EVO History

Our first EVO, a VII, was purchased in 2004, initially being an almost completely stock version of the car.

Over the next few years, continuous development occurred, including many  major upgrades such as the Tomei 2.2 crankshaft/rods/pistons package, Tomei 270 camshafts, head porting, equal length headers, different configurations of large Garrett turbochargers, Kansai intake manifold, larger throttle body, large HKS intercooler, a Carbonetic tripe-plate carbon clutch etc., etc., all this supplemented with MoTeC engine management and dyno tuning. Between four maps for 95 octane gasahol, 95 octane gasoline, 100 octane AvGas and 114 octane race fuel, output ranges from 528 to 650 horsepower.

On the chassis side, large Brembo brakes and Ohlins suspension were installed as well as other suspension tuning, frame-stiffening and shifter components from excellent companies such as AMS, Agency Power, Perrin Performance, GT Spec, Carbing, Cusco and Kansai.

Installation of a carbon driveshaft from CTG resulted in substantial reduction in drivetrain weight, and in the works now is all-carbon package of doors, hood, trunk and roof, as well as our own design of high-downforce front spoiler/bumper.

A six speed gearbox from the EVO VIII/IX was installed, which we felt was a more refined means utilizing the car’s power. However, with 520 + horsepower available at the lower boost setting, it did not take long before the six speed met the fate which is the weak link of this transmission…a broken 4th (and sometimes 3rd) gear. We then learned that many people with EVO VIIIs and IXs who developed their cars were forced to remove the six speed and install the five speed because of this problem.

The next development underway is the new 2.6 liter engine available for EVOs. Just arrived from the US are three special 4G64 engine blocks and two Brian Crower 106 mm stroker kits with custom JE pistons, along with the supplemental components required for this new engine. We feel that with correct preparation, assembly and dyno mapping there is tremendous opportunity available for EVOs with greater displacement.

Whereas it was our direct experience with the weakness of the OEM six speed gears that set ThaiAm Motorsports in motion, our being driven to constantly enhance the performance of our car and subsequent familiarity with what is available in the market for the EVO allows us to serve our customers in all areas of EVO development.