Ok, so now I’ve had the EVO for a little over a month and think I’ll post up some opinions and comparisons just for information and conversations sake. I had the awesome opportunity to autocross it at Devens Mass. last week with Chris Travis “Rodney” as my co driver/instructor. I learned a lot about the cars stock dynamics and that I still suck majorly in comparison to Chris. Pardon while I completely nitpick;

The 2006 EVO 9 MR

Likes:

The Power on boost anywhere from 3k to about 6,700k rpm is extremely addictive

The brake pedal feel, now I just wish the car actually stopped better

The steering feel is VG; I especially like how you can feel the road IE painted stripes and surface changes

The grip on the street in dry and wet is amazing

It’s a friggen 4 door and the trunk is pretty good at swallowing a crapload of stuff

The seats, for stock seats these Recaros hold and hug just the way I like em

The Momo steering wheel finish and feel

The actual exterior look of the entire front end is so pleasingly aggressive

The HID’s, just awesome lighting, I’m spoiled with them and I barely ever need to use the driving lights or brights anymore

The pedal placement is ideal for continuous heel toe

The relatively broad power band

The gas mileage as compared to the Yukon I was DDing, I get between 22 to 26 MPG for daily mixed use and that includes frequent boosting fun

Getting a deal below MSRP, list and as close to invoice was almost not a challenge, in comparison when I bought the R No one would sell it for less than MSRP which is what I paid in 2001.

Dislikes:

The lack of power before boost from 0 to about 2,500 rpm it feels less powerful than my R with just the ATS final off the line before boost

The steering took a bit of getting used to, it borders on twitchy until I got used to it

No fold down rear seat! If it had one, this thing could swallow even more and it’d rival a wagon.

The suspension is comfortable, more so than the R on the street, less creaks and groans but over high speed stutters and bumps it doesn’t feel as composed as the Stock R’s suspension

The worst turning radius (especially at slow speeds in a parking lot) of anything I've driven in the last 10 years, seriously

The Speedometer is too small, placement is fine for me but sometimes I have to take a double take to see where I am when Mr. Trooper creeps up on my winged ***

The cluster is not bright enough; the red is cool but could be brighter

The power flat spot at the top of the available RPM, it tapers off boost between 6,500 to 7,400 RPM. I’m told minimal mods will correct this but I’m in no rush to mod

The price to replace the OEM tires, $260. a friggen tire?!!!

The big wing gets in my rearview worse than the R’s little wing in comparison

The tar underbody coating, I’m sure added to secure the 100,000 warranty but for a car saving weight left and right with Aluminum and forged pieces everywhere, adding a ton of tar to the underside is plain stupid

The car is heavy in comparison to the R and the brakes seem more than sufficient on the street but take it to an autocross with multiple 60 to 10 mph attacks and the pedal softens a hint, not something I expected. I expected it to stop a bit better but I’ll chalk that up to weight, tires and pads.

Now, in direct comparison to my R which is still on OEM suspension. I feel the R is just easier to flick, it rotates easier, but the car is not faster. The EVO is ***** out more powerful and I have to work at looking and thinking further ahead of it. The R is easily slower but a lot more raw. My R is louder because it has I/H&E as well is back halved and with a drivers shell and harness I can feel things easier. The EVO just whisks you away and when the boost comes on like a sledgehammer it carries you wherever you want to go with sudden urgency.

I actually don’t hate the on/off turbo feel, it’s just something I have to get used to. But it’s easy to tool along and make sure to stay out of boost to maximize MPG. Not that the R isn’t. The R actually still had super strong MPG numbers even with the ATS 4.929 FD high 20’s IIRC.

Autocrossing is an experience each to his own. I think I prefer the EVO for this simply because of its power and completely INSANE grip! I mean when the throttle is down and you’re into a corner the tires scream bloody murder but even with 52 lbs of rear tire pressure it’s hard to break the rear completely loose unless you’re absolutely hell bent on ******* up. I mean I could be completely sloppy through a slalom with the throttle to the floor and the tail would wag but didn’t feel like I’d completely lose it. I could either counter steer or ease off the throttle and the car would come back into line. This is a point where I’d say the EVO is actually easier to drive.

On track the R is just a joy to drive; I love its shriek and wail up to revlimit. It just begs to be driven hard. I don’t intend to track the EVO anytime soon but when I do I will certainly report back. For now it’s just a fun all weather daily commuter for me that conveniently fits into SCCA’s A Stock category.

In the end my R is bought and paid for and has a bright future as my dedicated track/HPDE car. I have no intention of selling, ignoring or otherwise disrespecting it. I learned alot from it so far, about the car itself, it's dynamics, maintenance, my driving ability or lack thereof and learning to drive better. But most of all I learned that I met some of the nicest people with a simple common bond. Ironically I met several new people through the EVO last weekend. Car guys are car guys no matter what you drive.

Questions, comments and discussions are welcome.


Pics from the day I picked her up. These are literally 2 hours after I drove off the lot. You can tell because of the shiny tire crap







I still can't get over how much I love this color. It's prettier than the Stealth Grey Integra I had and loved years ago.


Modified by 1GreyTeg at 11:54 AM 8/28/2006

 

I totally agree with your comparison between the two.....man i just miss the raw power of the ITR.... That dead spot in the upper rpm range can be solved with a full turbo back exhaust and a boost controller....now it just pulls till 7k.....The brakes on the evo was terrible at first....damn thing wouldnt stop like the ITR, but after 5k miles, it brakes awesome...

btw, I dont think I would miss the Evo if i sell it...but surely i miss the ITR

about the large wing, I de-winged mine for daily driving...but installed back on for track days

 

good write up man! I love the Evo's but I am not lucky enough to be able to afford both cars. But of course when you think of the 1000's I have put into repairs and mods in the R i coudla bought the Evo by now lol.

I just love the raw power of an allmotor R. I have dropped more than I shoulda into my R and it blows most Evos off the road, but anyone with decent mods in a Evo is making waaay more power and would blow me off the road, so its all relative.

However, the stock for stock traction I have to agree the Evo is much better on any conditions. I am curious as to why you chose the Evo over say an STI? was it anything in particular or just looks?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by totsie7944 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">good write up man! I love the Evo's but I am not lucky enough to be able to afford both cars. But of course when you think of the 1000's I have put into repairs and mods in the R i coudla bought the Evo by now lol.

I just love the raw power of an allmotor R. I have dropped more than I shoulda into my R and it blows most Evos off the road, but anyone with decent mods in a Evo is making waaay more power and would blow me off the road, so its all relative.

However, the stock for stock traction I have to agree the Evo is much better on any conditions. I am curious as to why you chose the Evo over say an STI? was it anything in particular or just looks?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I dunno about anton but I actually had a hold on an sti when I found my evo. Im glad I picked up the evo in hindsight because it is such a raw car compared to the sti. Much like when my R was stock, feels just like that

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by totsie7944 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I am curious as to why you chose the Evo over say an STI? was it anything in particular or just looks?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well it went back a few years to when I got a ride in Oscars EVO at Watkins Glen. After the session was over I was pretty much sold. I had ridden in an Sti on track as well and autocrossed a reqular WRX before but the feel of the EVO had me from the start. I like the steering response and feel of the MR as opposed to the STI. I mean the lower end grunt of the subie has the upper hand but once in boost it's more of a handling game and I felt the EVO was the winner for me.

The looks also had a hand in it. I liked the last generation of the Sti before the "alfa" makeover and I didn't like the EVO 8's look quite as much but as soon as they both remodeled I much preferred the look of the EVO as well as the seats and seating. I also preferred the EVO's Graphite Grey to the Subies slate grey. I think I posted more Sti/EVO comparison decisions somewhere here before. In the end it was personal preference but I'm happy with my decision thus far.

 

Good read! I wish I could afford to own 2 cars like that I will be putting my 97 for sale soon to buy an STi.I have no doubts I will miss the ITR.

 

Nice read.

 

I agree 100%

I was actually disappointed with the stopping distance on the EVO. It almost got me into trouble the first time I drove it hard. Pedal feel is great, but no matter how hard you press the pedal, it just doesnt seem like it wants to stop any faster. Whereas the R, if you keep pressing it you can easily get ABS to activate.

Im still huge fan of the EVO steering. The closest thing Ive driven to it is an S2000. The response is amazing for such a heavy car.

Anton, get a reflashed ECU. You will love it. Some dealers will even install them under warranty. Night and day difference on the top end. Boost does not fall off, it just keeps pulling. Not only that but its spools up quicker as well and just makes it that much more fun to drive. Lag down low is to be expected. Its refreshing compared to the lag on my R (when low RPM all motor, and on boost).

Its such a streetable car. Yet it can be a terror on track as well (I assume since I have yet to venture ours out on track/autox/whatever, except for the occassional exit ramp to the highway).

 

Great post, glad your enjoying the new DD

 

Anton, I almost completely agree with everything you've written...

I'd like to mention that the "lack of power" sub-2,500 RPM is actually pleasing from the perspective of a daily driver. When I test-drive an 06 STI I was alarmed by the amount of torque and power available right off the bat... And when I got into an 06 EVO MR, I was comforted by the fact that car could be driven "normally" when needed, and then when you wanted to push her - she would give you everything right back.

I've had mine for two or three weeks or so, and I agree the cluster isn't the best - for some reason though, I don't even find myself trying to find how fast I am going - this is the type of car that you "feel" everything including speed, and I could *almost* care less what the little needle to the left reads (unless my valentine one goes off )..

I got back into my LS the other day and the lack of torque was alarming I felt like I had driven the EVO forever... The power definately "whisks" you away, and you almost don't feel it.. you get so used to it, it becomes a part of your daily drive..

On one hand i'd like to open her up and get her to breathe better (I/TBE/Flash) - but I also love the way she performs right out of the box, and the lack of exhaust note is actually kind of sleeper - you just hear the engine whining - and from the side, the car sounds like its sucking in the earth and spitting it right back out... I love it!

 

great metaphors guys, very entertaining

awesome pickup 1greyteg and alexander

 

Excellent thoughts and analysis from a personal perspective.

I've had my EVO 9 MR (first AWD, first sedan, first turbo car for me) about 10K miles now and share the same pros/cons. The only one that has lasted for me is the turning radius and no back seat fold down.

I remember the first few thoudsand miles - I had a **** eating grin on my face the whole time - my wife was all "wtf, calm down" and I kept saying "boost is good"

The first time I drove down my little hill to get to the main road after it frosted up I skid down with ABS on for 20 feet. I put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S's on it to resolve. Still have the stocks with ~300 miles on them, and the Michelins are wearing well. Super easy to induce slide, etc.

The STI didnt really have a chance with me, I considered it, drove a used 05 a bit, but it just didnt have the feel of the EVO (still a nice car tho). Back seat room in the STI was also a negative.



Good luck and keep us posted!

 

thanks for the writeup.
now if I could just hit the lotto....

will
-who is looking at volvo wagons...

 

Good review. I'm having a hard time deciding between the MR and an RS. I really do miss the feeling of the raw-ness of the R and I wonder if the MR is too..."plush." I test drove an IX and that lag took FOREVER, it seemed. But I was really surprised how well it handled for a heavy car. I'm very impressed with the Evo and hopefully can work out a good deal with my dealership.

 

Still waiting to jump on the IX bandwagon....like anton I will be keeping the ITR around for HPDE/track duty....

I have driven the IX a handful of times now and have been trolling evom......I'm not one to really jump at throwing 27K down so I wanted to find out more about the car before actually purchasing it....

Problem that some poeple are having that should be corrected immediately:

-intercooler pipes blowing off due to shitty clamps


Some people are having problems with the 6speed on the road course and people are blowing 4th gear....not sure if this is due to poor driving or poor design....they talk about tranny coolers and whatever

TRE seems to be the place to go if you need to make ur stocker tranny beefier....

People are putting down 235ish on Mustang dynos and after TBE/Flash they are getting 330awhp/330awtq

I am most likely getting the RS because I can't really justify the price (personal opinion) for the MR

Since Anton is staying stock the MR is a good choice for him....but I figured no matter what evo i'm getting I'm gonna swap the suspension and rims out....so the only plusses for me were the color choices/bbs wheels/ HID/6 speed

All of that to me was not worth the extra 7K.....because people are selling the brand new Bilsteins off their MR for 250 shipped......oem hid w/ housings is costing me 1K.....and if I wanted to add power door locks/windows/mirrors it would be under 500 used for that stuff...

So I figure with the 5K I save....I can go ahead and get nice coilovers, wheels/tires,TBE,flash

 

That review you gave of the Evolution is some great info. Thank you !

 

I'm another honda owner who has migrated to the EVO, and I think they are great cars. I initially had some reservations about buying a Mitsubishi, but my EVO has been nothing but reliable, and I've been beating on it since day one. My car has 30-40k on it now and has zero mechanical issues.

The best part of the car is how well it responds to modifications. The engine is very stout even with stock internals.

With a Turboback Exhaust, manual boost controller, fuel pump and tune we are seeing gains of 70 wtq and 70 whp on the EVO9, and 70 wtq and 85 whp on the EVO8 with the addition of cams and cam gears.

On the suspension a good set of coilovers, rear sway bar, and camber plates make the car handle even better.

For the brakes, Stoptech brake lines, Endless CCA pads, and Motul fluid make for a good dd/track combo.

That's pretty much the meat and potatoes of modding an EVO without going crazy.

 

no power needed here for awhile thanks. tires on the otherhand could become a weekly event.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1GreyTeg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">no power needed here for awhile thanks. tires on the otherhand could become a weekly event.</TD></TR></TABLE>

There are plenty of morons over at EVOM trying to sell their minty fresh stock tires so they can upgrade to some bling bling wheels

 

Great write-up!

 

Easy fix to the gauge cluster.

Yes it is very dim...seems like the **** is rooled all the way down.

The Bulb "condoms" they used are BLUE so blocking alot of the light coming through.

You need to buy some $0.37 ea. Red condoms to Put over the bulbs and throw the others away!IMINE is Pretty damn Bright now.Mathces the Defi Gauges alot better now (though my STi was Dead on perfect match = same makers so of course it was)

Yes Tires are a plenty on the forums.Thats what I plan to do once mine run out again.
------------------------------------------------------------

Nice write up.
haven't driven a MiVEC IX yet so I've only heard of a little of the lag...but even a base Flash will do Wonders.
You would be amazed @what the IX's are doing w/ very little mods and a conservative tune.

 

great read

 

The Mivec compared to the regular evo8 makes a big difference. I've driven both cars a lot and the throttle response is much improved on the Mivec. When tuned its even more noticable.

 

Just as an FYI for others...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 1GreyTeg &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The price to replace the OEM tires, $260. a friggen tire?!!!</TD></TR></TABLE>

The Evolution MR takes 235/45-17 tires. The OEM tire is the Yokohama A046, pictured below, which the Tire Rack sells for $252. It's just a darn expensive tire. (This is the only size made for the A046.) Of course, nothing says you HAVE to replace it with the same tires...

Here are prices for some other tires in 235/45-17:

Bridgestone RE050A Pole Position $144
Falken Azenis RT-615 (don't come in 235/45, but 225/45 is $109 and 245/45 is $112)
Goodyear F1 GS-D3 $159-169 (less $10/tire rebate)
Kumho Ecsta MX $107 (less $10/tire rebate)
Kumho Ecsta SPT $88 (less $10/tire rebate)
Toyo Proxes RA-1 $186
Yokohama AVS ES100 $112
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 $147

 

Interesting read. I'm honestly suprised more ITR owners aren't interested in the STi. I love my '05. If you want to buy new and are basing your decisions on looks primarily I guess I can understand as I'm not a big fan of the '06+ "Alfa" styled front ends and riceriffic taillights.

This made me laugh...

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Alexander &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
I'd like to mention that the "lack of power" sub-2,500 RPM is actually pleasing from the perspective of a daily driver. When I test-drive an 06 STI I was alarmed by the amount of torque and power available right off the bat...</TD></TR></TABLE>