We also installed a few Genuine Mitsubishi Accessories on Project EVO. The existence of some of these parts is not very well known but like most factory parts, the quality and fit of these parts is superb. I believe that some of these parts are factory standard in other markets. We first installed a set of front brake air guide vanes. These are plastic vanes that bolt to the lower control arms that divert under car airflow to the brakes to help keep them cool. The lower control arms have the holes to accommodate these parts so their installation is an easy few minutes job.
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| The air guides scoop up air flowing under the car and divert it to the brakes to help keep them cool. |
We installed a vortex generator on our roof. The vortex generator is a standard equipment part for the MR models and is a truly functional piece. The vortex generators create vortexes in the airflow above the rear window, this helps the airflow that is separated from the car body at the roof/rear window juncture become reattached to the body sooner. Not only does this reduce drag but it also helps increase the rear wing efficiency by 20% at 100 mph with no increase in drag, a significant result. The vortex generator was factory color matched and installed in a few minutes with self adhesive tape.
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| The vortex generator is STD for the EVO MR. We didn’t get the MR due to its weaker six speed transmission but we wanted the MR’s effective parts. The Vortex generator is wind tunnel proven to work. The little antenna is made by Perrin. |
To further help the wing we installed another MR part, a rear Gurney flap. The Gurney flap is a small fence that is about the height of 5% of the wings chord. The Gurney flap helps the wing produce about 10% more downforce with a minimal drag penalty. Between the Gurney and the Vortex generator we have gained approximately 30% more downforce at speed with no penalty in drag, a significant gain from some very subtitle parts, keeping with our stock looking sleeper EVO goal.
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| The MR Gurney flap is also wind tunnel tested. Although the Gurney looks small, it is actually quite effective. |
Since we gained rear downforce, we had to do something to the front to keep the aerodynamic balance. Since the SE model of the EVO already has the Mitsubishi Genuine Accessory front airdam (JDM MR) as standard equipment, we added the accessory front canards to increase downforce. Canards do two things, first they increase downforce by acting like dive planes on a submarine, directing airflow upward. Secondly they create side vortexes that help keep airflow from spilling off the sides of the car underneath it. Since the parts come unpainted from Mitsubishi, we took them to MOB Works in Anaheim to get them painted to match our bodywork. After installing the canards, we noticed a slight improvement in highway straight line stability, especially on windy days.
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| The Genuine Mitsubishi Canards are also wind tunnel proven. They are OEM from the JDM MR. |
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| I guess we could say we got the ARC titanium coil cover for its light weight but really we just got it for looks! |
Finally to pimp out our engine compartment, we installed an ARC Titanium coil pack cover, sure this part saves an ounce or two of weight and it probably helps reduce EMI from interfering with the cars electronic functions but we admit it’s actually all about the bling factor. In our next installment, we’ll revisit the engine.
