The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR (also know as MR Evolution or MR EVO). The MR EVO is one of the finest all-around street performance cars available. This is attributed to its affordable price, (you can get a used 2006 MR EVO for about $20K-28K) its AWD system and its 2.0 liter, 286 horsepower, 289 ft-lbs torque, 4-cylinder engine.
Modifying the MR EVO presents many options as there are a plethora of race companies with parts available. There are certain points on the MR EVO that should be addressed first. MR Evolutions come with many factory placed restrictions. These OEM restrictions were put in place to make the car safer and more reliable for everyday driving. Unfortunately, these restrictions keep your MR EVO from making the most power it can. Below I have the top 5 tuning tips to unleash the true power of your MR EVO!
#1 High-Flowing Air Intake Filter
The MR EVO has the largest stock turbo in any of the Lancer Evolution line-up vehicles. The stock air box is extremely restrictive and a simple air intake replacement will free-up lots of power. The turbo itself will spool up a lot faster, decreasing turbo lag. Gains of anywhere from 8-15hp should be expected. Performance intakes for the MR EVO are very simple to install as well.
#2 High-Flowing 3 Inch Downpipe
The downpipe is one the most crucial parts of any turbocharged car. Upgrading your downpipe will increase loads of horsepower and torque throughout the RPM range. Your turbo will have enhanced spooling characteristics as well. What does this mean? It means that not only will your turbo spool up faster, but your overall boost curve will change as well. When it comes to the MR EVO, the most important place on the exhaust is immediately after the turbo.
#3 High-Flowing 3 Inch Exhaust System
The OEM exhaust on the Lancer Evolution MR is very restrictive. Upgrading the exhaust to a full 3 inch unit does nothing but good in terms of power. Not to mention that sweet exhaust tone that the MR Evolution can make. You will notice an immediate increase in top end power along with a beautiful exhaust tone in the upper RPM. With a variety of styles and finishes available, you can add a little personality to your MR EVO.
#4 High-Performance Clutch
The Mitsubishi Lancer MR clutch is not bad, it just gets bad when you start adding more power to the car. The clutch is must for any MR EVO with performance parts. In my experience with tuning MR Evolutions I found that when the car starts producing about 300hp to the wheels the clutch must be upgraded. When upgrading the clutch you should always replace the flywheel with a lightweight performance version as well. Not only will your clutch hold the power your engine makes, but your overall horsepower will go up as well!
#5 Digital Boost Controller
Boost is one of the most important aspects of the MR EVO. Raising the boost level of the Lancer Evolution is one of the most effective ways to increase horsepower and torque. I have seen a 1 lbs increase in boost result in increases of up to 10 hp! Imagine when you increase the boost by 2, 3, 4, or 5 lbs? Not only that, but a digital boost controller will increase the spool response of your turbo as well. Controlling boost is also crucial if you plan to do more modifications in the future.
There are many options for tuning the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO MR. But these top 5 tips will start you in the right direction to be on the winning team.
Kai Graves is a race mechanic/driver/tuner with 15 years experience in performance automotive. He also owns and operates Leafracing Auto Performance & Service located in Honolulu, HI. Specializing in AWD Turbo modifications and tuning as well as general repairs & maintenance.
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