2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X - Power Check!

Pros
The factory intake on the Evo X comes with a snorkel in a modest attempt to ingest cold air but its performance is nowhere near as efficient as the new AMS Performance intake. AMS Performance has developed a 3-inch mandrel-bent aluminum intake system that not only improves the rather bland-looking engine bay of the Evo but has the performance numbers to back it up. Each end of the pipe has been bead rolled to eliminate silicone pressure blow-offs while a four-ply silicone coupler keeps the unit securely in place. The factory blow-off valve has been cleverly relocated and in-line with the air induction flow to minimize turbulence and maximize proper airflow. The new intake helps to lean out air/fuel to a safe level. We all know by now that previous model Evos and even the new ones come programmed excessively rich by Mitsubishi as a safety margin to minimize blown engines making their way back to the warranty department.

Cons
Removal of the factory intake requires the owner to either cool the car down or risk the chances of some serious burns, since the throttle body inlet clamp is located directly in the path of the turbo and manifold. The AMS Performance intake may require the installer to shoehorn the filter into the corner, but take precaution not to smash or bend the filter when attempting to install the new unit.

Dyno Test Results
The newly installed intake posted some impressive numbers like we expected. Before we performed our dyno run, we made sure to disconnect the factory ECM fuse and drive the car around the city to ensure the ECM has fully recalibrated to the new intake system. Dyno charts show an increase in power over our previous exhaust run by 9 hp and 12 lb-ft of torque. The intake showed gains across the board from 2,474 rpm to redline with the largest gains of 17 hp at 6,534 rpm, and 19 lb-ft of torque at 4,130 rpm.

Product
Boost controller, solenoid valve, fittings, vacuum hose, instructions, wires, connectors, brackets, stickers, nuts and bolts, hose clamps, wire ties, valve bracket

Installation Time
45 minutes

Pros
ARK Design Advanced boost controller implements a compact-designed unit with a built-in pressure sensor and quick-responding solenoid valve for accurate boost control. End users can pre-program the ARK boost controller with two levels of boost pressure along with an adjustable boost warning safety feature that flashes in white at the default pressure. A full-color display changes according to scaling boost pressure, and a peak hold display offers numerous settings available on the unit.

Cons
With any boost controller, improper installation or adjustments to increase boost can result in a damaged motor. If you're not competent enough to install or program the controller, we suggest going to a qualified speed shop to test and tune.

Dyno Test Results
Rather than using the boost controller to turn up the boost levels, we used the unit to help us maintain proper boost levels when climbing up the rpm needle. Upon testing the Evo X during our baseline runs, we found the factory turbo faltering at higher rpm when using the stock boost control solenoid. At 5,400 rpm the boost level was dropping dramatically from 21.7 to 10 psi when approaching 7,000 rpm. The loss in boost pressure was a serious concern for us when it came to producing ideal horsepower on the Evo X. After a few minutes of wiring up the new ARK boost controller, we were back in business and quickly set up the controller to a set 22 psi. The ARK boost controller was able to hold a more consistent pressure level, as boost never tapered bellow 15.9 psi throughout our entire run. The dyno charts graphed an obvious improvement from 5,390 rpm with a gain of 24 hp and 20 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.

Product
Hard pipe, connectors, four-ply silicone couplers, four-ply hump hose, new hose clamps, brackets, stickers, nuts and bolts, instructions

Installation Time
70 minutes