Mitsubishi EVO VIII/IX Guru's

[StarscreamS13]

A friend of mine from work recently recieved a large sum of money (car accident lawsuit, etc, etc) and like myself, has always had a love for the EVO. Just looking for what you would suggest for him for a used EVO 8 or 9. Would be a daily driver, but is looking to get into autocross and stay in the stock class, also would be getting him to some lapping days, etc.

Being that it would stay pretty much stock, which would you suggest, EVO VIII or EVO IX?

This is what I know and told him:

2003-04 VIII 271hp/273tq
2005 VIII 276hp/286tq, ACD added, helical front LSD diff added
2006-2007 IX 286hp/289tq, MIVEC variable valve timing added

Curb Weight ~3250-3300lbs depending on model and options

RS - 60-70lbs lighter than standard EVO, adds helical front LSD diff (2004), doesn't have ABS, no wing, aluminum roof, power options removed (unless otherwise order)
MR - Aluminum roof, BBS rims, 6spd, Bilstein tuned shocks, HIDs, Vortex generator


Various Pros/Cons that I can think of;

RS - wouldn't have the nice power options, but fastest in a straight line

MR - best track-suited based on suspension tweaks, lightweight BBS wheels, and close-ratio 6spd, but cost more, from what I've heard the slowest in a straight line (extra shifting, etc) and based on stock class rules, shocks and wheels can be upgraded on lesser models to bring to par or better

ACD - nice options for varying conditions, but more things to go wrong and makes clutch install harder/cost more, etc

Any other performance differences that would be worth sharing that I missed? Any things that would make you stay away from a certain year over another? Color/paint defects, weak trannys/clutchs, etc

Just curious w/ all the variables, which would you suggest for the best stock class autocross toy and daily driver.

Thanks,

Jay

[Hille]

EVO IX is a better car. If you have the money then that would be the one to buy hands down. Plus they are newer.

The MR's trans. is kind of weak if you are going to heavily modify it, but if you leave it stock it should be OK. The MR will ride nicer and that will make it a better daily driver.

[StarscreamS13]

It would be left mostly stock, probably staying within mods of the SCCA stock class rulings.

So you're overall suggestion is the EVO IX MR, because of the overall refinement of the MR, plus the MIVEC higher hp engine, etc?

Thanks for the imput, please if anyone has anything to add, please do.

Later,

Jay

[Dizmm]

the evo of my choice would also be the evo IX.

[Hille]

The EVO keeps evolving so the newer the better. Small differences/improvements make the IX a better car.

[ehutch91]

Evo IX MR

[Washburn]

Too bad about the timing. Chris Deutsch just sold his '06 MR. This was fully prepped and sorted for STU class, but the buyer put it back to stock. FWIW, they are *way* more fun in STU trim. They're kinda frustrating in Stock form. I wish him luck, and wish I was in his position!

(Oh yea...I would recommend an MR too. Recardo's!!)