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Thread: Getting more power - staged upgrade recommendations

  1. #1
    foxdie's Avatar

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    Lightbulb Getting more power - staged upgrade recommendations

    Introduction

    It's the intent of this thread to help both newcomers and veteran owners alike plan for and upgrade the performance of one of Mitsubishi's best kept secret weapons; the glorious 8G VR-4

    Back in 2008, @bradc wrote an excellent in-depth staged upgrades guide, however as time has gone on technologies have changed and so have our understanding of our cars. I've opted to create a more up-to-date guide for all the owners out there who just want a little more grunt or want to go crazy.

    You may be asking "Why would I want to?", well some of us find we have a desire that our pride and joys were a little quicker and more enjoyable to drive, luckily these cars are very responsive to bolt-on mods and a remap

    Now, first off this guide steers more towards ECU tuning rather than using a third party boost controller (whether it be a manual or an electronic boost controller) because of the simple fact these devices reduce safety margins by limiting how much the stock ECU can throttle back the boost if an abnormal situation arises (such as knocking / pinking / poor ignition / poor fuel delivery). The last thing you want to be is on boost if this happens.

    Once you have completed 1 or more staged upgrades, you will need an engine ECU remap to take advantage of them. There are a few members of these forums (including myself) and commercial entities (such as @Eurospec down in Guildford) that can provide this service for you.

    Every VR-4 engine ECU can be remapped, however some in different ways to others, please read the Common Tuning FAQ for more information.

    Assumptions

    Now, all tuning (and all the information following) presumes that the car is in good health, has been serviced regularly and has no lingering issues such as the dreaded boost solenoid burn-out (a common issue as cars get older). Should you need a replacement solenoid, you can find a stock one here or an excellent aftermarket replacement here.

    It's also assumed that you understand that this list is not absolute, there are many options and many ways to approach things and that this is provided as a guide only, you are responsible for your car and your wallet (unless you're married, in which case, here you go )

    Stages and expectations

    With a remap (and a presumed healthy car as mentioned earlier), you would hopefully see the following gains (figures are conservative estimates and are at the flywheel);

    Stage Mods Power (HP) Torque (Ft/Lbs)
    1 1-3 290 300
    2 1-5 320 330
    3 1-6 330 350
    4 1-8 360 380
    5 1-10 400+ 400+

    Beyond stage 5 things start to get very expensive, you'll need to start upgrading drive train components and start to think about engine forging. Those are beyond the scope of this guide.

    Here are a couple of demo videos I've made (demo'ing other things mainly, but you can gauge performance from them at least);

    Stage 1:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yULWLvpvz8s

    Stage 3:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEXtceMpz4g

    Modifications

    1. De-cat Pipe

    2.5" De-cat Pipe: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/mitsubishi...-/231628841500

    2. High Flow Air Filter

    HKS Super Hybrid Filter: http://www.part-box.com/product_info...ducts_id=30810

    3. Cold-spec Spark Plugs

    6x Iridium BKR7EIX Spark Plugs: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6x-NEW-NGK...-/330789544105

    4. Uprated Intercooler

    600x300x76mm Intercooler - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Front-Moun...-/331368100769
    RE45-76-63 Elbow - http://www.siliconhose.com/content.a...&catalog=MS303
    RE90-76-63 Elbow - http://www.siliconhose.com/content.a...&catalog=MS302
    MUR36 Clamp - http://www.siliconhose.com/content.a...&catalog=MS503 (2 required)
    MUR44 Clamp - http://www.siliconhose.com/content.a...&catalog=MS503 (2 required)

    5. Fuel Supply Upgrade

    Genuine Walbro GSS342 fuel pump kit - https://www.fuelperformance.co.uk/in...roduct_id=5214
    AEM Fuel Pressure Regulator for Evo 4G63 - https://www.fuelperformance.co.uk/in...roduct_id=5363 (The fuel rail adapter mount holes may require modifying to fit)

    Alternative to the above fuel pressure regulator;

    Sytec 1:1 Fuel Pressure Regulator: https://www.glencoeltd.co.uk/malpass...re-regulators/
    Galant VR-4 specific Fuel Rail Adapter: https://www.glencoeltd.co.uk/malpass...or-mitsubishi/

    6. Downpipes

    Fassi1 downpipes: http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/private...=newpm&u=72710 (Unsure of his current pricing, PM him)

    7. Camshaft

    Adam.Findlay 262 camshaft kit: http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthr...D-2-discussion (unsure if still available, PM him)

    8. Injectors

    6x SARD 63516 530cc Injectors: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-SA...-/141907584019

    9. TD-04 Conversion

    swinks TD04L-13T conversion kit: http://www.clubvr4.com/forum/showthr...ownpipe-elbows (Unsure if still available, PM him)
    2x TD04L-13T turbochargers: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111443833166

    10. Faster engine ECU

    Vi-PEC/Link G4+ VR-4 ECU: http://www.euro-spec2000.co.uk/produ...ng-galant-vr4/

    Closing statement

    Hopefully this will help as many members as possible achieve great things, remember though that each car is different though and will respond differently. YMMV.

    Where permitted, I will try and keep this list updated as time goes on

    Thanks for reading!

    Ps. Thanks to the following people who have helped contribute to the above list;

    @TAR - More fuel supply upgrade suggestions
    Last edited by Confused; 20-04-2018 at 09:08 PM. Reason: Amending some URLs
    Want your car tuning? Here's my pricing
    Have questions about performance upgrades and ECU tuning? Before PM'ing me, Check this thread first
    Please support CVR4 & become a Full member, you get a full years access to guides, games, chat & much more!

  2. #2
    foxdie's Avatar

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    Updated with suggestions from @TAR

  3. #3
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    Superb info Jason!

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    Great info, thanks!

    New link for the HKS filter, since the part-box.com website is getting replaced by the part-box.co.uk it seems.
    https://www.part-box.co.uk/index.php...roduct_id=4607
    The more you know, the faster you can go. And I still don't know enough.

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    Further update, Part-Box informed me the HKS filter is no longer in production.

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    Off-the-shelf forging kit now available, yay!
    http://www.ozvr4.com/threads/for-sal...package.16032/

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  8. #8
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    Hi Jason,

    Where would you suggest slotting in an uprated/replacement boost solenoid? This Perrin EBCS is a direct plug-in replacement.


    Also, the AEM fuel pressure regulator fitting kit does require modifications to fit a VR-4 fuel rail, so it might be worth suggesting the Universal kit, plus the Sytec fuel rail adapter (it's about £5 more than the Evo kit, but won't require modification)

  9. #9
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    Ahh, now I re-read the original post, I see you've already mentioned the Perrin, just outside of the realms of the staged upgrades! My bad!

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    Quote Originally Posted by Confused View Post
    Hi Jason,

    Where would you suggest slotting in an uprated/replacement boost solenoid? This Perrin EBCS is a direct plug-in replacement.


    Also, the AEM fuel pressure regulator fitting kit does require modifications to fit a VR-4 fuel rail, so it might be worth suggesting the Universal kit, plus the Sytec fuel rail adapter (it's about £5 more than the Evo kit, but won't require modification)
    I installed the Sytec regulator, and used the remains of the old fuel loop, sawed in half, as a free fuel rail adapter. It works, nothing to complain about.

  11. #11
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    I've just amended a few links in the first post where 3rd party websites have changed

  12. #12
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    New intercooler ready to fit how do these cars respond to this without mapping

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    It should help a little - colder air = denser air = more air flow. The car measures air flow so will fuel for it. IMO a massive intercooler is not necessary, just a well made efficient one in the air flow. It won't be a night and day difference but you should notice the change. Take car of clamping it in - leaks from hoses will give you more performance loss than the intercooler will give you gain.

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    Thanks for info 👌 what’s the story with factory Ecu can it be tunned

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    Yes it can, if you've got the right equipment.

    There's plenty of threads regarding this, and both myself and @foxdie have the equipment to flash all years of VR-4.

    Not sure of anyone in Ireland who has, though - you may need a road trip to England in the future!

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    Thanks I’ll keep that in mind 👌

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    I've read that pre 1998 the tiptronic cars where 260bhp and manual and after 98 where 280bhp. What is the actual difference between the setup given both are the same 2.5l lump?
    Thanks
    Daniel

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    Boost settings in the ECU.

  19. #19
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    There are some minor physical differences - the throttle body is slightly smaller for example - but as Mark says it is basically boost.

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