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People who have owned an Evo and DSM which did you like more and why?

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jkuga

Proven Member
140
29
Feb 12, 2017
Oregon
Title says it all. The reason I'm asking is I lost out on a super clean Spyder gst in the summer after looking for about six months and pretty much gave up on finding a nice DSM. I decided I would buy an Evo after I graduate next fall. But I just checked craigslist and saw a beautiful gsx with very low miles and no mods. Asking price is high but that's how it is I guess I've never seen one remotely this nice. Obviously this is a DSM forum so there's bias but the Evo is sort of a continuation same engine awd etc. So which did you guys like more? Should I pass this mint gsx up and hope I find a nice Evo in a year or so or jump on the gsx now?
 
I had an Evo 9 after many a dsm. The Evo was better in every way, however much more $ to mod/repair compared to a dsm.
 
Well I bought it for 11k. It has 57k. Apparently needs a new engine coolant sensor doesn't seem to be boosting well and I had the code checked and that's what it was.
 
A little steep at 11k to have any issues despite the low miles, but GL I hope it works out for you(read the 2G bible on this site and start there, not boosting well can be a plethora of things), share some pics and build a profile(something I still need to do) when you can..
 
Well the prices are going to have to go up at some point, there's fewer and fewer DSM's out there every year.....hell I've sent 4 to the grave myself. I'm not proud of that LOL
Is that bumper beat up in the air dam there?
Yeah there some peeling and bubbling. I'm wondering if the bumper was maybe replaced it doesn't have the emblem on the top of it. Hard to say though. It also looks like the hood goes down on the passenger sad below the top of the fender. Other than that and missing a center cap on one of the wheels its perfect cosmetically. In my area I've never seen one with low miles and unmodified. I probably paid too much but I knew I would be really upset if I didn't get it LOL
 
Yeah there some peeling and bubbling. I'm wondering if the bumper was maybe replaced it doesn't have the emblem on the top of it. Hard to say though. It also looks like the hood goes down on the passenger sad below the top of the fender. Other than that and missing a center cap on one of the wheels its perfect cosmetically. In my area I've never seen one with low miles and unmodified. I probably paid too much but I knew I would be really upset if I didn't get it LOL
Dont feel to bad I've paid to much for a DSM too. My very first one in fact, 4k for a almost mint 1gb non-turbo auto with 130k miles..... very dumb thing I did but it also started me on my passion for DSM's. You have to have the obligatory engine bay shot tho!
 
I'm waiting for the sun to come back out so I can clean her and take some nice photos but here's the engine bay right now. Very stock haha.
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evo:
headlights that have more than 2 candle power
shep still works on the drivetrain
rear LSD is mechanical
front LSD isn't in the transmission
2005 and up have factory acd lsds
2006 and up have mivec head
2003-2005 can run dsmlink
can run ecuflash and evoscan for the cost of the cable
stock bottom end holds 30 lbs of boost
twin scroll turbo
larger disc brakes
factory recaros
much stronger transfer case
more expensive
4 door
can fit larger tires
pull type clutch, engagement point is higher which is nice for no lift to shift
oil cap isn't prone to leaking
better shifter, shorter throw
no cruise control
teenagers always trying to take pictures of your car
random strangers always trying to get you to join their evo facebook page
car starts in the morning
completely pointless adjustable headlight height
dont need special lifters to avoid lifter tick
Better head design /airflow
factory intercooler sprayer can be used as a meth tank
16g doesn't have boost creep (which is nice until you pull it off one week after you buy the car)
factory radiator fan on passenger side is push so you dont run into over heating issues when you put on a larger turbo.
factory suspension doesn't suck ass
vented hood
A/C doesn't turn on with the defroster
better factory stereo
there is a place in the dash for a tripple gauge pod
trunk stays open without using a 2x4
You probably wont ever have 3 evos that don't run in your backyard

DSM:
easier to work on, transfer case removal is a 20 minute job
2 door
costs less
same bottom end, some dsm parts are slightly cheaper
less head room (people over 6'1" will understand)
much lower resale value
insurance will usually only give you less than 2K if you wreck it.
push type clutch, usually have to shim the pivot ball
transmission removal / reinstall is MUCH easier
open ended rear lsd
has cruise control
front lsd install requires transmission rebuild
weak transfer case
weak transmission
passenger airbag cover peels up over time
longer shifter throw
wife refuses to ride in it because it looks like you are a broke high school student
You need a 2nd car just in case you need to drive long distances (because you want to actually get there)
wheel hop
friends know you pulled up because they can hear your lifter tick
need to remove a radiator fan when putting a larger turbo on.
factory throttle body is tiny, fiav fails over time giving you idle surge issues that you can't figure out
factory brake fluid reservoir is always completely rusted over
A/C turns on with the defroster
you'll either need to have retarded pod pillar gauges or you'll have to look past your wideband to see how much gas you have left
seats fold down


...did i miss any differences?
 
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I seen this up for sale not to long ago. I search from seattle to portland, I live right in the middle of both, and check craiglist often. Seemed to be a nicer dsm.

When I sold my srt4, the guys freind who gave him a ride to pick up the car was driving a nice gt35r evo. We went out for a joy ride. It was nice. It seemed smooth, and smelled like a new car.

I owned a 4 door sedan turbo car for a few years, and a good freind had a well built sti. Im a bit familiar with them.

There are two main Differences to me from the "sedan" style turbo cars and a true dsm...

One, dsm's are older... have leaks, blown shocks, cloged cats, worn rings, ect... So, buy a dsm that was cared for and adult owned. Also have a clean, warm place to work on the car if you plan to mod it.

And two, style. I do NOT think a 4 door is as aesthetically pleasing as a 2 door. However beauty is subjective... Seems to me, a sedan will never be 100% sports car. Even though they can be faster, or nicer. There just boxy and top heavy to me.
 
I seen this up for sale not to long ago. I search from seattle to portland, I live right in the middle of both, and check craiglist often. Seemed to be a nicer dsm.

When I sold my srt4, the guys freind who gave him a ride to pick up the car was driving a nice gt35r evo. We went out for a joy ride. It was nice. It seemed smooth, and smelled like a new car.

I owned a 4 door sedan turbo car for a few years, and a good freind had a well built sti. Im a bit familiar with them.

There are two main Differences to me from the "sedan" style turbo cars and a true dsm...

One, dsm's are older... have leaks, blown shocks, cloged cats, worn rings, ect... So, buy a dsm that was cared for and adult owned. Also have a clean, warm place to work on the car if you plan to mod it.

And two, style. I do NOT think a 4 door is as aesthetically pleasing as a 2 door. However beauty is subjective... Seems to me, a sedan will never be 100% sports car. Even though they can be faster, or nicer. There just boxy and top heavy to me.

Yeah coupes always look sleeker. I feel like the boxy look makes evo's and sti's kind of aggressive in their own way though. The car is nice and clean although it had bad o2's, the wrong plugs, and old wires. Should run good for the most part after that's fixed though.

Didn't you have that nice red 2gb talon for sale like last spring or so?
 
Thanks I appreciate your help. I'm actually having that and the timing belt, tensioners, water pump etc. replaced this week. The car really is in great shape other than being behind on maintenance and some front suspension work that needs to be done. Hopefully I will be able to do it piece by piece. I see you got another talon?
 
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Yes, black 2gb tsi's are one of my favorite cars from the 90's. I always wanted one, so i talked my wife into getting it for her haha :)

Its extremely clean. It was bought brand new by an older man in his 70's. After he passed his family kept it for a bit, then sold it. Its 100% stock, however its an automatic. But thats ok.

I have a few extra turbos laying around, I might put a T28 on it, and get rid of the plastic BOV... they leak about 8 psi...

But yeah, i really like the gsx you got, sounds like your doing all the right things first, like maintenance! Well done. Keep a build log if you have the time, they can be fun to look back on, even if your just bring it back to 100% show room, stockish condition. Its very rare to find a dsm with that low of miles... take your time with her and enjoy :)
 
I had an Evo from 2009 to 2015 that started from stock and ended with around 750whp. I had a 2nd Evo that was stock for daily driving once my original one turned into more of a "race car". The Evo makes a great daily driver and the drivetrain is more reliable for bigger power than stock dsm drivetrain. DSM makes a better race car though. The core cost of parts (block, transmisisons, etc) are much cheaper too.

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In the end, I like the Evo better for all around enjoyment.
 
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bOOsted, have you ever owned a 2g? I have never owned a 1g. I hear the 1g 6bolts are a little stronger, and of course the 14b is better, but i also hear the 2g has a better suspension, and over all feel.
Yes, my first car from age 16-19 was a 2g. The Evo is whole different animal in the handling department from the factory. The steering response is faster and it naturally feels more connected to the road. I'm sure with the right amount of upgrades the 2g could be similar.
 
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