Feature: Defending The Turf

Defending the Turf: Justin Goad’s Evolution VIII
It found him when he was still on the West Coast. It sat unassuming; on a buy-here-pay-here lot in Washington State, looking a hot mess. Its front fenders were jacked and it badly needed a tune, but it was priced right. He took it home.

I sat across from Him at the Coffee Shop in Jacksonville, Fl where we agreed to meet, and I asked him the standard question, “Why an Evo?” He chuckled and said, “It was made to be modified.” It’s a true statement. On a stock block, transmission, and ECU- this car makes nearly 500hp. Of course, it didn’t just get a tune, and magically become the beefy beast that it is- all wide bodied and camo wrapped…
That is the result of some dedication on the part of its owner, Justin Goad.

Speaking of Beef, you’re asking, “Jeeze, where is it?”
Well that Version: Select wide body rear-over is about as meaty as they come. Justin purchased the rear over kit, (adding +30mm to the fender width to accommodate the travel clearances for the 10.5” wide wheels) and installed it as a true wide body; the OEM quarter panel was given clearance for the larger rim and tire combo, and the inner and outer fender pieces were bonded to prevent rust and particulate from getting into the trunk area. To give it visual balance, he wrapped the finished product in the same digital snow camo vinyl as the front.
“When I purchased the rear-overs, I contacted V:S and asked if they were interested in sponsorship.” Justin explained, “They liked the car, and sponsored me-along with Touge Factory-a vendor for V:S.”

There is a story behind the choice of camo vinyl. When Justin bought the car- if you recall-its front fenders needed replacing.

Justin remarked, “Someone who shouldn’t roll fenders, did roll fenders, and ruined them. I bought new fenders-but they only came in primer black. It was more cost effective to vinyl wrap them than to paint them. When I went to order the vinyl online, I saw they had a new digital snow camo. This is when the Navy was about to switch over to the digital camo working uniform. For me, it was a nod to what I do for a living, but it has really gotten the car noticed.”
To balance that generous backside, Justin acquired “The Evo Dave Fender Mod”; a custom spacer that adjusts the stock front fenders- flaring them out from the frame as you near the doors- to accommodate those wider wheels. The total effect is muscular, aggressive.
Add to that the Seibon Carbon fiber Hood and Trunk; JDM Evo IX front and rear bumpers, an Orign-Lab Carbon fiber 68" GT Wing, and tons of Rexspeed Carbon fiber goodies, the effect is terrifying-In a fast as hell, and looks it-kind of way.

As I mentioned before; Justin is a Function over Form guy, so this Evo had to be more than just a scary face. He installed GSC S2 274 Cams, Helix Cam Gears, and Ferrea Dual Valve Spring W/ TI Retainers into the head; and upgraded the turbo setup with a Precision Turbo: 6162DBB turbo, 46mm External Wastegate, 1200cc Injectors, and a HDI Intercooler. These, a few other choice bolt-ons, an excellent tune by Freddie at Spec-Ops Motorsports-and this car dials in at a fierce 477hp and 351wtq.

When I asked him “What is next-for a guy with a nearly 500hp daily?” Justin smiled,”I still have a “Mods Wanted” list a mile long! I think it might always be a work in progress.