The Engine
When Mitsubishi fans hear the name Lancer, the first thing that comes to mind is the non-U.S. Domestic Market Evolution nameplate, powered by a turbocharged 4G63 motor and all-wheel drive that's at home on a paved road course as it is on a dirt and gravel back road. Unfortunately, the 2002 Lancer that's available State-side is powered by a 2.0L, SOHC 16-valve motor known, alphanumerically, as the 4G94. Static compression checks in at 9.5:1 with an 81.5 mm bore and 95.8mm stroke. The cast iron engine block is a pretty hefty weight fine for the Lancer, but this is somewhat offset by the aluminum cylinder head. The motor redlines at 6000rpm and, no, the OZ-Rally model doesn't add anything extra but a few exterior amenities.
When we say the 4G94 motor is "unfortunate" it's not because the motor lacks power-checking in at 120 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque-but it lacks the power available to its Japanese and European siblings. Fear not, brave tuner, we are going to make sure that the "underpowered" moniker doesn't stay around for long.
Performance Components
The aftermarket has yet to embrace the USDM Lancer, but Dave Buschur and his crazy cronies at Buschur Racing have already put the engine under the knife and seem to have come up with the first readily available parts for the car, in spite of a full and hectic race season ahead of them. So, thanks to the boys at Buschur, we will be testing the bolt-on basics: intake, exhaust and an off-road test-pipe.
The BR Racing intake system consists of a mild steel intake pipe, Buschur Racing Dual-cone filter element, and all the required clamps and couplings. With limited space available in the engine compartment, the intake is a short-elbow style that's designed to flow a larger volume of air than the restrictive factory airbox. Cool air is supplied by the factory venting that directs air to the rear area of the engine compartment, where the intake resides. The elbow is bent using the popular Mandrel technique, which prevents kinking and creasing of the material, and then powdercoated in a glossy black finish to insure unit integrity and durability.
The exhaust system provided by BR Racing is constructed of 304 stainless steel. The muffler canister is a Dynomax stainless-steel version that is mated to a custom, sporty 4-in. muffler tip. The piping is also Mandrel bent and, like all of Buschur's exhaust systems, this allows the entire exhaust unit to retain the same inner diameter (I.D.) from start to finish. There are no reducers, resonators, or kinked bends in any of the exhaust systems produced by Buschur, so you can rest assured that this is a true 2.5-in. I.D. system.
Buschur Racing has also prototyped a test pipe for track and off-road use. The unit is designed to occupy the OEM catalytic converter dimensions, retaining the "factory look" heat-shield. The pipe is MIG/TIG welded for structural durability and includes all the necessary mounting hardware and gaskets, and connects to both factory and aftermarket exhaust systems.
By Gary Castillo
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