Pros
Rally-derived suspension, all-wheel-drive drivetrain, high-output 278 hp turbocharged engine, racing heritage and can give four passengers a ride of their lives at once. Even in stock trim, the Evo VIII is a terror on the track, whether it is at the drag strip or the road course. Besides the STi, which cost nearly $5,000 more, the Evo VIII is the only car of its kind. With a base price of under $30,000 for the RS model, the Evo VIII is a whole lot of car for the money.
Cons
The fact that it costs nearly $30,000. If you are looking to the used car market for one of these babies, be prepared to pay top dollar for them. The Evos are holding their value well and don't be surprised to find out that the used Evo you bought had been tinkered with before.
Temperature
70 Degrees Fahrenheit
Notes
The factory rates the 4G63 engine at 278 hp at the flywheel, which translated to 248.0 hp and 274.7 lb-ft of torque to the wheels on the DTS dyno.
Pros
Talk about night and day performance. The EMS made dramatic improvements throughout the power band, with gains as high as 22 hp and 25 lb-ft of torque. The key to the performance gains was the tuning on the dyno and having a competent tuner. Fortunately, we had Greg Nakano of AEM to tune the EMS.
Cons
We did lose a couple of ponies below 3200 rpm due to boost response. We checked over the wastegate duty on the EMS and it was already maxed out, but the gains obviously outweigh the loss. The EMS also does not come cheap, so be ready to shell out some dough. But if you are after serious horsepower, you have to have one.
Temperature
69 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperatures difference from previous run: -1 degrees Fahrenheit
Tuning Time
Complete dyno session: 3 hoursPartsAem Ems ecu, software, serial cable and instructions.
Installation Time
10 minutes
Notes
Our EMS came equipped with a wide-band UEGO sensor allowing us to monitor air/fuel ratios to ensure proper fuel enrichment. Whenever dyno tuning any vehicle on the dyno, it is important to monitor air/fuel mixtures to prevent any lean mixtures that can lead to engine failure.
Pros
Tipping the scales at barely 13.5 lbs., the GReddy Racing Ti exhaust system is light, really light. Compared to the stock system that weighs 33.0 lbs., the weight savings alone should make car faster. The system is incredible, with robotic TIG-welding and mandrel-bent titanium piping. The system promotes a deep rumble and definitely makes a statement at any traffic corner. The larger diameter piping helped in turbo spool up while increasing the power output of the engine throughout the dyno.
Cons
Cops can hear you from a mile away if you tach out the car. I know, unfortunately, because I was pulled over by one who told me. So if you live where there are a lot of police officers pulling people over for modified exhaust systems, this model is not for you
Notes
If you want your sparkling exhaust system to stay nice and beautiful, make sure you wipe off your dirty paw prints from installing the system. Brake cleaner works real well, just make sure to use the non-chlorinated type.
Installation time
30 minutes
Parts
Titanium exhaust system, silencer section, gaskets and hardware.
Tools
14mm socket, ratchet and 14mm wrench
Temperature
70 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +1 degree Fahrenheit
Tools
10mm, ratchet, extension, flat screwdriver and needle nose pliers.
Temperature
69 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperatures difference from previous run: -1 degrees Fahrenheit