As the time flew by I added various different aftermarket parts on to my car. The first thing I added was the JDM Evolution IX Rear bumper which was pre-painted from the factory in Japan. Then I changed my brakes and exhaust. I used DBA 4000 slotted front and rear rotors with their unique kangaroo paw design used for their internal disc cooling system, Ferrodo DS2500 brake pads front and rear, Endless Stainless Steel brake lines, and then I added a Blitz Nur Spec R 80mm exhaust. This could only be achieved through Phil@201Motorsports and Fizz Motorsports!! The exhaust gave the car newfound character as the brakes gave it gut wrenching stopping power. At this point the air filter was changed to a WORKS Drop-In unit and the foglight bulbs were changed to Heon H11 55w endurance yellow bulbs. The fog lights greatly improved visibility in dense fog conditions. It was also time for me to change the rubber around my BBS goodness. I decided to go with Falken Azenis RT615, the price was right and the tires are great!
The next day I took my car to ATX Motorsports to have the clutch changed from OEM to a new ACT XTSS clutch kit with prolite flywheel and a stainless steel clutch line. They (Larry) performed a flawless job with the installation and the clutch was definitely different. Engaged just as easily as the OEM unit but it held the power and just didn't want to let go. Did not have any lock out issues at all while owning it. This will not be the last clutch I'll ever have or consider but it was good when I had it installed and up until now.
A few weeks later I was back to modding my car, this time I just received a brand new HKS EVC V Electronic Boost Control system from Hiro @ JonDemand. The unit was flawless and installed with ease. Controls boost like a dream and is as easy to tune as any other manual boost controller. The price was also fantastic!! I also got a chance to install my Apex'i intake that I received from TRT Motorsports in Flushing, NY. It filters dirt out of my turbo and engine while still making power. I think that's the ultimate win-win situation.
A few more oil changes later and after my 30,000 miles maintenance done I ordered up a set of SWIFT Spec R springs and TEIN front camber plates. It wasn't hard to install either parts but it was time consuming. When it was all over with, I took the car out for a test drive and it was night and day. The springs made all the difference int he world when they were paired up with my Bilstein MR struts. The body had less roll and being that it's a progressive spring, it just made me want to keep taking corners faster and faster. Truly an amazing piece of engineering.
One night later I installed Blox Racing's front engine mount for the Evo. I could not believe the difference this piece made. $75 made the car shift gears like a dream. I thought the metal bushings made a difference, I was dead wrong. The new front mount makes shifting the transmission like its a bolt action rifle. Nothing is caught up, just smooth in and out with a nice tight feeling to it. Very positive feel from the shifter and the shift itself. The clutch is even more consistent due to enormously reduced engine movement during shifts and on/off throttle situations. Thanks Speed Element!
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