So after a lot of thinking about what my wife and I needed at this point in time, we decided to trade in the Z for an '06 Evolution lX. I'm planning on selling my baby also (the Eclipse) since when I leave the area to go to Hawaii or Japan (still not sure yet) we can only take one car. It was a VERY HARD thing to do for me, especially when I had her in the shop de-modding her. I had a hell of a deal on the lX though that I couldn't pass up. They gave me $3500 more than my Z was worth on the trade. But the good news is that when I get to wherever I'm going we do plan on getting a topless DB. So then we'll have the "family car" and the "fun car". So now it's just a matter of time before I'm back in the family. Don't get me wrong though, I still plan on coming out to all the events you guys on the Mid-A are having, you'll just have to put up with an Evo picking on you now . Bert, I don't need the test pipes anymore (I bet you'll actually bring them next time we meet up too). Well hopefully I'll have her at the 600 mile mark by this weekend (break-in) so I can get her baseline done and go to the track this weekend.

Now, if anyone cares, here's a few thing I've learned since Wednesday (and if you plan on giving me **** on this, don't bother posting):

You know how people say they feel their bolt-ons when they install them? I say that's bull****. You feel them after you take them off.
Z's sound better with the stock intake (for people who care about sound).
The Evo lX outperforms the Z in every area (and I haven't even gone above 5k RPMs yet... so top speed hasn't been tested).
The Z looks so much better than the Evo, but the Evo is far from ugly.
I miss the hell out of the digital speedo.
And the exhaust note.
CAI's are a ***** to install, but take ~15 minutes to get off... wierd.
Careful with your painted engine covers... they chip VERY EASILY.
The '03 tranny sucks ***. Especially when shifting into second at redline.
The 13 months I've spent with the Z were some of the best months I've experienced.
50% of Z owners (like the ones I met) are some of the chillest people around.
The other 50% are stuck-up ****** or old people.

It's been real with the Z, and she will be missed.

P.S. As soon as I get my pics online, I'll post the last pics of my Z and the new pics of my Evo.

 

Good Move IMO

 

I agree about the 03 tranny thing.
Stock to Stock yea evo better performance.
But i think most z owners are pretty cool.


post pics

 

Here's pics of the Evo...

 

Just a comment about financing a car and taking it out of the country (I believe those are your intentions). Many lenders are adamant about removing a car from the Continental United States. If the car has a lien, the shipper will insist on written permission from the lien holder.

 

Lol @ the test-pipe comment. Congrats man thats an awesome choice. I drove an Evo last summer and 3 days later I had my TN kit on the way-the rush as all that boost kicks in is just awesome. Felt MUCH fatser than my Z-but I smoked the Evo later after I drove it(with bolt-ons). Anyways, I like choice, but is it just me or did you opt for the Off-Road package with 2" lift kit? Damn those things ride high from the factory....cant wait to see it at the next meet

 

Can't say i like the Evo but to each his own. Have fun

G

 

Looks good!

Just be glad your wife did not make you get a mini-van

when my sentra dies, I'm prolly going to pick up a used EVO as a daily. (I Just hope I won't start modding it too!)

~Mike

 

Congrats on the switch! We share a similar story. I also went from a LS 03 Z to a IX, so I know all the feelings you went through. It was tough to give up the Z. I had it for 2-1/2 years and it was the first car I owned, so there was some sentimental value to the car. But like you, I needed a change, and I also got an amazing deal on the IX (hint: employee pricing ). I originally factory ordered a Black IX w/o SSL just like yours, but after reviewing my goals for the car, I decided to get a White RS. You'll enjoy the car. The 600 mile mark is like heaven. Check out DCEvoClub.net. Contrary to popular misconceptions of an EVO owner being some punk teenager, the guys I've met so far are pretty cool.

Here are some pics from Saturday:

 

Curious-how much can used RS's go for, Id love one for a daily driver/beater....they came out in 04'?

 

Very nice. Enjoy bud!

 

Thanks for all the comments guys. Yes, my mods are for sale but there's already some interest. If it falls through, I'll post them on here.

Bert, you can prolly pick up a used RS for around 18-20k, but I'd be careful with a used Evo. You know what the cars are built for, and that should give a good idea of how it was driven. Especially an RS. And I actually went with a 3" lift. Yeah, they do ride a little high out the box but it doesn't bother me. I'll be at the College Park meet. Are there any others planned?

Jester, how often does the DC Evo club meet up? I'd love to make it out to some of their events. That's a nice RS, btw. I met some guys from P Tuning, they seem like a chill group of people. I'm going down to their shop on Saturday to check out all their Evo's.

Oh yeah, mini-van my foot! I wouldn't be caught dead in one.

David, I still need to check on that as far as shipping to Japan (if I go). I know one of my neighbors had no problem shipping his SRT 4 to Germany (he just left a week ago). I know he still owes on his. If I go to Hawaii, it won't be a problem.

Everybody, here's some of the parting pics of my Z...

 

Yup, here in the US, 04 was the first year they came out. Depending on the mileage of course, between 22K-25K.

 

As far as meets, some guys in the Sterling area usually go to the Chic-Fil-A meet on Fridays. Actually, on April 8-9, there is a tuning session at VIP Garage in Sterling. I'm sure you can get some questions answered there in regards to mods.

 

Sweetness... thanks. I might have to check that out this weekend. Do they have a website?

*EDIT* NM, got their info. Thanks.

 

I've always been really thrown by how small the Evo's wheels are (from a visual perspective). never been in one to see/feel the performance, though. might have to do that sometime.

but cool choice...love black!

 

Damn I loved your engine bay, it was so clean! Im happy you guys got something you both enjoy. You know your always welcome! Besides, you still gotta hook me up with that vid bro! Once you get it broken in, lets meet up here at the strip in Manassas and do a few runs.

For what its worth, I almost bought an evo before I got the Z. Might still get one as my daily driver after im done sinking money in the Z. Still, you gotta hit me up, I want to go for a ride in it =)

 

No doubt Nowell... still got 326 miles till 600. Yeah, I know the exact number. It's that bad.

We'll def. get that video... I still gotta post yours from the AAM meet.

 

You suck, and so does your new "car". At least you can iron your uniforms "on the road" now. Are those car tires or roller-blade wheels? Does Mitsubishi have a trade in program where you can give them back the two extra doors and get the two cylinders you're missing? Did they paint it black so the rest of us don't have to look at it at night? I hope it came with the "won't start during daylight hours" option so we don't have to look at it during the day either.


....Just yankin' your chain bro. Sucks that you got rid of your Z, but you made a great choice. I really like the Evo's. If I were to ditch the Z for a "performance sedan" it would probably be for an Evo. Family and career are more important than what car you drive anyway, so it sounds like it was a good decision.

Don't be a stranger man...remember Chik-Fil-A fridays!

 

Congratulations on the new ride Tony! I hope this doesn't mean you won't still help me with the headers when I get back.

Oh, and one more thing... I've met Z owners who were both "old" and "chill!"