There are
three mods every Evo X owner should make. These won't add a ton of power but
will make your Evo X more enjoyable without breaking the bank.
- Evolution X Intake
System
- Evolution X Exhaust
System
- Evolution X Tune
Many Evo X
experts would say your first mod should be a "driver mod", meaning
you should learn the car before even looking at the aftermarket. While this is
fine and completely accurate, it's only just a step in the right direction. You
definitely should know how to control the car in stock form, but let's be
honest: not all of us have time to go to the track every weekend. This is
especially true for a daily driven Evo X. Often times, life can get in the way
of play time. But that isn't to say you can't enjoy life a little more with a
few simple Evo X bolt-ons to increase power. Before you decide which route to
take, plan out your budget for modifications. You don't want to upset your
significant other by spending too much on car parts. (We've all been there,
done that!)
Below are
just a few suggestions we have for new Evo X owners. You can install these in
any order, based on your interests. Already have a modded Evo X? What was your
first, second, and third modification, and do you have any tips for new
Evolution 10 owners?
Evo X Intake
First, crack
the hood and learn where everything is. Take pictures if you need to. You don't
need to memorize every bolt size, but a good understanding of where everything
is in the induction system as well as where clamps and sensors are located will
help you in the long run. Once you're familiar with the layout of the engine,
look into purchasing an Evo X intake system. There are a ton of options on the
market, so be sure to look online for reviews on the best Evo X cold air intake
for your driving habits. In your searches, you'll likely stumble across Evo X
Drop in filters, Evo X CAI and Evo 10 Short Ram systems, all utilizing
different pipe sizes, colors, and prices.
AEM makes a
great intake system which includes a heat shield and high-flow filter, and can
be installed in an hour or two. This kit is usually priced in the upper $200
range, so it's affordable under most daily driver budgets. Another great Evo X
intake kit comes from AMS, and offers a bit more bling for your engine bay. The
AMS Evo 10 intake kit comes with all required hardware, a polished mandrel bent
intake pipe, and recirculated BOV port. Priced, in the mid $300 range, it's a
bit more expensive than the AEM unit but offers a bit more overall power gain.
Evo X
Exhaust
The second
simple power modification for a daily driven Evo X comes from the exhaust
system. This may seem like an obvious one for most car enthusiasts, but there
are actually a few important notes to keep in mind when shopping for your Evo
10 exhaust system. First, do you want a complete Evo X turbo back or just a
plain catback. Next, do you know the difference between an Evo 10 catback and
axle back? Lastly, is it made from 304ss or 409ss? All three questions are
important to consider for your daily driver.
A turbo back
exhaust utilizes a high-flow cat or Evo X test pipe, which can alter the
emissions and sound of the car. So if you want to maintain factory emissions
and not wake the neighbours every morning, an Evo 10 turbo back isn't the best
choice. Browsing the web, you may also see catbacks and Evo X axle back exhaust
systems, which are two very different bolt-ons. An axle back is just as it
implies, an exhaust system from the axle back, whereas a catback replaces all
components from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tip. Lastly, 304ss will
resist rust better than 409ss, so it's important to choose appropriately if you
live in a wet climate where road salt is used in the winter. With all that
said, choose the Evo X exhaust system that best meets your needs as a daily
driver.
One highly
regarded Evo X catback exhaust system comes from Extreme Turbo Systems. The ETS
unit is dual exit Evo X catback made from mandrel bent 304ss. It has a bit
different tone with the dual exit orientation, but flows excellent and adds a
decent amount of power! Priced around $900, it's an affordable visual and
performance modification, and a great upgrade for those looking for the dual
exit exhaust look.
Evo X Tuning
Another
great, inexpensive modification that can make any daily driver Evo X more
enjoyable is an ECU tune. Aftermarket Evo X tunes can be installed a few
different ways. The first method is to visit your local tuner, explain your
intentions with the car, and allow them to perform their work. This can be
affordable, but often prevent any future modifications, as they would require a
new tune. The next method of obtaining an Evo 10 tune is to purchase a tuner
module like a Cobb Tuning Accessport. An Evo X accessport comes preloaded with
various performance tunes, so you're able to satiate your performance appetite
on the fly, at the press of a button. Many retailers sell the Cobb Tuning Evo X
Accessport for around $500. I can't stress enough how great the Cobb Evo X
Accessport is. You can adjust your tune for performance, economy, and
everywhere in between. Definitely the best bang for your buck.
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