Is the EVO 8 really worth it

[crankwalk 2g]

Don't get me wrong I love all Lancer EVOs, but considering thier high price tag ($40 000-$50 000 CDN) and the fact that people want this car for its performance ability, would it not make more sense to buy something like a 95-99 Eclipse instead and mod it with the left over money to out perform an EVO.

The reason I say this is b/c both cars share near identical versions of the 4g63 engine and they both have a similar all-wheel setup, so the Lancer doesn't come with anything amazingly new except flashy packaging and all its upgrades can be bought for less (ex. intercooler).

I want to hear opinions from true DSMers not Lancer fanboys.

[Ralliart]

well, its AWD system is very advanced, its LSD's are probably the best on a stock production vehicle as far as advanced computer controlled differentials, and its chassis is mush better for handling than the eclipses, other than that, its cams are hollow (not sure if eclipse's are) and some other differences i think still stand in the EVO that dont come in the eclipse's motor, maybe the thin exhaust manifold, and the titanium twin scroll turbo is different, alond with the intercooler.... correct me if im wrong, im not much on eclipse's but i do know some stuff about the EVO's......

[crankwalk 2g]

I agree with you, those are all valid points but what I'm trying to say is with the $30 000 left over from buying an Eclipse you can get a similar set up that will out perform the evo.

I'm not 100% sure about the engine too, I think its the same engine code as the one in the eclipses just a different variation of it.

[Moppie]

Because the EVO will start first time everytime, and give you 300hp first time everytime, and it will handle with perfection first time everytime, and it comes with a new car warrenty and all the other nice things that a new car gives you.

The Eclipse might with the right work be as fast, but it wont be nearly as reliable, and it certianly won't do it first time out.
It would take at least 12months of work to get it to a level of performance that match the EVO, not just in a striaght line, but also around corners.
It would come at a huge sacrifice to time, and would greatly reduces the cars ride to the point it was less comfterble to travel in than the EVO, and since its an older car that has had things done to it that the factory never intended its reliablty would suffer and you would be left with the full cost of repairs.


Of course if you happen to one of the nuts like myself that gets a kick out of building up a car to be a hell of a lot faster than it was even itended to be, then the Eclipse is a far better car to start with than the EVO.
But then there is something to be said for owning a VERY fast car that you dont have to do anything to except change the oil and replace the tyres, in which case the extra cost of the EVO is more than worth it.

[Tso]

Evo and eclipse have no comparison.

start with the good foundation (Evo)

eclipse has a terrible rust problem once you start removing fairings.

engines are the same code, but no where close to the same.

show me an eclipse that runs hollow cam-shaft and exhuanst valves along with a mag. valve cover stock.

cheers

besides, Evo will out handle the eclipse any day. you are also forgetting all the bits that add up. brakes, brake hoses, clutch etc etc etc... it all adds up. not to mention the amount of chassis strengthening.. also, you should note the eclipse gear-box is weak. it literally falls out. Evo is built for torque.

[UnKnOwN]

No it's not, because it's FR. Don't get me wrong about FR's. I mean, all lancers ar 4WD. Why stop there and start FR's?

[HobieKopek]

Originally posted by UnKnOwN
No it's not, because it's FR. Don't get me wrong about FR's. I mean, all lancers ar 4WD. Why stop there and start FR's?

Absolutely not true. You mean FF? There have been FWD Lancers all over the world for years under the names Lancer, Virage and Mirage. The Evolutions, on the other hand, have always been AWD and that has not changed.

The advanced suspension geometry and thousands of additional welds on a chassis that's more rigid to being with would be two HUGE differences between a modded GSX and an Evolution, saying nothing of the engine internals. Not to mention it's nice to start with Brembos, ACD (outside of the US) and a decently sized FMIC.

[Tso]

even for the amerians, it's no bother really.

the ACD can be had for 'bout 2-3k in sterling.

the north american Evo's also have all the brackets and braces as well as the holes for the hydraulic hoses. they are just missing the ACD.

if you open the deck on a north american Evo... look in and to the left, move the interior panels. you will see an empty space (the place the ACD sits) with all the required mounting brackets.... you will even see some wiring back there that is required for the ACD. so really, all you need is to get the ACD, and some sort of switch to control the tar., gravel, and snow settings. or you can plug the ACD switch to where "your" driving lights are wired to (like on the RS).


Cheers


Tso
www.thecheckeredflag.com