Choosing an exhaust for your Mitsubishi Evolution

Choosing an exhaust for your Mitsubishi Evolution ( Evo 8, Evo 9, or Evo X ) can be difficult. There are many variables that can make up your decision. All Evo exhaust systems have a different characteristics regarding sound and power curve. While any aftermarket system will give you a bump in power and good sound, there are a few key things to keep in mind when looking for a high quality exhaust system.

  1. Cat back or turbo back? A cat back is the entire exhaust system after the catalytic converter, typically from roughly under the drivers seat to the muffler. A turbo back is from the turbo to the rear bumper and replaces all parts of the exhaust including downpipe, catalytic converter, muffler and all piping. I personally feel the right way to go is to get a turbo back from the get go. Many exhaust systems fit best when all parts are from the same manufacturer. Nothing worse than an exhaust rattle.
  2. Material of construction: What the exhaust is made out of is important for two reasons. Corrosion and weight. Stainless steel and titanium are the optimal choices since they will not corrode or rust out. typically a titanium or stainless exhaust is the last exhaust you will buy. Titanium has a clear advantage over stainless steel when it comes to weight, the downside is that it is more expensive. Recently exhaust systems have entered the market made from aluminum. While this is a light weight material that is cheaper than titanium, it is also weaker. It is more prone to damage, if you drive on the street I would steer clear of an aluminum exhaust.
  3. Power: To most this is the most important factor when choosing an exhaust. While nearly every well made exhaust will free up more horse power in you EVO, some are clear winners over the others. Go with a known name brand, ask friends and on forums what gains people have seen, and look for dyno graphs for proof an exhaust makes the power gain it claims. Please don't buy the "cheap" exhaust from ebay, it is most likely junk, this is one area you definitely get what you pay for.
  4. Sound: No matter what Evo exhaust system you buy there will be an increase in sound. There is no getting around this. But most exhausts have a slightly different sound. To find one that suits you, there are many video clips on youTube where you can hear how they sound. I recommend getting a system that comes with a silencer. A silencer is a simple device that can be easily be taken in and out to quiet the exhaust down, but be warned you will lose power when the silencer is installed.

Here is a link to the best place I have dealt with when purchasing an evo exhaust Vivid Racing

Evo 8 Exhausts

evo 8 exhaust

The Evolution VIII was brougt to America in 2003, improved from the evolution 7. This time wearing 17" grey Enkei wheels, Brembo Brakes and Bilstein shocks to handle traction and a 5-speed manual gearbox with 271 hp. Originally a one off model, sales were so successful in the U.S. that by 2005 it was available in four trims: the standard GSR, the RS model, with a 5-speed gearbox, and standard wheels (lacking excess components, such as interior map lights, power windows/doors, and radio), the SSL (with a sunroof, trunk mounted subwoofer, and leather seats), and the MR, which came with a revised limited-slip front differential, aluminum MR shift knob, handbrake with carbon fiber handle, 17 inch BBS wheels, aluminum roof, and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The new Evolution also sported chrome housing tail lights.

Evo 9 Exhausts

evo 9 exhaust

North American markets saw the Lancer Evolution IX exhibited at the New York International Auto Show in April 2005. The 2.0L 4G63 engine has MIVEC technology (variable valve timing), and a revised turbocharger design boosting official power output at the crankshaft to 287 hp and torque to 289 lb·ft. The USDM Lancer Evolution IX models: standard (Grand Sport Rally or "GSR" in some markets), RS (Rally Sport), SE (Special Edition) and MR (Mitsubishi Racing) varied slightly in their performance capabilities. Subtleties unique to each model accounted for differences in acceleration, handling and top speed. The RS excluded features standard on the standard, SE and MR models (stereo system, power windows and locks, rear wiper, evo exhaust, rear wing, trunk lining and sound insulation). The result is a weight savings of over 60 lb. The fuel capacity remained the same as the Evo VIII at 14 USgal.

Evo X Exhausts

evo x exhaust

The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0L (1997cc) turbocharged, all-aluminum inline 4 cylinder engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 276 hp, the American market version will have slightly more. Two versions of the car are offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which has a standard 5-speed manual transmission. The car has also a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations. The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time. It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. It has replaced the Tiptronic automatic transmission, hence the SST version replaced the GT-A version A five speed manual gearbox will also be available.