Dynamometer Model:
HB Speed Dynomite Dynamometer
Cam Installation: HB Speed
Ecu Tuning: Jon Drenas
Baseline
Pros
With the popularity of the Mitsubishi EVO IX and its ever-growing presence on the streets and local race tracks, it was only logical to develop a Power Pages suited for those looking for more than just the typical exhaust, downpipe, and air filter package. We organized this month's to follow the same three-step format 2NR has followed for the past 12 years, but decided to add a slight twist; rather than starting with an un-modified car, we tracked down a street-tuned EVO, equipped with a Cosworth CNC ported big-valve cylinder head; HKS Super Racing Suction intake and Kansai carbon fiber induction box; AMS fuel surge tank with external pump; Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold, turbine outlet pipe, downpipe, aluminum high-flow fuel rail; XS Engineering front-mount intercooler; M1 Fabrication custom intercooler piping; RC Engineering 1,000cc/min injectors; Sard fuel pressure regulator; and Fujitsubo Super Ti turbo-back exhaust.
Cons
The Mitsubishi EVO GSR, powered by a 4G63 powerplant, uses MIVEC variable valve timing to deliver 286 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque from the factory. Using a TD05HR-16G6C-10.5T turbocharger, the EVO unit offers great low- to mid-range power, but because of its smaller turbine, increased exhaust backpressure reduces the engine's ability to "breathe" effectively at high rpm, adversely affecting peak horsepower. Our initial baseline dyno pull with a reflashed ECU revealed the EVO IX's stock boost pressure would peak at 22 psi with the aid of an electronic boost controller, before tapering down to 18 pounds of boost by redline.
Notes
HB Speed in Fountain Valley, CA, provided a reflash and tune of the factory ECU following each product installed to maximize the potential of each part added. Jon Drenas, HB Speed owner and tuning guru, created a custom map to un-tap power, resulting in a baseline of 358 hp and 288.9 lb-ft of torque at the EVO IX's wheels.
Tomei ARMS M7960 Turbine
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Horsepower Gain
2,000 to 3,500 range: 8.0 to 8.6
3,500 to 5,500 range: 11.2 to 20.7
5,
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Parts
Turbocharger, outlet pipe, gaskets, coolant lines, copper washers, eye bolts, oil return line, nuts and bolts
Tools
10-, 12-, 14- and 17mm sockets, 10- , 12-, 14- and 17mm open-end wrench ratchet and long extension, flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers, pliers, coolant, torque wrench, WD-40
Installation Time
120 minutes
Pros
The Tomei Arms M7960 turbine was designed as a factory bolt-on upgrade for the EVO IX, offering increased horsepower with minimal lag. In comparison to the factory EVO IX 16G turbo, the ARMS M7960 20G is equipped with a larger 60mm trim compressor wheel versus the factory 50mm wheel, and a 53.50mm compressor inlet versus the factory 41.00mm inlet, with the capability of flowing up to 640 cfm. Typically, swapping out the factory turbocharger for a larger unit delivers an increase in horsepower at higher rpm, but comes with the trade-off of diminished boost response. Tomei USA representative Eiji Mihara states that Tomei's extensive R&D, along with testing various turbine wheel designs and sizes, enabled engineers to design a turbo that offers similar boost response to the factory turbo, but is capable of delivering additional horsepower while maintaining excellent street drivability.
Cons
Installing the Tomei turbo was a straightforward process, considering it was a factory replacement unit with all necessary mounting and hardware components included. As with any aftermarket turbocharger, we recommend having an experienced mechanic install and re-tune your engine following its installation.
Notes
To ensure consistency of both horsepower and torque comparisons, boost pressure remained at 22 psi when testing each turbo. The Tomei Arms M7960 delivered exactly what it claimed, and proof could be seen in the 10hp and 14lb-ft of torque increase from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm, with full boost achieved only 300 rpm later than the factory turbo. From 4,000 rpm to redline, the M7960 out-flowed the factory 16G turbo, delivering a maximum gain of 26 hp and 24 lb-ft of torque, with only a two-pound drop in boost pressure at redline, and the potential for even more boost and power than the stocker can produce.