Hey guys,
Few of you met me at the cruise. I own the white Mirage converted Evo 5. The cruise was great fun! Though I quickly started to realize the capabilities of this Evo thus far. I wanted to join here and share my build when it goes underway.
Quick bio of me: Originally all about Acura's. Built my first Integra in '97, LS/Vtec with a T3/T4 turbo. Also had nitrous on top of that. Ran a best ET of 12.1, spinning every single gear (on 17"s even). People then didnt even know Hondas could generate that much power. Fastest that year was Lisa Kubo in a Civic, low 11s. Few years later, built a 2001 Jetta for autocross. Great fun, but slow POS. Next was 2 DSMs, 97 Eclipse GSX and 92 Eclipse GSX. The 97 had full suspension for autocross and mountain drives (near stock motor). The 92 had a gigantic T4 that we never got to run right. In 05 picked up a brand new 05 Evo 8. Was getting into mods till my business collapsed in '08. Selling it was my only option. Now just last May, seen a Mirage converted Evo 5 on eGay that I just had to have. The work to build one is much more than I paid for it and the original builder documented the work on EvoM. So now the build continues..
The plan is to build a time attack track Evo. Built 2.3L running a FP Black on the street (goal is 600+whp) and ported stock 9 turbo for the track (350ish whp). I plan to upgrade every piece of the drivetrain as I want a race car that will last. I only want a 4 or 6pt rear cage as it will be driven to and from track events. And the occasional hwy blast. I plan to extensively go through the suspension including replacing every bushing, and upgrading any component that wont perform at its best. I want to stay in a lower NASA class to get a season or two under my belt. Its been easily 10 years since Ive ran any Autocross events and re-learning how to drive an Evo at the edge.
The Evo 5 has always been most appealing to me. Ive driven a real 3, 5, 6 and 7 while in Europe. Its the combination of sexy styling and raw unaided driving experience you just dont get with newer Evos. Later when older Evos can be imported, I want to have a 1, but will take a 2/3. And of course importing a real Evo 5 into the collection lol
Surely I will meet most of you soon again. Great crowd of fellas :)
Rich