Hi everyone. It’s my first time posting so I apologize if I am in the wrong section. Please go easy on me.

Was hoping to get some input as to why why I am unable to make power on my Evo 9.

Build:
Stock 2.0 engine w/ Gsc cams
SARD Fuel regulator
FP54 green BB turbo w/ 84mm compressor housing
FP exhaust manifold
HKS turbo elbow and downpipe
HKS intercooler w/ Synapse DV recirc
HKS intake with MAF
Walbro fuel pump 255
DW 1000cc injectors
Spoolin up COP Coils
Ralliart ecu
Stock intake manifold
Stock throttle body
Test pipe
Trust titanium catback 2.75 inch
SARD radiator

I have been through 3 tunes and each time tuner was unable to make any power past 320WHP. Car would start detonating and stop making power once boost was turned up past 1.5bar(approx 21psi). Even after timing was adjusted. His initial diagnosis was back pressure issues. I have since done a full swap of my exhaust system, checked for leaks(boost and exhaust), swapped out many parts and am still experiencing the same issue. We are both cracking our heads as to why the car won’t make power.

The same tuner was able to tune several other Evos with 71hta (380whp) and a fp green JB (500+whp)




The purple line is an Evo 9 with a built 2.3 stroker and fp green JB with almost identical bolt ons as me tuned by the same tuner. My line is the light blue one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am at my wits end trying to figure this out. A lot of money and time has been spent on parts and tuning trying to troubleshoot this issue.

Also, I have just installed a FP intake to properly match the 84mm compressor cover - post tuning. Car feels more responsive and partial throttle flutter has completely vanished. I know it’s a long shot but I was wondering if my old intake setup might be the cause of my issue due to the uneven diameters of the pipe/silicone reducer. Have attached a photo of my old intake setup (photo was ripped off the net but is identical to mine)

 

I ran the same hks intake setup as yours with a maf before I went speed density with a old school fp green turbo spraying meth at 30 pounds of boost and would make 400 whp dynojet, so I would say it’s something else.

 

Any logs to see exactly what the car is doing? Was going to ask if you where still running a cat and say maybe partially clogged but I see your running a test pipe.

 

since your problem is detonation, what do your spark plugs look like? Perhaps one of your cylinders is running lean. The plugs will have a story to tell.

 

Unfortunately I do not have access to the logs. 😞

 

spark plugs looked clean. It only detonated during the tune when tuner tried to increase the boost. Also did a compression test after and all 4 came back with the same reading.

 

Check your COP kit. Test each coil pack to see if you have a dead coil pack. What fuel are you running?

 

Will do that. I’m running 98RON. My next step would be meth injection before I swap out the turbo.

 

get your car running / performing to its ability before throwing meth on it. Good luck man!!

 

post a photo of your spark plugs right after pull
,its super wavy looks like misfiring
check if any thing in your exhaust clogged,how is your fuel map looks like ?
check your hoses coupler,filter if not collapsing under boost.

 

thanks mate!

 

will try to do that. But I don’t have a wrench to take out my plugs. Exhaust is definitely not clogged, I’ve swapped out the entire system and even removed the silencer. Changed my intake filter(Hks) and check hoses and couplers and they are all good.

 

Super easy to change or pull out , you can literally change a set in less then 30 minutes. All you need is a 13/16 spark plug socket , a 6” or 8” 3/8 extension, a 3/8 ratchet and 10 mm socket I believe to remove the coil packs.

 

What are the AFRs when it starts to detonate?

 

This is unusual, your tuner should be able to fault find the issue and swap parts out or at least determine what parts are faulty. On my build the tuner found a clogged cat and a faulty cam sensor so i left it with him to work on. Don't think of changing anything out yourself until you get to the bottom of it. There's been some good suggestions above so working through and eliminating each might save you more coin. I was going to say a clogged cat but you said you already swapped the cat out. 3 inch minimum exhaust should be the norm with an fp green.