Mitsubishi Evo With A Turbo LQ4 V8

Joakim Sturve had a burning desire to build a LSx powered vehicle. The first choice to receive the V8 swap was a BMW E28 but instead decided to purchase a 1993 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution roller. What started after that was a tough but very rewarding trip down LSx powered heaven.

The first swap was a LS2 and six-speed T-56 combo out of a Cadillac CTS-V. There are no kits for this type of project so the engine mounts and crossmember had to be custom made. To help the engine and transmission sit back as far as possible, the firewall and tunnel was removed and replaced with custom sheetmetal. You can see how far the drivetrain sits from the position of the seats. They are almost completely behind the B-pillar.

It wasn’t too long before Joakim craved more power. Joakim talked to John Bewley of Lil John’s Motorsports Solutions in Kentucky for tips on building a turbocharged motor. The blueprints called for a iron-block LQ4 with a large single BorgWarner S471 sitting in front of the motor. The LQ4 was preferred because it uses dished pistons for a 9.5:1 compression where as the LQ9 uses flat-top pistons for a 10.4:1 compression.

John also gave him another tip. Using a custom twin-entry exhaust manifolds, the turbo will reach full boost about 800 rpm sooner than a single-entry design. Currently the Lancer is making 642 whp and 609 lb-ft of torque on 9.4 psi of boost and E85 fuel.

For more photos check the source link below. Also the engine is detailed very well in case someone wants to use it as a starting point for their own build.

Source: Speedhunters by Peter Kelly, photos by Alok Paleri and Dino Dalle Carbonare

Original: Engine Swap Depot