Dyno 1: Baseline2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
Peakhp 291.7 / Peak Tq 285.2
* Owner
Michael Flatley
* Dynamometer Model
XS Engineering DTS
All-Wheel-Drive Dynamometer
Pros
Rated at 276bhp and 286 lb-ft of torque directly from the factory, the Mitsubishi Evolution VIII and it's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine have made a strong impression within the sport compact market, with rally-inherited roots and a powerful engine to back its sporty looks. With so many EVOs on the road today, we thought it was only logical to develop a power page suited for those individuals looking for more than just the typical exhaust, downpipe and air filter package. We tracked down a mildly built EVO already sporting an RS*R turbo back exhaust system, an A'PEXi short ram intake system, a Walboro 255lph fuel pump, and 850cc RC Engineering injectors - all tuned with an A'PEXi Power FC (d-jetro).
Cons
A pass on the dyno revealed the vehicle's A'PEXi AVC-R was previously adjusted to 20psi of boost, perhaps to compensate for the factory turbo which is often found to taper off in boost level at higher rpms.
Notes
Our baseline run displayed an uncharacteristic drop in horsepower at 6300rpm, which can likely be attributed to the previous tuning performed on the vehicle by an undisclosed tuner.
Pros
XS Engineering developed their RaceMax GT-R core intercooler system with the knowledge that overall improvements in heat dissipation and reduction in boost pressure loss over the factory intercooler can benefit the milder to wilder EVOs roaming the streets. Measuring in at 24x11x3 inches in diameter, the XS RaceMax intercooler was designed as a simple bolt-in kit with the ability to use either the factory intake pipes or an aftermarket hard pipe system such as the XS Engineering hard pipe kit.
Cons
There's not much to complain about with the XS intercooler setup unless you're the type who doesn't appreciate a larger, in-your-face setup that will benefit your 4G63 powerplant when scrounging for more horsepower.
Parts
Intercooler, silicone hoses, hose clamps, mounting brackets, bolts, stickers, instruction manual.
Tools
10-, 12- and 14mm socket, ratchet, extension, screwdriver and various box wrenches
Installation Time
60 minutes
Notes
With the benefits of using a larger intercooler also comes the ability to run additional timing and a leaner air/fuel ratio, which attributes to more horsepower. XS Engineering fine-tuned the Power FC, knocking out some timing and achieving a smoother dyno graph. A gain of 16.5 wheel hp and 13.2 lb-ft was gained with the intercooler upgrade. Dyno graphs show an increase in both torque and horsepower from 2000rpm till redline with the largest pickup at higher rpms.
Dyno 2:
Xs Engineering Power
Intercooling Upgrade
Peakhp 308.2 / Peak Tq 298.4
* Horsepower Gain
* 2000 to 3500 HP range: 5 to 6
* 3500 to 5500 HP range: 5 to 13
* 5500 to red line HP range: 7 to 14
* Torque Gain
* 2000 to 3500 TQ range: 9 to 11
* 3500 to 5500 TQ range: 6 to 16
* 5500 to red line TQ range: 5 to 18
Pros
Straight from the factory, the Mitsubishi EVO is equipped with a corrugated factory rubber inlet and outlet pipe. Why did Mitsubishi do this you ask? The answer is quite simple. It's an easy, cost effective design for Mitsubishi. Unfortunately, this rubber pipe setup has its drawbacks. As your engine increases boost and horsepower, the factory pipes will expand, causing the turbo to work twice as hard to obtain the same horsepower and boost level. Using the XS Engineering RaceMax hard pipe kit enables EVO owners to increase boost capacity while increasing throttle response.
Cons
With the design of the larger intake pipes, the tighter engine room area restricts you from using the factory airbox. XS Engineering recommends using other aftermarket intakes such as the A'PEXi aluminum induction box or ARC induction box.
Parts
Intake pipes, silicone hoses, hose clamps, instructions, stickers
Tools
10-, 12- and 14mm combination wrench, 10-, 12- and 14mm socket, ratchet, extension, screwdriver
Installation Time
60 minutes