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!