Baseline
Pros
The Evo X offers performance results
straight from the showroom to the track. The factory-rated 291 hp and 300 lb-ft
of torque 2.0L mill was engineered to pump out an impressive 145.5hp-per-liter
displacement. The largest horsepower per liter in its class, among numerous
refinements and improvements from the previous 4G63 power plant to the 4B11
engine is the use of a MIVEC variable valve timing system used on both intake
and exhaust camshafts, whereas its previous ancestor only used one.
Baseline
Cons
The TD05HA-152G6-12T factory turbo offers
great low to midrange power, but because of its smaller-sized turbine, increased
exhaust backpressure reduces the engine’s ability to “breath” effectively at
high rpm, adversely affecting peak horsepower. Our initial baseline Dyno pull
revealed the Evo X’s boost pressure would peak to 22 psi of boost before
tapering down to 13 psi by redline.
2008
Mitsubishi Evolution X
Notes
Strapped to the dyno, we made a series of
pulls to obtain a good baseline horsepower rating. At the Dynamic Autosports
Mustang dyno, known by many to be one of the stingier Dynos in California, the
car belted out 237 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Factory turbocharged vehicles’
ECUs come programmed with an excessively rich air/fuel ratio as a safety margin
to minimize engine failure due to detonation. With the aid of an Innovate
air/fuel ratio meter to monitor the engine, we recorded our Evo running a 9.3:1
air/fuel ratio at full boost much richer than need be.
DC Sport DCS exhaust system
DC
Sport DCS exhaust system
Parts
Exhaust, mid-pipe, nuts and bolts, gaskets,
and stickers
Tools
10, 12, and 14mm sockets; 10, 12, and 14mm
open-end wrenches; ratchet; extension; crescent wrench; and WD-40
Installation time
100 minutes
Pros
The DC Sports exhaust system features dual
2.5-inch mandrel-bent piping, high-flow mufflers for optimum performance and is
finished with dual 4-inch polished 304 stainless tips. DC Sports exhaust system
are CNC mandrel bent from T304 stainless steel, hand-welded, feature a
straight-through muffler core, include solid hangers that utilize the factory
mounting locations, and come with complete hardware for ease of installation.
Cons
Due to the DC Sports exhaust’s three-piece
design, we suggest asking for assistance to help speed up the installation
process.
Notes
The exhaust system was installed and the
Evo was spun on the Dyno without any additional tuning most exhaust
modifications don’t necessitate it, and we figured any improvements in airflow
would serve to lean out our already rich air/fuel ratios into proper territory.
Dyno testing the exhaust revealed an increase in power and torque throughout
the power band, with peak gains of 4hp and 4 lb-ft of torque. Low rpm figures
remained consistent with stock Dyno numbers but we noticed a change at 4,350
rpm with an increase of 8hp and 7 lb-ft of torque. Both torque and horsepower
numbers maintained a consistent range of 6 to 8hp up until 4,830 rpm. An
increase was present once again at 5,130 rpm; Dyno charts show the largest
margin in pickup of 10hp and 11 lb-ft of torque at 6,150 rpm, and once again at
6,570 rpm as we see a steady increase in numbers continue till redline.
AMS performance intake
AMS
performance intake
Parts
AMS Performance intake, air filter,
crankcase breather hose, four-ply silicone couplers, silicone BOV return hose,
hose clamps, heat shield, stickers, and instructions
Tools
8, 10, and 12mm socket; 10mm open-end
wrench; ratchet; extension; screwdriver; and pliers
Installation time
50 minutes
Pros
AMS Performance offers a 3-inch
mandrel-bent aluminum intake system that not only improves the rather
bland-looking engine bay of the Evo but also has the performance numbers to
back it up. The intake pipe is professionally TIG-welded in-house using 3-inch
mandrel-bent aluminum. A key feature with the intake system is the BOV
recirculation tube entry angle, which is completely in line with the air
induction path avoiding turbulence and maintaining excellent airflow. The
intake kit is available in both polished and black wrinkle coated.
Cons
Removal of the factory intake requires cooling
the engine down, since the throttle-body inlet clamp rests directly above the
turbo and manifold. The AMS Performance intake is a tight fit and may require
the installer to systematically maneuver it toward the corner of the engine
bay, but take precaution not to smash or bend the filter when attempting to
install the new unit.
Notes
The AMS short ram intake posted some
impressive numbers with an increase in power over our previous exhaust run by 8hp
and 11 Ib-ft of torque. The intake showed gains across the board from 2,614 rpm
to redline with the largest gains of 16hp at 6,474 rpm and 18 Ib-ft of torque
at 4,130 rpm.
