6 April 2008, 13:34 in

Evo IX mods

For a while I have had some modifications in mind for my Evo IX. Over the Christmas period I finally got around to having some of the work done, which included the following:

Evo IXEvo IX

Engine

Handling

Braking

Interior & Audio

Aesthetics

In standard form the car made 199 hp (148.5 kW) at all four wheels. After engine modifications and tuning, it made 264.8 hp (197.5 kw), which is a 33% gain. Assuming that in standard form the engine made 208 kW (as per the specifications), it should now have about 277 kW. It feels like it has a lot more midrange and is really willing to go. The HKS EVC has two boost settings, 1.1 bar and 1.6 bar.

Here are two dyno sheets. The first shows power and torque in tuned form, and the second shows standard vs tuned power.

Evo IX dyno sheet (Jan 2008) - power and torqueEvo IX dyno sheet (Jan 2008) - standard vs tuned

The head unit install allows me to play MP3s from CD-Rs which is convenient, and the combination of better front speakers, more amplifier grunt, and sound deadening have improved the sound a lot. Unfortunately this is largely offset by the loud exhaust system.

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16 December 2007, 08:56 in

Evo X preview

I received a pass to the preview of the new Mitsubishi Evo X which was on at Burswood on Thursday evening. I snapped a few photos which was difficult because it was quite dark in the room and there were so many people in the way all the time.

Evo X preview at Burswood (13 Dec 2007)Evo X preview at Burswood (13 Dec 2007)Evo X preview at Burswood (13 Dec 2007)Evo X preview at Burswood (13 Dec 2007)Evo X preview at Burswood (13 Dec 2007)Evo X preview at Burswood (13 Dec 2007)

The Evo X will still use a 2L, four cylinder, turbocharged engine. The most significant technological additions are the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC), and the choice of an automated paddle shift transmission (normal manual transmission also available). I was told the Evo X will go on sale in Australia in March 2008.

I wouldn’t call any of the Evo models “beautiful” in terms of appearance, but I still like the tough and purposeful looks of the VII, VIII, and IX. The IX has a nice blend of hard and soft lines. I hated the first concept photos I saw of the Evo X, and have to admit that it looks much better in the flesh than it does in photos. I don’t like the two-tone plastic grill at the front (more evident on the red car), or the rear of the car (especially the spoiler). I think the dark grey car looks better than the red one. I noticed the interior was nicer than the IX and felt like it had more room.

It seems Evo X will be somewhat more powerful, slightly larger, more expensive, yet heavier and overall slightly slower than the IX. I guess this is likely the result of Mitsubishi trying to make the car appeal to a wider audience. I think it’s a shame because the Evo was one of the few hard edged performance cars in its price range, and now it too is being dulled for increased comfort and livability.

More information:

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11 October 2007, 20:04 in

AHG performance driving course

On Sunday I attended a performance driving course at AHG, which is near the Perth International Airport. The night before I set all four tyres on my Evo IX to a pressure of 40 psi and removed all loose items from the car. I often see people driving around with various items on their rear parcel shelf; they don’t seem to realise that under hard braking or in a crash, these items can become lethal projectiles. We had to wear long pants and and long sleeved shirts, closed shoes, and a helmet.

We had two instructors and eleven participants. The course started with a short theory session with some Powerpoint slides, explaining basic safety rules, and performance driving concepts such as seating position, only braking in a straight line, smoothness, slow in fast out for corners, looking ahead, understeer and oversteer, etc.

After the theory session we went out to the skidpan where the instructors set up various courses using street cones. They provided us with maps with the various courses numbered, so they could tell us “we are now doing course number 7”, and we would vaguely know what path to drive. One car would go at a time, and the two instructors would hop into your car and give tips as you drove.

While all the theory was simple to understand, it was hard to actually put it into practice! My first couple of runs out were awkward – I was over-correcting and was giving way too much input on the throttle (too on/off), braking while cornering, wasn’t looking ahead past the next obstacle, and wasn’t taking good lines around the track. The car was violently pitching and rolling all over the place with tyres squealing.

Me on the skidpan in the Evo IX.

I asked one of the instructors to have a drive of my car so I could observe how it should feel. Let’s just say I was amazed at what the Evo could do!! I remember thinking “shit, there’s no way were’ going to make this corner”, or “we’re going way to fast here”, etc, but due to the smooth inputs, separation of braking and cornering, looking ahead on the track and choosing appropriate lines, and so on, the car handled it with no problem. Impressive.

Some of the cars in our group at the AHG driving course

I carefully listened to the instructor’s feedback during and after each run, and each time I went out I tried to work on one or two of the things that I knew I was doing wrong. I initially felt quite frustrated, but was improving steadily; each run felt better than the last. They changed the course three times and each time it took a little getting used to before you could drive it with confidence.

By the end of the driving (which went from about 9am to midday) I felt like I had improved massively compared to before. Not perfect by any means, but I was braking in a straight line into corners and properly doing the slow in, fast out, looking and thinking ahead and planning my lines appropriately, smoother with my throttle inputs through the slalom, and so on.

The skidpan was a great safe way to push the limits of yourself and your vehicle without worrying about damaging it on a kerb or rolling it, or hurting anyone else. The instructors were great drivers and very good at explaining and demonstrating what we should be doing. We were all exhausted after it as driving above your comfort level requires a lot of concentration and is quite stressful. It was a really good positive learning experience and I am keen to do it again to build on my skills (before I forget it all). Highly recommended!

Our group at the AHG performance driving course

More photos are in the gallery. Cheers to Brandon for organising the day, and thanks to Alex Yoong for the great photos!

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29 May 2007, 10:17 in

Evo IX plans

Before buying an Evo IX, I did quite a bit of research on these cars, and the sorts of modifications that people commonly carry out on them. Recently I’ve spent some time on the EvolutionOz.net forums doing more reading and researching.

The Evo IX is already a very good package as it comes from the factory and there is nothing wrong with it. However, for a small outlay, you can considerably improve the performance without putting undue stress on the engine.

I am planning to perform the following modifications:

A boost gauge is a good idea for any turbo car because it allows you to quickly see if something is wrong – too much or too little boost. I chose an electronic Defi gauge and control unit; it’s stylish and the amber on black colour scheme should match the rest of the dashboard nicely.

Some of the biggest power gains will come from the ECU retune. It is possible to reprogram the factory ECU on Evo IXs so this is a good option instead of purchasing an aftermarket programmable ECU. RaceWorks use free open-source OpenECU software and can send pre-made maps; they can custom tune your car but this is not an option for me as they are based in Sydney. Race Torque Engineering use the EcuTek system, and All Star Garage use the Verso system. At the moment I am leaning towards the Verso tune.

The biggest restriction in the factory exhaust is the front pipe, but good gains can be had replacing the whole system from the turbo back. I chose an Invidia cast stainless steel dump pipe, Raceworks stainless front pipe, high-flow cat, and Trust PE Ti-R titanium cat-back exhaust system.

The factory airbox is said to be a good design so there is no point going for a pod filter. Replacing the panel filter in the factory air box with a higher-flowing Ralliart panel filter should net some small gains.

Apparently the stock boost control is a bit all over the place, and a good electronic boost controller will help the boost stay more steady throughout the rev range. It will also allow quick and easy switching of boost levels to suit the occasion. I chose the HKS EVC boost controller as it is considered to be one of the best available, and it is tastefully designed so it won’t look too out of place in the cabin.

The factory blow-off valve can leak at higher boost. Apparently Evos have problems with atmospheric vented blow-off valves so it is best to stay with blow-off valve that vents back into the inlet. I chose to go with the all-metal Ralliart blow off valve.

These engine mods will produce enough power to put the factory fuel pump at near maximum capacity so it is a good idea to upgrade it with something bigger. I went with a Walbro 255L/hr replacement in-tank pump.

To improve the handling a little, I am going to install a rear strut brace, thicker rear swaybar, and lowered springs. The swaybar will make the biggest difference and should reduce understeer slightly. The lowered springs are mainly for looks.

The brakes in the Evo work well but I’m not particularly impressed with how they feel. I heard that a brake boost support (basically a bracket that prevents stuff from flexing) and braided brake lines would make a nice difference to the brake feel.

I’m currently waiting on these parts to arrive; once they do I will arrange to get them fitted and get the car tuned. Expect more updates in the near future!

Comments [3]

29 April 2007, 11:03 in

My Evo IX and Chris' Evo VI

My friend Chris just bought a white Lancer Evo VI. It’s a 1999 model with a few mods including an exhaust, pod filter, blow off valve, boost gauge, and MP3 head unit. It feels a little more raw than my Evo IX, which is a bit more soft and refined. My car remains totally stock except for some window tinting.

The weather was beautiful yesterday so we went for a drive and took some photos of our cars.

My silver Evo IX and Chris's white Evo VI

There are more photos in the gallery.

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11 September 2006, 17:48 in

StopTech technical white papers

I was reading the EvolutionOz forums and came across a link to some technical white papers on car brakes on the StopTech website. I haven’t had a good look yet but there seems to be some good information there.

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10 September 2006, 11:31 in

Lancer Evolution IX

I got my new car a few days ago… It’s a silver Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.

Lancer Evo IX Lancer Evo IX

The steering is direct and precise, and the handling and level of grip is absolutely amazing! The engine is strong with plenty of mid range torque. It’s a really easy car to drive, with light controls and a comfortable driving position. The interior features decent bucket seats, and it has enough room to seat four people fairly comfortably, along with a spacious boot. I absolutely love it!

If you’re interested in Lancer Evolutions you may want to check out the EvolutionOz forums. It’s a really good resource, full of helpful friendly people. The US-based evolutionm.net is also full of good info.

More photos in the gallery.

Comments [3]

23 July 2006, 12:04 in

Skyline is sold

I sold my Skyline today! Here’s one last picture of it…
My Skyline R33 GTS-25T

It hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I’m sad to see it go, but also very excited because I can now start seriously looking for a new car!!!

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