MR Bilsteins + Swift Spec-R

I was driving one day and heard a weird clicking noise from the front left when going over bumps.  It turns out my KYB shocks were blown.  Since they cannot be re-valved, and equally hard to find replacements, I decided to upgrade to MR Bilsteins.  I picked up a cheap set on the forums, which the fronts were also blown.

After sending to Bilstein for re-valving, I paired the dampers with Swift spec-r springs.  This combination has been tried and proven by many, and is one of the better setups without resorting to coilovers.

42 Draft Designs Triple Gauge Pod

The Evo came with a Defi boost gauge, but it was mounted on the steering column, obstructing the view of the tachometer.  I decided to relocate it to the center console.  Since the car was already modified when I bought it, I wanted to monitor A/F and oil pressure.  I picked up the 42 Draft Designs Triple Gauge Pod, a clean alternative to the out of production Gruppe-S pod.  Also required was a radio relocation kit to move the radio to the lower storage tray.

I chose the AEM digital wideband over the Innovate since it does not require re-calibration.  With these two gauges already mismatching, I chose Prosport for the oil pressure gauge, since I had success with them on the STI.  This time, I chose the Evo series gauges, which have received great reviews and included a premium sensor.  

I picked up an oil sensor relocation kit to avoid damage due to vibrations from mounting directly on the filter housing.  FYI, the 8mm bolts are a pain to remove due to the thread locking glue used by Mitsubishi.  You must heat the bolts using a heat gun or torch, otherwise you will strip the bolt.  Thanks again to the wonderful folks at Moore's for helping me weld the wideband o2 bung into the downpipe.  Unfortunately, the oil sensor is not working, so I am working with Prosport to fix the issue.  

POR 15

This weekend was gorgeous.  I went to Duy's yesterday to work on the underbody.  This car came from up north and was exposed to snow/salt which caused rusting.  I focused mostly on the frame, scraping off loose dust with a wire brush and applied POR 15.  Do not get this stuff on your hands, it will not come off once dry.  Afterwards, we began helping Raph install lowering springs on his Altima.

Throwback Thursday

Today marks the one month anniversary since I picked up my Evo.  This all started as an unaffordable dream when I was still in college.  After I graduated, my girlfriend at the time simply didn't like it so the Evo idea was scrapped.  Once I started working, my parents said it was ugly, and the Evo idea was scrapped.  After a year, I wanted to save a few grand, leased a new 2008 VW GTI instead, and the Evo idea was scrapped.  A year after that, my GTI broke down, and I bought a used 350z because the salesman said an Evo was out of my price range; thus the Evo idea was scrapped.  Last year, I simply could not find a decent Evo 8/9.  Based on advice from my friends, the STI was "comparable" and the Evo idea was scrapped.

Good things come to those who wait.  It's taken almost 10 years for my dream to come true, but I did whatever it took to make it happen.

Winter Beater Wheels

Oh Craigslist, you have done it again!  I was originally planning to swap winter and summer tires each season, using one set of wheels.  However, the guy at Merchant's advised that tires can only be mounted so many times before the rubber weakens.  Don't know if that is true, but regardless, the tires would have to be re-balanced every time.  So I happened to come across a cheap set of Evo 8 Enkei's that are in rough appearance (sand blasted).  However, they are not bent, cracked, warped, and hold air.  I'll probably plasti-dip these wheels black since they will be beaters for the winter.  Funny how my Evo 9 is having more and more Evo 8 parts.

Summer Rubber

One of the mistakes I made when autocrossing my 350z and STI was running all season tires.  They simply don't have the grip of summer tires.  When I picked up the Evo, it came with Blizzak winter tires.  They are really good for snow. In the summer, they will wear out quickly, so I picked up a second set of Dunlop Direzza ZII.

Re-winged and Re-badged

The carbon fiber blade on the spoiler has been refinished with two part clear (w/ hardener).  It was wet sanded to remove orange peel, and polished with Meguiar's Ultimate Compound.  It will not be waxed for 3 months to allow the fresh paint to continue gassing.

Once I re-installed the spoiler, I also applied UK style emblems, painted of course.

I believe the Evo and STI look a lot better with the large rear spoiler.  They are functional, as Mitsubishi and Subaru have designed and tested the cars this way.  I understand if people remove the spoilers because the look does not fit their tastes.  What I don't understand is people who remove it to reduce cop attention, or lessen the chances of people wanting to race them.  If you drive like a prick, you are still going to get pulled over.  As for other drivers, if they know what an Evo/STI is, they are still going to mess with you if they really want to.  It takes a mature driver with thick skin to drive one of these.

+1 for Moore Automotive!

Used Evo's and STI's are usually beat to death, so it's a good idea to have a mechanic check it out before you purchase one.  However, many of these cars will be sold out of state, so a mechanic may not be able to go with you.

Today, I brought my car to get checked out at Moore Automotive (located in Fairfax, Virginia).  My friend Will Yeung recommended this shop, and the staff is very helpful and friendly.  I had them check and confirm that the front left strut is blown.  Aside from that, the car idles properly, runs properly given the mods installed, and no major issues were noted.  I did not dyno the car, but the staff estimated the butt dyno to be around 340-360 whp.  Not bad ;)

Used Evo 8 Spoiler from Craigslist

I just picked up an Evo 8 spoiler off Craigslist for really cheap, probably because the clear coat is peeling off the carbon fiber.  This is a known issue, so I am going to attempt to re-finish it.  The Evo 8 spoiler is also known to be stronger than the Evo 9 spoilers because the carbon blade is filled with foam, rather than being left hollow.  The other awesome thing is that it is Apex Silver, so I don't have to worry about painting it.

The Wait is Over!

After selling my STI and searching for a few weeks, I picked up my 2006 Lancer Evolution SSL (Sun, Sound, and Leather).  Like many others, I had to drive out of state to find the right car.  This one came with the following mods:

• STM oil cooler kit
• ETS 3.5" intercooler
• ETS upper intercooler piping with TIAL QR recirculating valve
• AMS lower intercooler piping
• Custom 3" intake piping w/ Vibrant cone filter
• AMS 3" cat-less turbo back exhaust
• Exedy Twin heavy duty clutch with 1000 miles
• 35% tint
• DBA slotted brake rotors
• Hawk HPS brake pads
• Defi boost gauge
• Ported intake manifold
• EGR delete

Now, I just need to get her state inspected and registered!