I love coming up to a long line of cars at a stoplight where my lane is empty and blowing past them only to thresh-hold brake (practicing with my left foot) and come to a gentle normal stop in about 1/4 the distance most other cars could achieve.

Also, tonight, I took, the outside lane on a green light right hand turn at speed and passed a half dozen cars mid-turn that were lazily taking the inside lane. Sure, I was only going like 45 and within the confines of the speed limit, but when everybody else has to slow to 20 for the turn it makes it feel like you're going at the speed of light.

[Kazz5]

Damn but I need my new rubbers... think I can fit 255/40x17s on my 17x9s with the 1.3" drop?

Heh...

[akamiami]

It's been a while since my last update, and considering that I just tracked the car, it's probably well time for a current status post.

I went without the car through the months of about April-June while it was with a buddy getting some major cosmetic work from a being abused over the past year. Now, you wouldn't even be able to tell that the car was rear ended into another vehicle, spun out into a concrete barrier on the highway, and had the rear fenders rolled for the wider tires. It's looking good with fresh paint on a majority of the car.

...and it's running good as well. I made a tough call recently and decided that the AEM EMS just doesn't fit with my needs. I removed the EMS, UEGO wideband, and converted the car back to a MAF system from the speed-density. Now I have a Dynoflashed ECU controlling the show. I had my reservations about performing this 'downgrade', but I suspected that even with a 'through the mail flash' that wasn't car specific, I'd benefit from increased reliability, margin of safety, and most importantly, convenience, than using an incremental EMS tune, that I was continually tweaking and changing in attempts to perfect. Once I got the stock ECU back in the car and took a quick drive, I was sure I made the right decision. The car is quite a bit faster than the ultra-conservative tune I had on with the EMS and I can truly forget about the tuning and just focus on enjoying the car now. It's a nice feeling.

Suspension wise, I pulled both rear trailing arms off the car and replaced the bushings with polyurethane inserts from the Energy Suspension master kit. These are supposed to aid in weight transfer and take the stress from the driveline, particularly the rear end. They also help in severe cornering situations by reducing the toe change that causes instability and reduced grip. This is all a matter of degree of course, on a car that handles as exceptionally as an evo to begin with.

[Turbo Tension]

It's been a while since my last update, and considering that I just tracked the car, it's probably well time for a current status post.

I went without the car through the months of about April-June while it was with a buddy getting some major cosmetic work from a being abused over the past year. Now, you wouldn't even be able to tell that the car was rear ended into another vehicle, spun out into a concrete barrier on the highway, and had the rear fenders rolled for the wider tires. It's looking good with fresh paint on a majority of the car.

...and it's running good as well. I made a tough call recently and decided that the AEM EMS just doesn't fit with my needs. I removed the EMS, UEGO wideband, and converted the car back to a MAF system from the speed-density. Now I have a Dynoflashed ECU controlling the show. I had my reservations about performing this 'downgrade', but I suspected that even with a 'through the mail flash' that wasn't car specific, I'd benefit from increased reliability, margin of safety, and most importantly, convenience, than using an incremental EMS tune, that I was continually tweaking and changing in attempts to perfect. Once I got the stock ECU back in the car and took a quick drive, I was sure I made the right decision. The car is quite a bit faster than the ultra-conservative tune I had on with the EMS and I can truly forget about the tuning and just focus on enjoying the car now. It's a nice feeling.

Suspension wise, I pulled both rear trailing arms off the car and replaced the bushings with polyurethane inserts from the Energy Suspension master kit. These are supposed to aid in weight transfer and take the stress from the driveline, particularly the rear end. They also help in severe cornering situations by reducing the toe change that causes instability and reduced grip. This is all a matter of degree of course, on a car that handles as exceptionally as an evo to begin with.

exactly why I ph34r the EMS!

[Kazz5]

OK, now that you've got a base you like, how're you going to fine tune the edges?

I'm certain mine runs pig-rich and the highway gas mileage is atrocious, not to mention the crap idle. I can live with it, don't get me wrong. But I'm interested in what really needs to be done to help it out a bit. I mean, a wideband and an SAFC-2 should be able to to some good. Gotta consider a return on the investment. But have you started thinking about that?

I'm putting a vvti controller in my Toyota commuter to get the quick gains from just the tune plus the opening up of the exhaust I'm doing. And the management side's a pretty cheap investment.

It'll be nice to get more performance, of course, but I also expect better fuel economy than if it were untuned when I'm not laying into it and its high-rpm cam profile change. But it's sticking a toe into the tuning world which I'm ignorant of.

Starting on the Evo afterwards should be a small leg-up I hope. It'll be about equipment choice.

And, again, get down here. We've gotta see the ride and shoot the bull - soon!

[akamiami]

I seriously doubt I'll be putting an SAFC and a wideband on this anytime soon. My gas mileage isn't bad at all and the thing pulls hard enough to give the gsx a run for it's money back in the day, so I won't be needing for a kick in the pants feel anytime soon.

I'm going to post a writeup about my evo bushing install soon, it's a good, cheap, easy mod, given the right set of tools.

As it looks now, the next time I see you fellows will be the SCC drag day, so make sure you're there!

[Kazz5]

Yeah, missing Slo Pny day really, really sucked.

There's a deal on new Agency Power rear suspension links on EvoM going on...

[akamiami]

Suspension Bushing Install VFAQ. Here

[Kazz5]

Nice write-up! Forcing things in again, aren't ya?

[99Spyder]

Very nice write-up. And to think that I used a jigsaw to remove my motor mount bushings

[akamiami]

I found out two days ago that I'm going to be spending all of 2007 in the UK and who the F knows what happens after that.

The Evo is for sale. Keep all inquiries or other personal messages to my email at krisj144@hotmail.com.

Feel free to comment in this thread on my asking price for the car and the mod list and whatever else you want. I'm not sensitive at all about the car, so feel free to tell me stuff like I'm asking too much or whatever, I'm looking for honest input.

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.ph...989#post3633989

[awd4kicks]

FTW: akamiami's evo is 4sale

Hahaha... Are you referring to yourself in the third person, or is akamiami actually a separate person...ality?

[turbohcar]

Sorry to see you and it go. Hope you have a good time!

[AWD DSM 1]

Hahaha... Are you referring to yourself in the third person, or is akamiami actually a separate person...ality?

Sounds a bit too much like Windell for my tastes....

[Kazz5]

I hope you don't mind if I hope it's still here when you get back!

[akamiami]

Doesn't seem like there's too much interest so I think it'll be around for a bit.

If I knew for certain I was only going to be in the UK for '07 I wouldn't consider selling. I may be that I'm away for longer than that, since if the opportunity comes along to go elsewhere I'd jump on it. I'm just worried that by the time I'm able to really appreciate the car again, it will have been sitting for a very long time.

On an off topic note, I'm going to be celebrating Guy Fawkes Day over here tonight. Apparently, everybody gets together and lights off fireworks and has bonfires to celebrate the event. Last year was the quad-centennial.