B/c the VIII dp doesn't clear the ACD that well. The 03-04 Megan dp was made to fit evos w/o the ACD. The flex section in the dp sits right on the it, and that can't be too good for it. So, I bought the megan IX(or '05-'06 ACD compatible) dp to swap out. I got a great deal on a parted out '03 evo Megan VIII exhaust, but I knew I'd have to swap out the dp eventually. It is a great exhaust though.