Project Evo IX - Tech

We're only into the second installment of Project Evo IX and we're already changing autocross classes. Why? One simple word: boost.

The plan is to build a simple, daily driven rocket we can have fun in while autocrossing and at the track. Because you only need four wheels and the ability to not explode when at an open track event, we've decided to focus on a particular autocross class and drive it with that set-up. Originally, we were aiming for the Street Touring U (STU) class, which is perfect for those minor modders wanting a little more than stock. Common STU mods include 245-width street tires (real 140 treadwear street tires, not 'streetable' R-compounds), full coilovers, piggyback ECUs and catback exhausts-but no increase in boost. That was the problem right there. At first we thought we'd be OK with a near stock-engine Evolution IX, but after a few rides and drives in Evo VIIIs and IXs with greater modifications, we knew we were smoking crack. Pure, unadulterated crack. Truly the good stuff.

Having an Evolution, or any other turbo car for that matter, and not turning up the boost is a crime on a par with triple homicide. Some mods allowed under STU, such as an exhaust, will raise the boost level a tick, due to the freer flow. But there's no replacement for an actual boost controller and the proper ECU tuning that goes with such an increase. So we're making the move up to Street Prepared, or more specifically, B Street Prepared (BSP). Luckily, all modifications from STU are allowed in BSP, so no changes had to be made since the first installment of Project Evo IX.

It always pays to pore over the SCCA Solo rulebook (found at www.scca.org) when aiming for any particular class; it's no fun being bumped up classes in a 120hp Civic and having to take on tube-framed, huge-winged, Modified-class cars. Street Prepared sounds like the perfect stomping ground for those owners who are a little more serious about modifying. A BSP Lancer Evolution IX should be fully capable of punching through the 350 wheel-hp mark, while pulling well over 1g in the corners and retaining sufficient civility to be used as a daily driver. Pick a non-obnoxious muffler and you'll be flying stealth.

In accordance with BSP rules, Project Evo IX will retain the stock turbo and brakes, but will receive a custom coilover suspension, an increase in boost, a turboback exhaust, urethane suspension bushings, wider wheels and, unfortunately, race tires and gas. We say 'unfortunately' because of the price. Unleaded gasoline of any octane is allowed in BSP, as well as any DOT-approved race tire of any size. If you really want to win and take it to the limit of the rulebook, you'll be running fresh Hoosiers or Kumho V710s (285-width for an Evo), and a minimum of 100-octane. With the size of our wallets, that's not going to be happening any time soon.

Anyway, we hadn't planned on taking on the SCCA Solo 2 National Championships just yet, so it doesn't bother us that we aren't packing the maximum heat for our class. At the regional autocross level, we should be fine.

To the grip- and power-hungry staff at SCC, the first logical mods should be more rubber, a stiffer suspension and loads of boost. Going, turning and stopping are the most important things to improve on any car, right? Yes, but we thought it important to first touch upon safety equipment-a subject with more rumors and lies surrounding it than the Hollywood gossip page.

According to the 2008 SCCA Solo rulebook, section 15.2, part F, BSP allows the change of both front seats to fully upholstered buckets, as long as each bucket-and-seatrail combo weighs at least 20 pounds and uses the stock mounting holes. This is great news for cars with heavy, bulky seats stuffed full of useless features only grandmas will appreciate. Sorry Grandma, but the triple-axis adjustment motors and seat warmers have to go. Wherever possible, lighter is better.