I have been reading some of the reflash posts and still don't understand something: Why does mitsu not tune the evo for maximum performance at the factory? Why is the ecu programed to drop boost at 5,ooo? Why is the ecu programed to run "richer" than performance prefers? (Wouldn't mistu sell more evos if they could advertise the evo as a "300 HP car" simply by installing a different program in the ecu from the factory?)

Perhaps Mitsu believes that the engine will last longer with a more conservative tune (and thus generate fewer warranty claims) if the engine sees less wear?

I guess this is my question: Will a reflash result in a shorter engine and turbo life? (I know many of you don't care even if it does--but I could barely afford to buy this car in the first place and MUST make it last at least 5-6 years......) A reflash MUST decrease engine life, correct?

 

I am very curious to know this also, someone more knowledgeable in this regard please respond

 

I would think it depends on how hard you drive your car. Also how often you change your air filter and oil. Too many variables just my two cents.

 

they do it to prevent warranty claims. the more aggresivly you tune it the higher the chance that somthing may malfunction causing a warranty claim. also, they have strict smog requirements. its not that a simple tune - if done right - will hurt your motor, or reduce life. it is just easier and less likely for any cars to come back for free work

 

dont forget about the fuel here in the US. we all dont have the 93 or higher octane that they have in the other countries. we, here in sunny crapifornia, have the luxury of the good ole 91oct. i think our tune is generalized for the california emissions with new york being a close second.

 

That makes sense. But, if all of our evos are tuned for 91oct. gas, then why does mitsu instruct owners to use 93oct (or less only in an emergency). (I may be overstating it--It's been a while since I looked at my owners manual.)

My motivation for raising this issue is: I need my evo to last 6 years. Accordingly, 90% of the time I am about as hard on my evo engine as my grandma would be. However, I am tempted to get a reflash to improve performance during the 10% of the time that I'm pushing the engine. But, I do not want to get a reflash if doing so will decrease the likelihood that my engine will last at least 150,000 miles. Anyone out there know?

Thanks! -Chris

 

ITS LIKE PUTTING A CHIP ON An AUDI or a VW same exact thing you can get 60 hp out of a chip its just i guess another way of minimizing the cost of the car They could build a 450 hp monster with a warranty but the price would be 60 Grand or more And i would imagine that any Mod that you do to your car in order to increase power will make ur engine wear and tear a bit faster.... Its just the price we pay to go FAST

 

Sounds to me like you may have bought the wrong car, the EVO is a high maintenance vehicle and if you are hoping to have the car last for 150,000 miles I wouldn't be modding it at all unless you have lots of money to burn.

just my .02 cents

 

Why dont we just compare the engine to the DSM owners. I have 3 friends with 4g63 with WELL OVER 150,000 miles with over 400whp.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking. If your goal is to have a little more HP and want it to last forever and not have any problems...the Evo was not the car to go with. This car is not hard to take care of, but once you put that first mod on...good luck leaving it alone. Modding this car is very addicting and there's always going to be someone with a couple more HP that you want to catch...then he'll add on...etc. Just have fun with it...it's only a car.

 

I agree they can last that long, but i bet your friends have sunk plenty of $'s into their cars.

 

Arguably our cars have less of the problems inherent to those. The internal strength of our motors is possibly second only to the 1G DSM motors in the realm of the 4G63, our driveline is for the most part bullet proof if the car is driven properly with some degree of "mechanical sympathy." I could see the motor itself especially with mild modifications lasting 150k+, and I don't think Al really turns up the wick on his reflash tuned customers with street cars. In essence I consider the reflash a 93 octane map as Mitsubishi itself would possibly even of conceived it matched to the parts on the car.

 

i also agree, didnt our engine evolved from the old skool dsm 4g63, and those engine is good for 150,000. i had one.

 

it wont' effect engine life. What will effect engine life is how hard you drive it cause its sooo much faster/more efficient with the ecu upgrade!
Dave

 

The types of questions you are asking can be asked of any car manufacturer. The answers you get from the manufacturers will also be the same: conservatism from the factory ensures you won't see a lot of warranty claims, government restrictions must be considered when selling a car abroad, consumers have different tastes, etc., etc.