Power Pages: 1992 Eagle Talon

Owner: Import Tuner
Dynamometer model: Dynamic Test Systems

DYNO 1: baseline
Air temp @ 65.7 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 157.2
Peak TQ 143.4

Baseline Horsepower: 157.2
Baseline Torque: 143.4

Pros: We inherited the car from one of our advertisers. The running condition of the engine was excellent but the engine compartment was a whole different story.

Cons: Even the earlier owner had no idea about its condition since it has not been registered since '99. After viewing the vehicle's condition, it appears there was an engine fire and the OE engine was swapped with a J-Spec unit. After a quick call to Buschur Racing, we were able to figure out what was on the engine. The original OE turbo and intake manifold were reused on the J-Spec motor.

Dyno notes: This is the first time we have actually had an AWD Mitsubishi on a dyno. We were curious as to how much drivetrain loss we would encounter. Considering the engine is rated at 200 horses, were we amazed that the car was able to put out 157.2 ponies with 143.4 lb-ft of torque.

DYNO 2: HKS POWER FLOW FILTER

Air temp @ 62.5 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 3.2 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak Horsepower 161.8
Peak Torque 149.6

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0 to 3
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 0 to 2
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 3 to 6
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 4 to 7
5500 to Redline HP Range: 3 to 5
5500 to Redline TQ Range: 4

Dyno notes: The filter dynoed consistent on multiple pulls.

Part includes: Filter, air box, six M2 bolts.

Pros: The filter was an easy install and bolted right up to the factory mounting location.

Cons: The only thing required for installation is the removal of the Mass air unit from the factory air box and bolting it into the HKS unit. I hardly think that is a "Con," but we were glad that was the only thing we could complain about.

Tools required for installation: 10- and 12mm sockets, phillips screwdriver.

DYNO 3: APEXi N1 EXHAUST

Air temp @ 62.7 Degrees Fahrenheit Temperature difference from previous run .2 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 178.7
Peak TQ 155.7

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0 to 2
000 to 3500 TQ Range: -2 to 5
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 0 to 7
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: -3 to +8
5500 to Redline HP Range: 12 to 17
5500 to Redline TQ Range: 12 to 16
Peak Horsepower 178.7

Peak Torque 155.7

Dyno notes: Without the baffle the exhaust is pretty loud but not loud enough to wake the city. Plenty of top-end power was made.

Part includes: Muffler, baffle, B pipe, four nuts & bolts, two gaskets.

Pros: The muffler's piping comes in the 3-inch size, which works great for turbo vehicles. Also a bolt-in baffle is provided to lessen the noise. Muffler and tip come in stainless steel trim to aid against rust.

Cons: Since the exhaust is three inches in size, a reducer is needed to connect the system to the factory catalytic converter. This plays a part later in this Power Page when we move on to the downpipe.

Tools required for installation: 12-, 14- and 18mm sockets, 14mm wrench.

DYNO 4: HYPER GROUND WIRES

Air temp @ 64.9 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 2.2 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 184.0
Peak TQ 170.1

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0 to 3
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 0 to 5
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 6 to 16
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 5 to 16
5500 to Redline HP Ra:nge -3 to +8
5500 to Redline TQ Range: -2 to +9
Peak Horsepower: 184.0
Peak Torque 172.1

Part includes: Five ground wires, battery terminal.

Dyno notes: Remember, a 21-percent drivetrain loss is just about right for an AWD car on a dynamic test system dyno. Regardless, after playing with multiple ground points we found that the best ones were as follows: battery to injector resistor's 10mm, battery to throttle cable bracket, bracket to 14mm tranny bolt, bracket to 12mm fuel rail bolt near the coil packs and fuel rail bolt to shock tower bolt.

Pros: In most cases, the Hyper Ground system has never steered us wrong. They are extremely cheap so it's worth trying them out. They work great if you take the time to find good ground points.

Cons: As we stated earlier, the car did have a fire under the hood. We think the wires might have played a part in fixing a problem that might have previously existed from the get go.

Tools required for installation: 10-, 12- and 14-mm sockets

The Parts

Conclusion: With a car that is over ten years old we would have expected many problems that would slow down our testing but in reality, the most time consuming part was finding good ground points on the car for the Hyper Ground system. Whether or not there was a previous problem with the factory harness, the car still made power. Stay tuned for part two.

Performance Chart