Why the Evo X Platform Is Perfect For Drag Racing

The Mitsubishi Evo X is a Perfect Street/Strip Car

The Mitsubishi Evo has amassed a cult following, and the Evo X is no exception. Between its turbocharged AWD powertrain and immense aftermarket support for modifications, the Evo X is a perfect platform for those who like to tinker with and tune their car. With the right attention, the Evo X can also be perfect for drag racing. First, let’s dig into the existing features that make the Evo X well-suited for the strip, then how modifying those parts can make your Evo X a drag racing machine.

Engine

The heart and soul of the Evo X is a turbocharged 2.0L engine, the 4B11T. From the factory, it produces enough horsepower and torque to keep your drive exciting while offering plenty of opportunities for modification to make a meaningful difference. A few things make the 4B11T stand out, starting with its turbocharger.

Turbocharged Power in an Evo X

Forced induction is a strong proponent of prowess for the 4B11T engine of the Mitsubishi Evo X. The dynamics of a turbocharged engine are enough to enamor just about any spirited driver, and the 4B11T makes no exception. Stock boost pressures can peak in the neighborhood of 20 PSIg just past 3000 RPM, giving this engine plenty of low-end for giddy grocery runs. And, with the existing infrastructure to support a turbocharger, modifying your Evo X turbocharger is easy (relatively speaking, of course).

Lightweight Aluminum Engine

The 4B11T is comprised of an aluminum block with an aluminum cylinder head, making it lighter than similarly situated engines and certainly lighter than the engines in previous Evo models. While the Evo can’t be considered a particularly light car from the factory, many components that make up that weight can be removed. Being that the engine is already lightweight, you’ll be well along your way to achieving your desired power/weight ratio. Plus, with some sleeves, the 4B11T is capable of considerable power figures.

MIVEC Intake & Exhaust

Most modern vehicles are equipped with some sort of variable valve technology, but it wasn’t as common when these vehicles were produced. Whereas the previous generations of the Mitsubishi Evo were equipped with engines that employed MIVEC technology (Mitsubishi’s proprietary variable valve control tech), they only did so on the intake side.

MIVEC in this engine controls both the intake and the exhaust valves, altering valve timing and the valve lift for optimal efficiency and performance at a wide range of engine speeds. You may end up deleting this system when you decide it’s time to add a bigger turbocharger or swap out the camshafts. However, until then, the MIVEC system helps keep the Evo X comfortable on the street while performing admirably during your high-rpm track runs.

Strong Internals

The 4B11T is a perfectly peppy engine in its own right. Still, those who need more out of their vehicle will relish in the fact that the stock internals of the 4B11T can withstand a fair amount of modification and make reliable power without putting too steep of a drain on your wallet. There are limits, of course, such as the notoriously weak rods of the 4B11T, but some room for expansion makes modifying your Evo X more rewarding. Run your ideas by the professionals at Boostin Performance to know where those limits are for your Mitsubishi Evo X build.

All-Wheel Drive

A defining trait of the Mitsubishi Evo X is that, like its predecessors, it boasts an all-wheel drive system to send power to each wheel. However, the Evo X adopts the S-AWC system from Mitsubishi that features active yaw control, active stability control, and an active center differential to monitor driving conditions and vector torque between the front and rear. These computer controls can also be adjusted or disabled, so while not something you’ll end up using on a highly-modified track car, this system can help drive power to the wheels with the most grip and makes daily driving more responsive and predictable over a wide variety of traction scenarios.

Available with a 5-Speed Manual Transmission

The Evo X has either an automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission, and while you’re free to decide which is best for you based on your application, we’re partial to the 5-speed manual. Rowing your own gears in an Evo X not only makes the drive more engaging but it gives you precise control over your shift points to help maximize any modifications that may alter your torque curves. If it comes time for a rebuild, trust the professionals at Boostin Performance with everything from an OEM rebuild to a custom-ratio implementation that can withstand the rigors of your ride.

How to Turn a Mitsubishi Evo X into a Drag Racer

The Evo X comes stock as a car with commendable performance, but there’s plenty more to be had with the right parts and tune. You can find both at Boostin Performance, your local Evo X professionals. Our passion and knowledge for all things performance come to fruition in our clients’ builds and even our own record-setting cars. So start a conversation with us today and see how Boostin Performance can bring your Evo X up to par with your performance aspirations.