With all-wheel drive power distribution and grip, putting down horsepower is not a problem for any Evo. But the driver is a whole different story. The Evo 8 comes standard with a set of incredible, reclining Recaro seats, but they weren't enough for Filoteo's build. A set of red JIC Magic reclining bucket seats was installed on top of JIC Magic seat rails. Paired with Takata harnesses, the sporty seats give maximum grip and strength, even during unfortunate situations where the six-point Cusco rollcage has to be used. The steering wheel is a Nardi sport unit with red stitching, held on by a Nardi ring adaptor and Splash short steering wheel hub. In plain view from the JIC buckets, a Power Enterprise combination boost controller and gauge keeps Filoteo aware of how much force feeding his Evo is experiencing. Beyond all those driver support and management modifications, the only bow to luxury inside is the touch screen capable Pioneer AVIC-N1 CD/DVD/MP3/navigation head unit. Trust us, once you have a navigation unit inside your car keeping you from ever getting lost again, you'll wonder how you drove without one.
Keeping with his intended time attack car motif, Filoteo didn't fill the car with excess stereo equipment or heavy bondo-filled bodywork. Everything on the car is fully functional and made for a purpose. The exterior cladding on this Evo is reminiscent of the monstrous Cyber Evo, and was installed mainly to allow wider rubber at all the corners. The front bumper is by C-West, fit with Chargespeed wide fenders and side steps, which make room for some 18x9 Advan Racing RS wheels with 235/40/18 Advan A048 tires. The A048 tires provide near race tire quality and grip, and there is plenty more room for even wider tires later on. A Seibon Gialla-style carbon-fiber hood and carbon trunk were installed to shed a few pounds from the Evo, but the rear wing remains stock. A Voltex Type V rear wing is in Filoteo's possession, but has not yet been installed.
Upgrading the Evo's underpinnings in anticipation of hitting the track, Filoteo fit the Mitsubishi with JIC Magic's finest FLTA2 fully adjustable monotube coilovers. Installed and setup in-house at High End Performance, the coilovers are one of the keys to the capability of this particular Evo. The other key is the monstrous Project Mu forged brake calipers, two-piece SRC-Pro brake rotors, Teflon brake lines, and high performance brake pads. Replacing the already capable stock Brembo pieces, the Project Mu setup provides even higher limits of braking power and heat retention.
Plugging away at this Evo in a frenzied rush during the month prior to Nisei Showoff, Filoteo could be found taking bets on whether he'd finish building the car at all. Much to his unexpected happiness, he not only finished the car, but Filoteo ended up taking home the 1st Place honors in his class. Since then, this Evo has taken home three more 1st Place Best Mitsubishi awards, and was soon representing Advan Racing in the Mackin Industries SEMA booth. Not too bad for a car originally picked up only as a performance upgrade.
Behind the build
Name: Brian Filoteo
Age: 25
Hometown: Oxnard, Ca
Occupation: V.P. Of High End Performance Inc.
Hobbies: Playing Guitar, Photography
Build Time: 4 Months
Feedback: AKUMATOSESTYLE@GMAIL.COM