Power Pages: 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse (Talon)

Owner: Castillo
Dynamometer model: Dynamic Test Systems Australia

DYNO 1: BASELINE

Baseline air temp @ 75.4 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 183.6
Peak TQ 198.6

Baseline Horsepower: 183.6
Baseline Torque: 198.6

Pros: The power level is only .7 difference from our last session.

Cons: Torque figures are off from our last session. If you examine the graph, there is a spike at 3300 rpm and this is caused by the dyno loading the engine before starting its initial run. Actual torque is 170 at 5200 rpm.

DYNO 2: APEXi N1 DOWNPIPE

Air temp @ 71.9 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 3.5 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 219.9
Peak TQ 228.7

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0-3
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 4-8
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 25-75
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 15-41
5500 to Redline: NA
5500 to Redline: NA
Peak Horsepower: 219.9 @ 5100rpm
Peak Torque: 228.7

Part includes: one-piece downpipe, two gaskets two 14mm bolts with nuts.

Dyno notes : During the dyno run the boosted passed the stock setting and hit a peak of 17psi before hitting the factory fuel cut. It appears that with the removal of the cat and larger A'PEXi piping, the turbo was able to push out much more free-flowing exhaust. We decided to use an HKS Fuel Cut Defencer to fix the problem. Once again, peak torque was made on a loaded spike. Although we were never able to do a complete run, we knew torque would have hit peak around 5200 rpm.

Pros: The downpipe is a complete bolt-on unit. It comes in 70mm and is coated in rust-free heat paint. The downpipe also comes with new gaskets to prevent it from leaking.

Cons: I don't know if this is actually a con but the A'PEXi downpipe removes the factory catalytic. Keep in mind that when you remove such things, boost is bound to jump up and in our case it shot up to 17psi before hitting fuel cut.

Tools required for installation: 12-, 14- and 19mm sockets, 12-inch extension ratchet, 14mm wrench

DYNO 3: HKS FUEL CUT DEFENCER

Air temp @ 75.9 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 3.5 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 267.1
Peak TQ 252.8

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0-5
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 0-5
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 2-18
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 5-15
5500 to Redline: NA
5500 to Redline: NA
Peak Horsepower: 267.1
Peak Torque: 252.8

Part includes: Fuel Cut Defencer, two bullet connectors, three T taps and double-sided tape for mounting.

Dyno notes: With the FCD we were able to do a complete run on the dyno. Another thing we noticed when we installed the FCD was that the boost went from spiking at 17psi to leveling off at 15psi.

Pros: Since the factory ECU is located in the center console, wiring the FCD is easy.

Cons: Technically, we could have fooled the fuel cut on the computer by removing the smaller section of the mass air sensors honeycomb and the fuel cut would not kick in. This also makes the idle a little rougher. We feel that the best way to fix this is by using an FCD. So before all you DSM guys tell me what's right and wrong about fuel cut, you have to admit the FCD does fix the problem.

Tools required for installation: 10mm socket & ratchet, Philips screwdriver, pliers and crimpers.

DYNO 4: HOLLEY 255 LPH FORCED INDUCTION FUEL PUMP

Air temp @ 76.9 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 1 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP 290.3
Peak TQ 278.4

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 0-1
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: -2
3500 to 5500 HP Range: 0-25
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 0-10
5500 to Redline: 8-10
5500 to Redline: 2-12
Peak Horsepower: 290.3
Peak Torque: 278.4

Part includes: fuel pump, filter, O-ring, two spacers and two Holley stickers.

Dyno notes: Considering it took no time at all to install the pump, this part was able to get the car to be 10-horsepower shy of the 300 mark.

Pros: The pump is a factory replacement that is a little smaller in size but with the fittings that are included with the Holley pump, it becomes 100-percent bolt in.

Cons: The wire is different from the factory wiring. The OEM unit uses ring connectors while the Holley unit uses female quick disconnects. The connectors are not included in the kit.

Tools required for installation: Phillips screwdriver, 8mm socket & ratchet, two female quick disconnect connectors and crimpers.

Conclusion: A two-hour-and-15-minute install netted a total of 106.7 horsepower and 79.8 lb-ft of torque. We only did six small modifications and are still on the stock turbo and that has me curious as to how far we can take the car in street trim.