I've searched this forum and evom and a few other evo related forums that are reputable but it seems that no one has asked the question that I have specifically.

So I read the differences between the 8 vs the 9 and GSR vs MR and the question I need answered is this:

I'm looking to buy an EVO at the end of the month and I have around 20k to play with (CASH). I want to get something that will enable me to get 500+HP reliably without killing a diff or tranny (if this isn't possible on the stockk diff or tranny then I accept that). This car will be an occasional driver....maybe a track day maybe a drag run......NOT an every weekend thing. I'm looking for something that will be enjoyable to drive but if I want to put a foot in someone's @$$ then I have the ability (and power) to do so.

Some background on the cars I've owned. I had a 98 ITR with a few mods (one of the first people in GA with Bronze wheels Volks in 98/99 if not the first I think) and then I had a 98 JDM ITR motor in a 93 Civic...that car was heavily modded but I sold it to get a house and briefly owned a SRT-4 before a Deer helped me decide it wasn't the car for me.

I was dead set on buying an MR (I like having the top line of whatever vehicle I own...I know in the EVO's case that may not help me). I was also dead set on getting the ACD/Mivec and 6speed tranny but it seems there maybe some tuning/modification challenges with those 3 features I was looking for.

I have been out of the car scene for a while and I'm looking for a little guidance.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

And yes I have done a search but it seems people either have modest HP goals (Bolt-on's suffice) or they want to rule the world (stroked 2.4 litre fire breathing dragons). I'd say I'm right in the middle.

(I'll be posting this in EVOM as well)