There are few current tuner cards as iconic and much sought after as the Mitsubishi Evo X. The Lancer Evolution, now in its tenth iteration, initially appeared for the 2008 model year. As a result, it is one of the most sought-after items on the second-hand market.
The 4B11 engine, a 2-liter inline-4 with an aluminum block, powers the Evolution X. The AWD system in the 2015 Evo X Final Edition produced an impressive 303hp/305tq. When it comes to the 4B11’s predecessor, the 4G63, the 4B11T is an excellent successor.
The downpipe is one of the most popular Evolution X mods. To increase horsepower, torque, and the responsiveness of the turbo, an Evo X downpipe upgrade is essential.
We’ll go through the advantages of getting a new downpipe, as well as our picks for the best downpipes on the market, in the following guide. The top seven Evo X modifications and Evo X Coilover upgrades have already been covered, so be sure to look.
What is a Downpipe (DP)?
As the first portion of your exhaust system to interface directly with your turbocharger, the downpipe is important to understand. The DP is located between the turbo and the exhaust test pipe on the Evo X. At least one catalytic converter may be found in the DP of most turbocharged vehicles. The cat, on the other hand, can be found in the test pipe on the Evo X.
Because the stock downpipe on the 4B11T does not include a catalytic converter, an emissions upgrade will not affect the vehicle’s performance. For individuals who want to stay in compliance with emissions regulations, this is critical.
Upgrades to the Evo X downpipe, on the other hand, will increase power and torque by releasing exhaust flow. You’ll hear an improved and more assertive exhaust note as well after switching out the DP. The advantages come from larger and more free-flowing downpipes than stock.
Widemouth vs Divorced Downpipes
There are two fundamental styles of Evo X downpipe upgrades: Widemouth and detached. Both of them have a similar sense of rhythm and sound to each other. How the turbochargers are attached to them differs.
One of the tubes in a divorced style downpipe is much smaller than the other, which both connects to the turbo. The wastegate exit is covered by the smaller tube, while the turbine outlet is shielded by the bigger one. The two eventually blend together in the DP’s midsection. There is only one tube in a widemouth design downpipe, which covers both the wastegate and turbine exits.
A detached form is designed to eliminate boost creep and minimize exhaust flow turbulence. The flow can be better and more efficiently managed by allowing for two smaller exits rather than one bigger one.
To avoid the problem of boost creep, which occurs when the turbo continues to build boost when it should be at a lower level, widemouth turbos are recommended. This is a concern since the engine can operate in a lean condition and the boost can’t be controlled. Catless test pipes magnify this impact.
Divorced Dump Tubes
The wastegate dump tube refers to the smaller hose that extends from the wastegate outlet to the drainpipe or sewer. Partway down the downpipe, the dump tube is combined with the larger tube. In some cases, the dump tube can be left open and not attached to the vehicle. However, the DP’s sound is amplified to epic proportions, attracting a great deal of attention. As thundering as this option is, it should only be used in track or display cars.
Evo X Downpipe Upgrade Benefits
The most common reason for upgrading an Evo X downpipe is to gain more power and torque, but there are several other advantages as well.
- +10-15whp/wtq
- Improved turbo efficiency
- Quicker turbo spool
- Louder and more aggressive exhaust tone
- Reduced backpressure
- Reduced EGTs
The 4B11’s downpipe can be improved to gain 10-15 horsepower and 10-15 pound-feet of torque. These downpipes don’t have a cat in them, therefore the gains would be greater. In spite of this, the automobile will have a considerable increase in power and be noticeably more lively as a result.
Reduced backpressure from an aftermarket downpipe is a significant benefit to turbo efficiency and spool. An Evo X downpipe improvement will make your turbo spool substantially faster because it will be easier to push exhaust gas through.
An Evo X DP upgrade will also improve the sound quality. Deeper, more aggressive, and louder will be the tone. When combined with an aftermarket test pipe and cat back, this becomes much more noticeable.
Tuning Considerations
Tuning is not necessary after upgrading to a new downpipe on the Evo X, but it is always recommended for the biggest gains. Tuners can take advantage of the reduced backpressure and greater flow by increasing boost. This gives more power throughout the powerband and makes the car stronger and quicker everywhere.
Best Evo X Downpipes
Once we’ve established the advantages and rationale for an Evo X downpipe upgrade, it’s time to offer some suggestions. If you’re looking for the best Evo X downpipe improvements, we’ve narrowed it down to the top four.
1) AMS Performance Evo X Widemouth DP
The AMS Performance Evo X downpipe is the first item on our shopping list. Widemouthed designs are in high demand, and this is one of the best. The AMS DP is a great value for the money, and the fit and finish on this model are exceptional. 304 S/S is used throughout, allowing for the most possible advantages.
After adding the AMS downpipe, the Lancer Evolution X will experience a 10-15whp/wtq gain and a significant improvement in spool time. Because of its high flow rate, it has been used on many high-horsepower projects. For many enthusiasts, it’s an excellent first mod because of the direct OEM fitting to the turbo and the test pipe.
2) ETS Evo X Divorced Downpipe
Extreme Turbo Systems (ETS) is the third company on our list that has separated from DP. This is a divorced-style downpipe with a recirculated or open dump tube. It can be either recirculated or left open to the atmosphere in the case of the open tube. The open option is far more audible, and it’s best suited to cars that will only be driven on the track or in auto shows.
The ETS split downpipe will boost the Lancer Evolution X’s power output by 10-15whp/wtq. The only variation in sound between the two dump tube designs is the same amount of power. ETS’s downpipe has been utilized on a number of notable builds, including some Evo Xs that clock in at 7 seconds.
The ETS tube, like the AMS Performance DP, offers direct OEM fitting to the test pipe and turbo. The ETS downpipe’s fit and finish are superb, and it’s a no-brainer to install it on a 4B11.
3) MAPerformance Evo X O2 Eliminator Downpipe
As one of the most tried and true downpipes available, the MAPerformance Evo X O2 Eliminator Downpipe is a proven performer. It’s known for being a top-notch downpipe, capable of delivering 10-15whp/wtq improvements. Ceramic coating is offered for a very affordable price to assist reduce heat soak.
As an excellent Evo X DP performance enhancer, the MAPerformance Eliminator comes highly recommended. An inverted dump tube is used in the divorced style. A CNC 3D contoured flange is available for customers with larger turbos who want to reduce boost creep. The O2 Eliminator’s name is derived from the sensor housing’s integrated O2 sensor.
4) Tomei Evo X Widemouth Downpipe
The Tomei Evo X 3″ downpipe completes our list. Widemouth style downpipe, like the AMS, is 3″ in diameter all the way around. For the 4B11, Tomei is renowned for its quality and fitting, making this a good choice.
With this downpipe, the Evo X will gain 10-15whp and cut spool time and backpressure dramatically. The Tomei has a reputation for being one of the more obnoxious alternatives available. Exhaust heat wrap is also incorporated, which improves flow.
Evo X Downpipe Upgrade Summary
A downpipe improvement for an Evo X is one of the better options for customizing your vehicle. So the car’s emissions aren’t compromised, but the horsepower and torque it produces are substantial. The increased volume also provides a distinct and aggressive tone to the exhaust, making it more enjoyable to listen to.
Both the increased power and lower back pressure and EGTs are significant advantages. With less back pressure, the turbo will spin up faster and perform more efficiently, resulting in a much wider power spectrum.
Lancer Evo X downpipe improvements, including detached and wideout versions, were the focus of this tutorial. In terms of divorced style, the ETS and MAPerformance are both excellent choices. Both are made in the United States, however the ETS has an open dump tube option. Widemouth downpipes like those from AMS Performance and Tomei are excellent selections. AMS has a better reputation in the community, thus it gets the nod in terms of quality and price.
