Dyno And Facility: Xs Engineering
Testing & Installation: Luke Munnell And Stephen Rhim Of G-Dimension
Pros
With all the coverage of wildly modified, track-prepped EVO Xs you've seen in our magazine as of late, we don't want you to think that all-out, race modification of the EVO X is the only way to go. The car is equally as much of a performer on the street-especially the traffic-friendly, twin-clutch MR. An automatic, yes, but one capable of lightning-quick shifts and huge power-holding potential, without decreasing output or reliability like popular "slush box" trannies of days past. And best of all, it's still connected to the same 4B11 as the GSR.
Cons
None, really. Different strokes for different folks; sure, the five-speed GSR is the platform of choice for the race guys, but the EVO MR brings more options and creature comforts, and will most likely prove to be the more popular of the two among those looking for a strong commuter that will still blow the doors off the turbo Civic in the next lane.
Notes
The EVO X is still new, and for most who buy one, keeping its warranty intact will be a major concern, as well as not spending a ton of money modifying a car that likely came with a hefty monthly payment. Because of this, we elected to test three important, yet mild modifications to the MR that increase its power output without breaking the bank... or the warranty.
Pros
Drop-in installation, a lifetime warranty, and large power gains across the board make us wonder why Mitsu didn't make this product standard equipment on its EVO Xs. Add K&N's CARB certification, and if you don't fit your X with one of these, you've got problems.
Cons
The drop-in filter didn't free-up as much power as the full replacement intake unit we tested in the July issue, but then again, we didn't expect it to. For those of you who want ultimate power, K&N makes a full unit as well.
Parts
Filter, CARB E.O. number, Sticker
Tools
None
Installation Time
2 minutes
Notes
K&N is slower to market new parts than a lot of manufacturers out there for one main reason; they genuinely engineer each part from the ground up, with components specifically tailored for each vehicle. What this means is that if one of their filters for another car happpens to fit the MR, they won't just re-badge it for the MR; they'll create a new one that they can guarantee will bring your car the best bang for your buck.
Pros
TIG-welded, full stainless steel construction with a burnt titanium tip; quiet, yet straight-through design; a lifetime guarantee, and solid power improvement across the board - the GReddy unit increased the performance, sound, and appearance of the EVO MR without attracting undue attention or decreasing reliability.
Cons
None.
Parts
Exhaust, hardware, gaskets
Tools
14mm socket, extension, and wrench, WD-40, hanger tool
Installation Time
1 hour
Notes
Exhausts are a sure-fire way to improve the power output of nearly any car, and applying GReddy's Ti-C unit to our MR proved no different. Sound increased, but only deeper, more aggressive tones - not the raspy, high-pitched noise that will make your $30K performance sedan sound like a rolling kazoo.
Pros
Freeing up exhaust flow near the engine/turbo is a vital step in improving power of turbocharged vehicles. By allowing gasses to exit the engine faster and more completely, the turbo(s) can spin more freely, and wastegate actuation becomes easier. Since removing the catalyst of any street-going car isn't exactly legal, we did the next best thing with our MR, by swapping its stock pea-shooter downpipe for GReddy's large-diameter, stainless steel unit. The piece uses factory hardware and gaskets, and boasts the same high quality construction as their exhaust previously added, with matching diameter piping for a seamless merge into and out of the factory catalyst.