Power Pages: 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII

Owner: Roshan Harilela
Dynamometer model: Brainstorm Dynamic Test Systems 4WD Dyno

DYNO 1: Baseline
Dyno 1 Baseline: air temp @ 81 Degrees Fahrenheit

Baseline Horsepower: 236.0
Baseline Torque: 239.9 lbs-ft
Peak HP 236.0
Peak TQ 239.9

Part includes: N/A

Dyno notes:The Lancer we tested barely logged 1,000 miles on the odometer and you could still smell the new car scent. This baby was a virgin.

Pros:For a base price of 30K you get an ass-kicking DOHC engine that generates 271 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Beyond the amazing head-jerking launch, the Evo VIII is a blast to drive. The engine pulls like a bat out of hell and the steering is extremely responsive, allowing you to maneuver in and out of traffic with ease. The Recaro seats are, well, Recaro. Nuff said. Anyone fortunate to get their hands on one is a lucky son-of-a-gun.

Cons: One of the obvious drawbacks of any new platform vehicle is the lack of performance goodies for them. However, unlike many new platforms, the Evo VIII had already been available overseas so parts are already available. Choice is limited but parts from simple intakes to full-blown turbo upgrades and forged pistons are already available for the Mitsu.

Tools required for installation: N/A

DYNO 2: AVO CAT-BACK 3-in EXHAUST
Air temp @ 81 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +0 degree Fahrenheit

2000 to 3500 HP average: 18-20
3500 to 5500 HP average: 2-15
5500 to Redline HP average: 2-30
Peak Horsepower: 254.8

000 to 3500 TQ average: 25-33
3500 to 5500 TQ average: 2-17
5500 to Redline TQ average: 2-30
Peak Torque: 253.4

Peak HP 254.8
Peak TQ 253.4

Part includes: Polished high-flow stainless-steel muffler, 3-inch mandrel-bent stainless-steel B-pipe, gaskets, nuts and bolts.

Dyno notes: Turbo vehicles produce a lot of exhaust heat. Make sure you let the car cool down sufficiently and use WD40 on all the nuts, bolts and rubber hangers for easier removal.

Pros: It has been a proven fact that if you increase the exhaust flow on a turbocharged engine you gain power. In our case we gained loads of power with the addition of the AVO 3-inch exhaust system. Also we noticed the turbo reached full boost nearly 500 rpm quicker than before. At one point on the dyno graph we increased the output of the Lancer by 35 horsepower.

Cons: We can't see any drawback of the AVO exhaust except for the slightly larger exhaust tone, but to some that's a good thing.

Tools required for installation: 12- and 14mm sockets, ratchet, 12- and 14mm wrench and WD-40.

InstalL time: 30 MINUTES

DYNO 3: AVO turbo downpipe
Air temp @ 83 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +2 degrees Fahrenheit

2000 to 3500 HP average: 2-5
3500 to 5500 HP average: 2-15
5500 to Redline HP average: -2-8
Peak Horsepower: 256.0

2000 to 3500 TQ average: 10-15
3500 to 5500 TQ average: 2-20
5500 to Redline TQ average: -3-9 Peak Torque: 260.2

Peak HP 256.0
Peak TQ 260.2

Part includes: turbo discharge elbow, gaskets, nuts and bolts

Dyno notes: Again, we can't relay the message enough of allowing the car to cool sufficiently prior to removal. Use WD40 or a similar lubricant to ease the removal of nuts and bolts

Pros: We again noticed quicker turbo spool up with the addition of the AVO downpipe which tells us the factory-cast downpipe was restricting exhaust flow. The downpipe piece also increased the output substantially at some points of the dyno.

Cons: Replacing the downpipe is a straight R&R affair but we do recommend leaving it to the professionals for installation. You can easily strip a nut or bolt causing for some serious headache, not to mention a nasty exhaust leak.

Tools required for installation: 10-, 12- and 14mm socket, ratchet, extension, 10-, 12- and 14mm wrench and WD40.

InstalL time: 40 minutes

DYNO 4: AVO intercooler upgrade
Air temp @ 83 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: 0 degrees Fahrenheit

2000 to 3500 HP average: 8-10
3500 to 5500 HP average: 2-10
5500 to Redline HP average: -5-10
Peak Horsepower: 259.6

2000 to 3500 TQ average: 12-20
3500 to 5500 TQ average: 2-12
5500 to Redline TQ average: -8-12
Peak Torque: 269.4

Peak HP 259.6
Peak TQ 269.4

Part includes: Bar-and-plate front-mount intercooler, silicone hoses and hose clamps.

Dyno notes: When installing any intercooler make sure the silicone hoses are securely tightened to prevent any boost from leaking. Even a slight amount of boost leak can significantly decrease the output of the engine.

Pros: Although the Lancer already comes equipped with a front-mount intercooler, the AVO unit is much larger, allowing for better cooling. This positively reflected on the dyno graph with an increased power output.

Cons: Since the intercooler was a direct replacement for the factory piece the install was rather simple but did require the removal of the front bumper.

Tools required for installation: 10- and 12mm wrench, 12- and 14mm socket, 6-in extension, ratchet, standard and Phillip screwdrivers.

InstalL time: 1-1.5 hours

Conclusion: Only on a turbocharged vehicle can you increase the engine output by 23 horsepower and 30lb-ft of torque with simple bolt-ons. It makes you realize how easy it is to increase the output of a turbo engine versus a normally-aspirated one. If the Lancer wasn't already a blast to drive in stock trim it's even more fun now. Does that mean that a 4WD launch feels better? I wonder...

misc. information
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