Mitsubishi Secrets

Our first Grudge Match video between the MY06 STi and the EVO 9 has over 600,000 views on YouTube already . . . and now we are putting Subaru and Mitsubishi head to head again in Grudge Match 3!

Check out the Grudge Match Preview below:

Grudge Match 3 was run and won recently Wakefield Park Raceway in Goulburn NSW with the MY09 Subaru WRX and RalliArt Lancer going head to head on the track.

We have taken two very similar cars (in very similar situations in the market) and fitted them out with a balanced set of mods that improves both cars from the factory specs. In fact, with both cars, we have even been able to get the power up to match their more expensive cousins, the EVO and the STi…

If you own a RalliArt Lancer or a WRX, then you definitely can’t miss this! But no matter what car you own, this is a great match-up and you can still learn from some of the mistakes we made, and some of the successes had in preparing these cars for the one-on-one showdown in Grudge Match 3.

We want to give you as much information as possible to help you improve your car, the way you want it and that is why we are putting this together for you. We wanted to share our experiences and show you what works and what doesn’t so you can make the right choices that suit your needs and your driving style.

Look out for the preview video that is due out soon and the official release on YouTube will happen on Thursday October 1st.

Check out the Grudge Match 3 website to get more information than ever.

We have a lot of technincal information on the cars we tested and we will explain why we changed the modifications to improve the cars, show you the weaknesses we found and what we capitalised on with the strengths of each car.

Here is a sample of the changes we made to each car:

• MRT (30kw) “XB” Power Up Kit
• Front and rear whiteline sway bars
• DBA rotors
• GFB blow off valve
• MRT sports brake pads
• AP racing brake fluid
• MRT sports springs
• Plus some other upgrades and extra’s…

Visit the Grudge Match 3 website to find out ways to improve your car or just learn more about these particular models we tested at Wakefield Park. Get all the behind the scenes information and additional test reports, interviews and data, sharing everything we possible can about how we got these cars in top shape.

Join now for FREE at http://www.GM3.com.au and leave a comment below to let us know what you think.

I just wanted to share some feedback with you on the EcuTek tune that is available for the Mitsubishi Evo X that I mentioned to you last year.

First released in October last year we have already fitted a number of cars with this upgrade developed through hours of dyno testing and road testing.

The graph below displays how a strong tuning knowledge and careful tuning adjustments can give such an outstanding improvement including a 24% increase in Torque and 21% increase in power over the standard Evo X tune.  In addition, this result was achieved witha  retune of the stock Evo X ECU with EcuTek only – no other modifications.

EcuTek Dyno Tuning

Watch the Mitsubishi Evo X Tuning Videos here.

Cheers

Brett

MRT client David Stelzer, writes a story on how to learn more about your car, and make it quicker with no mechanical changes. In this document, David puts his experience in print and explains how to read a data log and shows how easy you can do it yourself!

Since writing this, David has used his data logger even more and has gained valuable knowledge, on both his own ability as a driver, plus the way parts work on his car and what don’t!

Visit our website to read David’s article: Get Lower Lap Times At The Track

Its a tough ask – but someone has to do it. Mitsubishi’s hot new Evo, the tenth in the series is here and needs a proper test to see how it compares to only to its arch nemesis the Subaru STi, but also its older sibling the Evo IX. MRT need a review by someone who has a bit of experience with the Mitsubishi Evo, and some crazy owner of a brand spanking new lightning blue Evolution MR has lent me their car for the day. So I guide the car north through Sydney’s northern suburbs to stretch its legs on the old Pacific Hwy. The corners beckon . . .

Read the story here: Mitsubishi Evo X Road Text

ECU Tune only using EcuteK Software

Here at MRT we are very motivated to be the first ( in Australia ) to release the upgraded ECU tune of the long awaited Mitsubishi EVO X
Through hours of dyno and road testing, MRT have shown how careful tuning with strong tuning knowledge can result in an improvement that is simply astounding!

24% increse in Torque and
21% increase in power over standard

As usual this upgreade comes with MRT’s legendary factory warranty Guarantee, plus its TRIPLE guarantee!

To benefit from this upgrade contact your local MRT / EcuteK tuner now!

MORE INFO
Incredible stats on standard car
Factory ECU runs 21psi boost standard!
Factory fuel mixtures are super rich 10.5 : 1 Car has twin boost control solenoids Also fitted with air inlet temp sensor and Map sensor All accessible through the EcuteK interface

refer www.MRTperformance.com.au for a dyno graph

Hi Everyone

I want to help you understand the features and benefits of the new Mitsubishi EVO X and explore some of the strengths and weaknesses of the car.

MRT Performance have just purchased a brand new Mitsubishi Evo (stay tuned for some pics and videos of that in the next few days and this car will be the feature of the new STi v Evo Grudge Match that we are working towards.

However, for the moment, I want to let you know what I have been hearing from my industry connections and general feedback from some of MRT’s customers that have already taken delivery of their Evo X.

Depending on where you are in the world you may be suprised by some of the modification packages that are available. Through Mitsubishi UK for example, mainly with the EVO X FQ models, as in FQ320, all of the EVO X models in the UK, as sold as a factory-official car through Mitsubishi UK, actually has a modified converted, factory ECU using EcuTeK tuning software which you might be surprised to know.

That package of upgrades is on all the EVO Xs sold by Mitsubishi UK. On top of that, Mitsubishi UK then offer the EVO X FQ model, and the FQ model standing for an “F-ing quick” car, has been available for quite some time now. If I remember rightly, it started with the EVO 7 and then there’s the EVO 8 and, of course, the EVO 9 and now the EVO X.

The FQ320 EVO X comes with a package of generally HKS modified components—exhaust, hard pipe inlet kit, and some other body kit styling enhancements and things like that—and then, of course, the tuned ECU to bring it all together to make it into a nice reliable package that comes with a full factory warranty guarantee through the Mitsubishi dealer network and, of course, Mitsubishi UK.

What is also a good bit of information is some of this tuning and mapping data is available through the EcuTeK ECU tuning network throughout the world and, of course, through MRT Performance here in Australia and the authorized EcuTeK partners in every state of Australia. The tuning software that is used by Mitsubishi UK is obviously the tuning software that is used by EcuTeK around the world.

Through your local EcuTeK tuner, you can get the factory ECU in your Mitsubishi EVO X converted into a fully adjustable ECU and then increase the performance. Now what will obviously vary is the level of warranty that you’ll get support from your local dealer.

Be very careful when you start modifying, if you choose to modify your EVO X. Because it’s a brand-new car, it uses the new Flash Can technology ECU. Gone are the days where you can do some simple modification and upgrades with hard parts and expect a noticeable improvement in performance because, really, you can’t achieve that anymore particularly with these newer models.

The EVO X ECU is smart enough to realize that there’s been a modification done and what it will then start doing is detuning the performance that you were looking for as a result of say, for example, a modified exhaust and ultimately you can end up with less power than what you start with, obviously, with factory-standard parts. The advantage of converting the factory ECU to an adjustable one allows that all to be brought together as a complete package, tuned and designed to work in harmony with each other.

You may be trying to decide whether you’re going to go for a classic, manual transmission gear box or the semi-automatic, dual-shifting gear box. Based on our experience, you should choose carefully because if you’re going to drive the car hard, early indications are that whilst the seamless-shift, semi-automatic transmission gear box is technically very advanced, the down side is it’s not really up to it when it comes to taking it on the track and giving it a bit of a workout.

We’ve already heard some early examples of these cars with these transmissions being taken to the track and the gear box overheating and effectively putting the car into a limp mode after just a simple couple of laps. Our feedback, to begin with, is effectively to go for the conservative route with your classic manual transmission where you’d get to choose the shift gears yourself.

Obviously, that’s a derivative of the EVO 9 transmission and obviously a lot of “proof in the pudding” so to speak from the previous models from a reliability point of view there. Some of the other things from feedback on the press release launch of speaking to a few test drivers, the new EVO X, technically, is a very advanced car and effectively quicker and more reliable because, obviously, that’s the way technology is going, but probably not as much as a hardcore performance model as was the EVO 9 and the previous EVO models to that.

Mitsubishi, similarly like Subaru, have sort of toned down the new EVO X a little bit to reach what we believe is a broader market. It’s a bit more of a gentleman’s type of performance car than a previous EVO 9. I’ve already had several customers say to me that they believe the EVO 9 is a more fun car to own than the EVO X. I think at the end of the day it really depends on what your angle is and what you plan to use the car for.

Now when it came to picking and choosing between the Subaru Impreza STI and the Mitsubishi EVO 9, if you’re going to drive the car regularly, day-to-day, then the Subaru STI model was a bit more conservative and a bit more enjoyable to drive. If you’re looking for a car that you’re going to regularly take to the track, then the Mitsubishi EVO 9 was the way to go because out of the box it was more of a performance-based, hardcore car and not as broad in its appeal as to the Subaru STI model.

Based on the road test of the Subaru MY08 STI, we believe Subaru has probably broadened its appeal a little bit too much as well and lost some of its focus, i.e., the seats are not as hugging as the previous model. They’re a little bit more designed for a broader-framed person so to speak. It’s a little bit more dulled down.

From our indications so far, Mitsubishi have probably followed a similar route with the EVO X. Whether that continues to be the path that these manufacturers will take in the future, I’m not really too sure. Hopefully that little bit of this information will help you make a decision on what to do to modify your Mitsubishi EVO X or to choose between a Mitsubishi EVO X or a Subaru Impreza STI MY08.

The EVO X, obviously, has a dramatically different engine now from the previous models. It has an all-alloy block. It runs a higher-peak boost level, in fact, a staggeringly higher-peak boost level which, again, makes it even more important to choose your modifications carefully.

Obviously, the orientation of the inlet and the exhaust manifolds on the EVO X is different to the EVO 9, having the inlet manifold at the front now with the exhaust manifold at the rear. Effectively, between the firewall and the engine is now where the turbo sits, which is the completely different orientation to the previous EVO 9 model. That’s going to require a
whole complete new jigging up of, obviously, exhaust systems and components to suit that model.

Obviously, there’s not a lot of carry over with the EVO 9 but, then again, we expected there’s a pretty good reason why Mitsubishi had done that. From impressions, it’s obviously to get the car a bit better balanced in its weight distribution because the exhaust manifold weighs more than the inlet manifold. By moving it backwards, it transfers a little bit more of that weight towards the rear of the car and in theory then obviously makes it handle better.

Again, that gives you a bit more info to compare between the models as well. I’m not going to comment on the body styling or geometry setups or seating position because a lot of that these days is more so a personal choice. Quite a few people commented, “I’m not liking the Subaru MY08 Impreza shape,” but, obviously, over a period of time that tends to grow on people.

Obviously, the Mitsubishi EVO X body shape is dramatically different to the previous model as well. Now being out for a while, it’s not as dramatic in its appearance. I think that’s about it for now.

To get your hands on some Free MP3 Downloads, just visit
http://www.MitsubishiSecrets.com

Cheers

Brett

One of the most common questions we get asked at MRT Performance, literally on a daily and weekly basis, is whether I would buy an Mitsubishi EVO X or an EVO IV compared to a Subaru MY08 STi or an MY07 STi.

I am going to give you a few thoughts on the different models to help you make a judgment on whether the Mitsubishi Evo or Subaru STI is the better car to buy.

If you’re trying to decide, do you buy an STI or do you buy an EVO? If you work for Mitsubishi or Subaru, this may come as a surprise, or it may come as no surprise. The way that we most often help people these days to make a decision is we ask one simple question:

Where and how often are you going to drive the car?

Are you going to drive the car every day of the week, or are you just going to drive it on the weekend? Is it your daily driver and the most common car that you do drive, or is it the car that you’ll only drive on weekends for a bit of a fun car to drive at the track or out through your favorite, twisty country roads?

The reason for this is because, unfortunately the STI model cars, particularly in the Impreza range really aren’t what I call, not hard core, but the sporty type of car that the previous models used to be.

The seats are not the same. It’s toned down a little bit. I think Subaru tried to make the new STI range a little bit too common now. They’ve widened its appeal. Maybe they’ll sell more. Maybe they’ll sell less because I’ve certainly had several people speak to us about how the seats in the ’08 STI are not as good as the previous models. In my opinion, they’re certainly not as good as the ’99 or ’00 model car.

Frankly, they’re made for wide-assed people. They’re made to suit as many people as they can. Of course, if you’re a bit beefy in the back side, and you want to sit in a ’99 or 2000 model, you’re probably not going to like the seats, but you will like it in the STI. Who knows why they decided to do that, other than the fact that they obviously want to sell more cars.

Now, when it comes to the EVO range, it’s a little bit more hard core. I think Mitsubishi has effectively kept its focus on where it’s really going with that model. That can be good and that can be bad. If you’re going to drive a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO range of cars, definitely like the ’09 on a daily basis, it can be quite annoying. For example, it doesn’t have cruise control if you drive in freeway traffic and you want to have a bit of a plod, or you’re going home late one evening.

The Subaru comes with cruise control factory standard. The other thing is that, for Australian conditions, the EVO has pretty poor air conditioning. I don’t think it’s really been thought out that well. I think it’s an add-on. In a race car situation, you sack it. You don’t want it so you get rid of the weight. It certainly doesn’t perform as well as a Subaru. Bluntly, the EVO’s got an absolutely shocking turning circle, whereas the Subaru has got a good turning circle.

That can be good and bad. If you’re a bit of an animal, and you don’t have any mechanical sympathy, if you put the steering wheel on full lock on a Subaru, and you give it a big launch, you effectively will pop the drive shafts out of the outer CV joints because there is too much angularity in the outer turning circle because of the drive shaft connection in the front of the car.

Mitsubishi obviously limited that with the turning circle to stop you from doing that. It’s effectively built in an idiot factor. The downside is if you want to do a nice, cruise-y, take-it-easy type of u-turn, or go around a very small round-about, you can’t make it without doing a two-point turn. That looks absolutely stupid when you are driving a car as new as that model EVO IV..

Performance wise, on the road, standard suspension compared STI to EVO, the EVO is firmer, a little bit harsher, but it’s not really an issue. So you can start to get a bit of an idea of why I asked about how you’re going to drive the car. The answer is if you’re looking to buy a car that you’re going to drive in a sporty, fun way on the weekends, then you would buy an EVO.

If you’re going to drive that every day of the week to and from work, then you would buy an STI. There really is no accurate, black-and-white answer. On the track, both cars pretty much hit the nail on the head with a different recipe. Obviously the drive train, engine layout and diff controller system on a Subaru is dramatically different to a Mitsubishi, but the lap times come up pretty close together.

I think it’s because Subaru has dulled down the STI a little bit. The EVO is a little bit more fun to drive out of the box, but then, I’ve got a bit of a weakness for Subarus. I’ve owned a Subaru for a long time with my rally car. You can’t beat that boxer beat when you make the exhaust sound a little bit better. An EVO, then, has a separate advantage. I’m talking positive with everything in that if you want to open up the exhaust and squeeze a bit more grunt out of it with the right package of parts, you can do it a lot easier. When you open up the exhaust, it doesn’t get as noisy as what a Subaru does however.

Hopefully that has given you a few ideas on my opinions of the Mitsubishi EVO X or an EVO IV compared to a Subaru MY08 STi or an MY07 STi.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (or Evo as it is often known) was originally introduced in 1992 to compete in the World Rally Championship. Continually developing its position over the years since, the Evolution series has, as its name suggests, evolved into a serious performance motor vehicle.

The Evo X is the current model and currently completing its Worldwide release which included Australia in late July 2008 after being released in Japan in October 2007.

Originally introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show as Concept-X has developed 3 years later into the Evo X and includes a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine. The Evo X GSR has a 5-speed manual transmission system while the Evo X MR comes with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles.

Jeremy Clarkson in a recent article in The Sunday Times said that the Evo X was “Eye-wateringly brilliant” and “the heart and soul in question was its ability to remain composed and absolutely controllable in a lairy, tyre-smoking four-wheel drift. No other car I’d driven was able to do this, even slightly. It was exquisite.”

I found the following short video on YouTube that looks at the 2008 Evo X:

Mitsubishi themselves say that the 2008 Lancer Evo X “has the heart, soul and yes, DNA of Mitsubishi’s racing heritage”

So all reports are positive so far on the Evo X and it will be interesting to see what they do when they start hitting the rally circuit.