The added power pointed out the need for improving braking and mechanical grip. Although the front wheels of the EVO IX MR are factory equipped with four-piston Brembo brake calipers, the relatively small and heavy rotors are detrimental to the vehicle's late-braking ability. Although the AYC, which is responsible for controlling the EVO's center differential, allows for higher corner entry speeds, the combination of late braking and faster cornering would without a doubt be advantageous. That's precisely why Mangune chose Disc Brakes Australia's (DBA) two-piece hat-and-rotor ultra high-performance brakes with Hawk Performance brake pads. Using the factory-supplied Brembo calipers, this setup is up to 20 percent more effective. They also have Thermo-Graphic paint markings for valuable heat monitoring. Replacing the OEM brake hoses with stainless steel braided and Teflon-lined high-performance brake lines from Goodridge completed the upgrade and also offered a firmer brake pedal. To further improve mechanical grip, which has the advantage of not slowing down the car at high speeds as a bigger wing would, the factory supplied Bilstein struts were replaced by adjustable Bilstein coilover strut assemblies and TEIN adjustable pillow ball mounts for easy camber adjustment. This arrangement allowed Mangune to fine-tune the ride height for maximum asphalt grip and that perfect wheel fitment resulting in interference-free steering and suspension operation. It's worthwhile to note that the sacrifices here are ride quality, driveability and, in the case of the brake pads, longevity. The Toyo Proxes tires mounted on the 18-inch bronze Volk Racing Wheels finish this job perfectly by improving handling and looks simultaneously.
In his MR, Mangune accomplished a subtle but distinct look with the use of a Ralliart carbon-fiber front lip and a Mitsubishi JDM OEM rear bumper. He tastefully complemented the vehicle's existing lines with carbon-fiber mirrors and Mitsubishi window visors. The wheels and tires fill up the wheelwells flawlessly providing that tight look that's every enthusiast's dream.
Mangune envisioned a remarkable sports car and fulfilled his prerogative by starting with the solid base that the Lancer Evolution IX is, and sticking to the fundamentals that define racers and car lovers around the world. Now, he has the keys to a piece of art that even yours truly is envious of.
Specs: 2006 Mitsubishi EVO IX MR
350HP
Engine
ARC Front Mount Intercooler
ARC Aluminum Radiator
ARC Full Titanium exhaust
ARC Titanium Heat Shield
ARC Titanium Cam Cover
ARC Oil Cap
ARC Oil Catch Can
ARC Titanium Hood Panel
HKS GT downpipe
Samco Limited Red Radiator Hoses
Samco Limited Red Intercooler Hoses
ACT Heavy-Duty Clutch Kit
ACT Street Lite Flywheel
RRE High Flow Cat
Suspension
Bilstein PSS9 Coilovers
ARC Titanium Strut Bar (Front)
ARC Titanium Strut Bar (Rear)
Custom Adjustable Pillowball Mounts
Disc Brakes Australia Two Piece Rotors
Hawk Performance Brake Pads
Goodrich Brakelines
Exterior
Star shield Armor Paint Protection Film
Ralliart Carbon-Fiber Front Lip
Ralliart Carbon-Fiber Mirrors
Ralliart Alluminum Door Sill Plates
Mitsubishi JDM OEM Rear Bumper
Mitsubishi Window Visors
Interior
XS Engineering ECU Reflash
HKS EVC VI
HKS Turbo Timer Type 1
Pioneer Avic N2 DVD Head Unit
Pioneer Six-Disc DVD Changer
Boston Acoustics Speakers
Boston Acoustics GT Amplifiers
Magden M1 Performance interactive display system
Wheels/Tires
Volk Racing Wheels, RE30's 18x9.5 Bronze
Toyo Tires Proxes T1R, 265/35/18