Race Team: EVO vs. STi
07-22-2003, 04:56 PM
#1
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Race Team: EVO vs. STi
Hi all,
Four of my associates and myself are starting an SCCA Pro-Solo racing team here in Colorado. It's been 2 years in the making, and we're finally ready to go. We're each pitching $250/a month for the car and necessary mods, and splitting racing duties. Pretty cool, eh? The 2 cars we're considering for purchase are the EVO VIII and the WRX STi. Right now, the vote is 3-2 in favor of the Mitsu
What I'd like is your honest, and unbiased (as much as possible) opinion on which you think would make a better race car, and why. I've run out of persuasive arguments, and need some ammunition for the final decision. Thanks for your time.
7
Four of my associates and myself are starting an SCCA Pro-Solo racing team here in Colorado. It's been 2 years in the making, and we're finally ready to go. We're each pitching $250/a month for the car and necessary mods, and splitting racing duties. Pretty cool, eh? The 2 cars we're considering for purchase are the EVO VIII and the WRX STi. Right now, the vote is 3-2 in favor of the Mitsu
What I'd like is your honest, and unbiased (as much as possible) opinion on which you think would make a better race car, and why. I've run out of persuasive arguments, and need some ammunition for the final decision. Thanks for your time.7
07-22-2003, 06:39 PM
#2
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I think the STi. It has more torque and horsepower. I don't know much about the EVO but I would assume since in rally you are always at high RPM, to keep up boost, you will want an intercooler spray to keep the inlet temp down. If you are at boost for a long time you will tend to lose more and more heat to the inlet charge resulting in a less dense charge. Also the DCCD of the STi would be really nice for distributing the power to the wheels(not sure if the EVO has this either). Since price is not going to be a problem, since they are both almost the exact same price, I think you may want to go by feel too. If you are going to do real rally(lots of bumps) you may want to go with which interior feels better as well. But as far as modability I am not sure which would be easier. But this is just my opinion and since it is not my 30k+ dropping into the car it will come down to you. Good luck in whatever you decide.
Stephen
Stephen
07-23-2003, 10:55 AM
#4
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Yeah, they're both in the top classes, and the current leaders are running a 96 talon tsi, a newer M3, and a beastly Supra. The biggest advantage that the EVO has is that killer steering ratio. 2.1 turns lock to lock. That's significantly better than the Sti's 2.7 turns. Good point about the intercooler sprayer, that's definitely key in racing where you're running hot constantly.
7
7
07-24-2003, 04:57 AM
#6
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with both cars having awesome handling already, it comes down to the more important factor in a race car. and that is straight line speed, the STi would be the winner. overall STi would be my definite pick.
07-25-2003, 08:17 AM
#8
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If the cars have to be stock (I'm not familiar with the rules and what mods are allowed), I'd go with the EVO since it has a more aggressive suspension out-of-the-box. If suspension mods are allowed, go with the STi. A couple of the reasons that the EVO outperformed the STi in cornering are because it has a more aggressive suspension and wider tires. If these mods are available, it should neutralize that advantage and the STi has more torque and hp. I doubt there are that many tracks that are so tight that your hands will get crossed up because the STi's steering isn't as fast as the EVO's.
In terms of engine potential, the STi wins hands down. The EVO's engine is pretty high strung and is pushing 19 pounds of boost.
In terms of engine potential, the STi wins hands down. The EVO's engine is pretty high strung and is pushing 19 pounds of boost.
07-25-2003, 12:20 PM
#9
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Good point. However, you can put a larger turbo on the Mitsu, run the same boost, and make almost 400 hp. For the same price on the STi, You'll need an aftermarket steering rack that is equal to the EVO's, but still crank out only 300. Also, add on to that the estimated extra $2000 that the STi costs, and now you see why the EVO is such a good deal. You guys think the STi can hang in the handling dept. with an EVO-like steering rack?
Thanks for everyone's input so far, you guys are the coolest.
Thanks for everyone's input so far, you guys are the coolest.
07-25-2003, 01:40 PM
#10
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I think the STi would benefit more from going to stiffer struts/springs than changing the steering rack. The steering rack won't change the handling of the car but impacts the responsiveness but as I stated previously, I don't think there are many tracks that are so tight that the steering would be detrimental (I'm not positive but I don't think the production Porsches, GT2, GT3, etc., have steering that is as fast as the EVO's and they don't seem to have a problem getting around the tracks fast). By stiffening the STi suspension (it is much softer than the EVO) and putting it on equal tires, I would guess the cornering power would be the same as the EVO.
In terms of engine mods, I would think there is more potential with the 2.5 than there is with the 2.0 and I don't know that running the same amount of boost with a bigger turbo would give you more hp (I'm don't know much about turbo technology but think it would also increase turbo lag). If you are going for dollar-for-dollar and minimal mods, I think the EVO is the way to go as I previously stated but if you have the money, I think the STi has more potential. What kind of numbers would the STi be putting out with 19 pounds of boost?
Of course, you have an extra $3k to play with if you buy the EVO.
In terms of engine mods, I would think there is more potential with the 2.5 than there is with the 2.0 and I don't know that running the same amount of boost with a bigger turbo would give you more hp (I'm don't know much about turbo technology but think it would also increase turbo lag). If you are going for dollar-for-dollar and minimal mods, I think the EVO is the way to go as I previously stated but if you have the money, I think the STi has more potential. What kind of numbers would the STi be putting out with 19 pounds of boost?
Of course, you have an extra $3k to play with if you buy the EVO.
07-26-2003, 05:54 PM
#12
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I agree with the STI, it sounds like you guys have the money to put into the cars if your all putting down so much each month, and if you have the money then over all the STI would be worth putting the money into not to mention the fact that your getting a Suabru i mean these guys have proven themselves time and time again for who knows how long, the STI would take the cake hands down. I think STI is your answer.
07-26-2003, 07:59 PM
#13
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It's a tough choice. With the evo the handling is that much better out of the box, but the engine is less powerful and runniung 19 psi.... The STi has the bang in the engine but a weaker suspension. Plus the 6-speed has gooten mixed remarks and reviews whereas the EVO's tranny has only gotten thumbs up. Being a subaru fan i'd prolly pick the STi and dump money into the suspension and wheels though.
07-27-2003, 12:58 PM
#14
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Sea Dragon,
That tighter steering rack IS a VERY BIG advantage. Many of the courses that are run in pro-solo are extremely tight, often involving several chicanes and 180 degree switchbacks. With a 2.1 lock to lock steering rack, you can take said switchback without your hands ever leaving 9 and 3. The displacement advantage is a big plus for the STi.
Although we are putting in money each month, the cost of upkeep on these cars, I have a feeling, is going to be tremendous when racing at 10/tenths almost every weekend. So price of equal performance at the outset is important to us.
Bore and Stroke the 2.5 engine??
I wonder if this is possible.
2.8L STi engine?...
Thanks and keep it coming. We're buying the car in the middle of August.
That tighter steering rack IS a VERY BIG advantage. Many of the courses that are run in pro-solo are extremely tight, often involving several chicanes and 180 degree switchbacks. With a 2.1 lock to lock steering rack, you can take said switchback without your hands ever leaving 9 and 3. The displacement advantage is a big plus for the STi.
Although we are putting in money each month, the cost of upkeep on these cars, I have a feeling, is going to be tremendous when racing at 10/tenths almost every weekend. So price of equal performance at the outset is important to us.
Bore and Stroke the 2.5 engine??
I wonder if this is possible.2.8L STi engine?...
Thanks and keep it coming. We're buying the car in the middle of August.
07-27-2003, 03:39 PM
#15
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Maybe I'm crossing up my SCCA classes. I was thinking that you are looking at big track solo driving not autocrossing. In terms of autocrossing, the quicker suspension would be easier to handle on tight courses but that could also be compensated very inexpensively by going to a smaller steering wheel. The smaller steering wheel would increase the responsiveness of the car but would increase the input (how hard it is for you to turn the wheels) but that should not be a problem considering you will be moving (have fun parallel parking). From what I've seen locally of SCCA courses, the tend to be quite open to what I was used to (I guess they don't want to alienate the muscle cars). I'm used to autocrossing an old 914 that has zippo in the power department but handles great and whenever we have our Shelby American/Porsche Club shootouts, we try to minimize the big sweepers and go for tight twisty courses. I've gone to a 14" (also have used a 13") steering wheel and it makes a huge difference and is much cheaper than changing changing the steering rack.
The factory EVO has a very stiff suspension and wider tires than the STi. If you were to be spending a total of $40k on both cars (including purchase price and money for upgrades), I'm guessing the it would be a driver's race but I also think because of how high strung the EVO engine is, reliability would be a much different issue.
The factory EVO has a very stiff suspension and wider tires than the STi. If you were to be spending a total of $40k on both cars (including purchase price and money for upgrades), I'm guessing the it would be a driver's race but I also think because of how high strung the EVO engine is, reliability would be a much different issue.
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