"Get it right the first time, that's the main thing." If there was ever a single piece of advice that every project builder should heed, that's it. After all, when you "get it right the next time, it's not the same thing." The process of trial and error usually results in spending more than necessary and wasting plenty of time and energy.

When many projects begin, it's rare to find a car owner that knows exactly how the end product will look and perform. Often times, the process is an evolution from the start, with parts being swapped on, then upgraded, then upgraded again. Ironically, a belief that the budget will be too much if the best parts are used,? prevents many tuners from building it right from the start. Fortunately, Ryan Gonzales knew what he wanted when he first laid eyes on the Mitsubishi Evolution. Featuring aggressive body lines, all-wheel drive and the legendary 4G63 engine, the EVO VIII was his vision of the perfect platform.

Spare No Expense

Ryan started the build by setting a horsepower goal of 600 horsepower to the wheels. He chose IA Performance of Tucson, AZ to deliver on his expectations. IA Performance prepared the 4G63 EVO block to receive 9.5-to-1 compression JE Pistons. The pistons make the connection to the Buschur Racing 100mm stroker crankshaft by way of Crower Pro-Billet connecting rods. This stroked-and-poked rotating assembly now displaces 2,270cc.

Up top, a high-flowing Buschur Racing Stage-3 ported cylinder head complete with Buschur Racing valves, springs and titanium retainers replaces the stock unit to facilitate better air flow in and out of the cylinders. An HKS 272-degree intake cam and 280-degree exhaust cam, featuring higher lift and longer duration, actuate the valvetrain. To keep the head in place, ARP head studs join the cylinder head to the block.

Got Balls?

To generate the airflow to fill the cylinders of the 2.3-liter block, a Garrett GT3582R ball-bearing turbocharger was selected to hang from the Full-Race stainless-steel manifold. After exhaust gases spin the turbine wheel, the spent flow is directed through a GReddy Ti-C exhaust system. On the cold side of the turbo, the compressor forces ambient air through hard piping to the Full-Race front-mount intercooler. Once heat is rejected at the intercooler, a cooler and denser intake charge makes its way to a factory throttle body bored to 65mm.

To provide the fuel needed to mix with the additional air, Precision Turbo & Engine 1,000 cc/min injectors spray VP Racing C16 race fuel into the pressurized airstream. The high-flowing injectors stay well supplied thanks to a pair of Walbro 255-lph in-tank fuel pumps and an Agency Power fuel rail.

The Power To Control

To ignite the air/fuel mixture, the stroked 4G63 relies on an HKS Twin Power DLI II ignition amplifier for spark energy and NGK spark plugs to light the fire. An AEM Engine Management System coordinates injection and ignition events. Boost control falls under the direction of a GReddy PRofec Type-S boost controller and a 48mm TiAL Sport wastegate. This duo holds boost at a steady and stout 36 psi. Tuned on IA Performance's Dynojet AWD dynamometer, the EVO churned out a solid 612 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. Compared to the baseline pull of 228 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, the stroker engine delivered 168-percent more power over the factory 2-liter engine.

No Driveline Drama

With 612 horsepower at the wheels, this EVO is generating 720 horsepower at the flywheel. This is over 440 horsepower more than the factory output. The factory driveline, though robust, was not intended to sustain these power levels for very long. To ensure day-to-day reliability, a custom Cusco triple-plate clutch transmits power from the crankshaft to the reinforced Shepherd Racing-built transmission. Shepherd Racing's Stage-2 transfer case compliments the transmission to ensure that the horsepower hits the pavement. While the factory differential continues to split power between the rear wheels, a Ralliart helical limited-slip differential now divides the power between the fronts.

Traction Action

Making the most of the horsepower being generated, steps needed to be taken to ensure maximum traction. To lower the center of gravity and add adjustability to the suspension system, TEIN FLEX coilovers control the dampening and rebound at each corner of the EVO. The wheel wells feature Volk Racing RE30 forged wheels mounted with 265/35R18 Yokohama Advan Neova rubber that deliver high-performance adhesion to the asphalt.

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