With such a well-rounded car the only thing that needs attention now is the engine. From the onset the idea was to create the most responsive setup possible, focusing on immediate throttle response at any rpm and a broad explosive midrange torque curve. The recently released HKS 2.3L stroker kit seemed to be the perfect base to begin a build of this nature with the extra 300cc giving more potential for low rpm spool up and strong midrange. After Unlimited Works prepared the block they dropped in the fully counterweighted crankshaft, the H-section connecting rods, and the forged pistons. To add even more strength into the equation some JUN conrod bolts were thrown in along with JUN crank bolts. A lot of work went into the preparation of the head, and many days were spent on the workbench getting polished, ported, and finely tuned to accept the new head components, which include JUN titanium valve retainers and valvesprings, some JUN head bolts, and an HKS metal head gasket. The JUN 272-degree duration camshafts are a perfect choice for this setup, allowing the engine to develop a peak of 55 kgm. Attached to the Unlimited Works exhaust manifold is an Evo IX turbine that's been ported around the flanges for optimal flow as well as the use of a special wastegate actuator. This allows the 4G63 to push out 430 ps at a relatively conservative 1.5-bars of boost. The exhaust system begins with a J-Speed turbo outlet and finishes off with a 90mm titanium exhaust from Unlimited Works. On the intake side of things a custom airbox was made up and is fed cold air from the front bumper side intake. The custom piping kit then takes the compressed air to the HKS intercooler and then onto the Altrack intake manifold through the big diameter Unlimited Works throttle. Keeping the engine topped up in the fuel department are the 800cc/min injectors fed by the Tomei fuel rail. Engine control is through an HKS F-Con V Pro mapped by Cyber Evo for optimal response and midrange torque. In the cooling department a Tabata aluminium radiator is used along with an air-separator system. The Altrack bigger capacity water pump has been thrown in for safety while the Cusco oil catch tank collects nasty oil vapors from the crankcase. As a signature, the 4G63 magnesium alloy cam covers have been painted in Unlimited Works Orange, just like in the Cyber Evo. On the transmission side of things, an Exedy twin plate clutch allows every last kgm of torque to be sent efficiently to the stock transmission while the Cusco one-way front differential helps get on the throttle early when powering out of corners.
Open the driver's door and you are faced with some of the best parts that are currently available on the market. First, we have the Recaro racing bucket seat fitted with a Takata racing harness. The chunky Key!s Racing alcantara steering wheel mounted on the snap-off boss sits in front of the most revered bit of kit on sale today. Of course we're talking about the Defi Super Sports Cluster that's been custom fitted where the original instrumentation used to be. This unit features an analogue boost gauge and 9,000rpm gauge with a large Organic LED display. Here you are able to navigate between four pages of parameters through the small dash-mounted remote control. This unit also doubles as a data logger, writing all the information onto an SD card on the main control unit. Joining this jewel of electronics is the HKS EVC boost controller and the Neko Corporation A/F digital display unit, all arranged around the main dash area. For precautionary reasons the owner has also fitted an Assura GPS radar detector, making sure he is warned in time about upcoming speed traps and speed cameras. A latest-generation Carrozzeria (Pioneer) HD navigation system has been fitted, along with a pop-out LCD touch screen, DVD/CD player, and upgraded Carrozzeria speaker system, which keeps the owner entertained while driving to and from the racetrack. The interior is finished with a Nismo gear knob, a surprising addition in a Lancer Evolution.
The car now performs just like the owner wants, but there is already talk of moving onto a larger turbine because the 430 ps begins to feel like it's not enough. With such a well-built motor, this Evo VIII MR will accept any sized turbine without batting an eyelid, so there is a very good chance it will become even more extreme than it is now.
Specs
Engine
HKS 2.3L stroker kit (full counter weight crank, H-section conrods, forged pistons)
HKS 1.2mm metal head gasket
Unlimited Works head port and polishing
JUN 272-degree camshafts (in/ex)
JUN titanium valve retainers
JUN racing valvesprings
JUN strengthened head bolts
JUN strengthened connecting rod bolts
JUN strengthened main crank bolts
Unlimited Works exhaust manifold
Mitsubishi Evolution IX turbine (custom modified)
Cyber Evo uprated turbo actuator
J-Speed turbo outlet
Unlimited Works 90mm titanium exhaust system
Unlimited Works custom intake with sealed off aluminium airbox
Unlimited Works custom piping
Unlimited Works blow-off valve
HKS intercooler
Unlimited Works large diameter throttle
Altrack custom large capacity intake plenum
Big capacity fuel pump
Tomei fuel rail
Sard 800 cc/min injectors
Altrack large capacity water pump
Tabata racing radiator
Tabata air separator system
Billion aluminium power steering reservoir
Cusco oil separator tank
Grounding system
Unlimited Works orange engine cam cover
HKS F-Con V Pro tuned by Cyber Evo
Transmission
Exedy twin-plate clutch and lightweight flywheel
Cusco MZ-type RS one-way custom setup diff
Cyber Evo custom setup ACD system
Suspension & Brakes
Öhlins DFV adjustable suspension kit (Unlimited Works version)
Bestex springs 17 kg/mm front, 15 kg/mm rear
Mitsubishi Evo X front lower arms
Unlimited Works rear toe control arm
AP Racing six-pot front calipers
AP Racing four-pot rear calipers
AP Racing two-piece slotted discs front and rear
Wheels & Tires
Yokohama Advan RS 9.5x19
Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R 275/30-19
Exterior
Voltex Cyber Evo front bumper, street version
Voltex Cyber Evo front under wing spoiler, street version
Voltex carbon canards
Voltex carbon GT hood
Aero Catch hood latches
Voltex GT aero fender
Voltex side skirts
Voltex rear over fenders
Voltex rear carbon diffuser
Voltex muffler cover
Voltex carbon GT-wing type 5V
Craft Square carbon mirrors
Front and rear towhooks
Interior
Recaro Pro Racer bucket driver seat with Recaro seat rail
Takata MPH-341 racing harness
Key!s Racing alcantara clad steering wheel
Snap off boss
Custom fitted Defi Super Sports Cluster (9,000rpm turbo version)
Neko Corporation AF700 A/F digital gauge
HKS EVC boost controller
Assura GPS radar detector
Nismo shift knob
Carrozzeria HD navigation system with pop-out LCD screen and DVD/CD player
Carrozzeria speakers all round with front crossover