Now we all know that the 4g63 has powered the first EVO. However, this same engine is still powering the newer EVOs as well, 8 or more years in the future. Has this engine lived its due course and require a makeover... lets see.

First off, this engine has hardly gone any major renovations. Just a minor mod here and a minor mod there as time progressed. Let's take a look at the main competitors engine. It's newer, and is a boxer type engine. Thus a lower Center of Gravity can be achieved.

Maybe the 4g63 is up for a new change...

 

Mitsubishi doesn't currently have a better/more advanced production 2.0l engine. Until they develop and/or produce one you won't see a change. ...UNLESS they stop rallying the Evolution. Then there's a chance they'd up displacement. I still doubt it though.

When it comes to winning races and making money it seems Mitsubishi's pretty conservative. They seem to have a sort of military "If it wins/works, don't fix it". Well it's not winning anymore, so it may be time to innovate. Then again, it could just be the drivers.

EDIT: I voted to keep it in the Evo. I think it's part of the line's heritage. That doesn't mean there should be no changes in WRC.

 

Yeah, well see, that's what I'm talking about. Nowadays the EVO isn't such a monster. Looking at how many times it has won in the WRC, it seems as though the newer people are beginning to take the lead. I think that Mitsu should step up to this. I'd really like to see a change in the engine. I know it's part of the "heritage" but then again, every car family has seemed to (after awhile) adopt a new engine with newer tech.

BTW, does anyone know how much more "souped" up this engine is compared to that of the STi's (in previous generations). Just wondering because I wonder about how far each car can really go when modded.

 

They pretty much all run similar engine specs which is why I mentioned the driver thing. I think it has as much to do with the chassis as well. It seems like the smaller hatches 206 and Focus have found a better way. Then again, that's only speculation. (Although I am a certified scientician)

 

I have to say that I think that the Evo's design has gotten away from it's Rally Heritage, and now Mitsu appears to be focusing more on GT/Road racing, and as such, the new Evo is doing excellently as a road car, but not so hot as a Rally ride. Also factor in that the car in the current circuit is barely beyond prototype status, which can account for the many technical problems that the Evo has encountered this season.

Also, remember that the hot hatches have been dominating, so, if Mitsu is due for an update based on their performance in the WRC, then so is every other car that's not a Peugeout (know I spelled that wrong), Focus, or Citrieon (again, spelling).

 

It'd be great if we can get a stock Citroen Xsara (spelling indeed) and a stock Peugeot 206 and a stock Lancer OZ and their Rally counterparts and see how they fair against each other. 0-60 1/4mi slalom and track times. I think it's be interesting. I know they'd all die compared to the rally cars but it'd be sweet to see the comparison from the road cars. right?

 

Okay, that had to be some really good crack you were smoking... j.k.

Alright, first of all, the only rally counterpart the OZ has is the one in the SCCA ProRally Group 2, and there really isn't much of a difference in powerplant difference (i.e. headwork and such), at least not as much of a difference as there is between the OZ and Evo, which is the WRC car that goes up against the Citreons and Pugeouts.

And as for the Pugeout and Citreon? The French are strange, strange people when it comes to cars.

 

So I see that most of ya feel like we should keep the 4G63 inside the EVO. So, how about justifying your opinion? Just wondering.

I feel like I don't really know whether it should be changed or what not, just feel that it is up for a slight change. Things like hollow camshafts and such are upgrades that most likely could have been done by normal people when upgrading the engine.

 

Well, first off let me say that while the block and basic setup of the 4G63 has been the same for close to twenty years, that doesn’t mean that the current incarnation has EVERYTHING in common with the first 4G63 that rolled off of the assembly line. This engine has “evolved” through the addition of different types of internals, different turbos, remapped ECUs, and just general improvements that garner the power gains that have separated the cars in the Evolution series.

Secondly, remember that this is a production engine, and for Mitsu to employ methods that tuners have would probably not be profitiable unless the MSRP went up on an already pricey car. Also remember that whatever Mitsu puts out, they have to warranty, and also guarantee the part’s safety, something that most aftermarket manufacturers ever have to worry about, due to the fact that it is the tuner’s choice to use said part, and decide willfully to install it. As is, the 4G63 has made gains throughout it’s evolution due to minor, safe-for-production changes, and I’m sure that will continue. I think that the day that the lab boys at Mitsu can’t find methods to eek more power out of this plant is the day R&D begins on a different generation of engine, and probably not any sooner.

I think that I can safely speak for many enthusiasts when I say that as far as production engines go, if it's not broke don't fix it. But, after it's off of the assembly line, the other mantra is if it's not broke, modify it!

 

Awful. The 206 in WRC competition is about as close to a road going to 206 as a NASCAR machine is to a real "stock car". As for the 'G63, it's a good motor, handles boost extrememly well and offers nearly unlimited upgradeability. Enhancements made on it like the hollow magnesium camshafts is just one example of the ingenuity that they can keep pouring into it. Something like variable valve timing would help but isn't entirely necessary. As long as Mitsu can keep in spec with Japanese emissions (unlike the SR20 and RB26), the motor will be around for a lot longer.

 

BTW, just wondering, but can someone give me the lowdown on what Variable Valve timing is.. lol

 

don't change something that works. the 4g63 is such and they can modify it but why change it? do i hear that all cars now have a boxer engine because it is so perfect? i don't think so.

 

Well, actually, the reason why you don't see it in most cars is because it takes a helluva lot of money to make one that works well. It takes a helluva lot of time to design a boxer engine because it is much more "complex" design to work off of (especially if it were turbocharged). Which would then also mean, higher $$$ on the car.

 

boxer engine on a ferrari, hmmmmm

 

True, true...

 

The trend I see...is the new "intelligent cams" coming into Mitsu line-up whether it starts with 4G63 remains to be seen. Honda has changed it's V-TEC engine with this technology. Toyota has its version in new 3.0l 's and I believe that Nissian has incorperated it's version in their VQ series engine. But who knows, maybe they'll keep the 4G63 the same and put into smaller chassis (say 3-door hatch) to better compete in WRC. Toyota, Nissan and Honda have concentrated more on the larger powerplants (why?....because growing investment F series of racing..i.e. F-1,F-3)Mitsui has not. I love the engine...but like the big block V-8 ... I think time has finally caught up with 4G63

 

What do you think of these "intelligent cams" like VTEC and such.

 

Well, friend of mine has a 1G Talon and it is making over 400 HP for the last three years. A few days ago, bunch of the club members went onto the dyno session and he ended up with 550 HP at the crank from running 25 psi of boost. If that is not a true proof that these engines can last, I don't know what it is!!!

Mr. AWD

 

the 4G63 is above the so called "intelligent cam" engines. how long has the 4G63 been around for? since 1990-91 with the Evo zero and has only grown since then. 4 wrc drivers world titles in consecutive years and has only just (because of drivers) started to decline in its reputation. The evo engine is one that is to be marvelled and we must not forget where it has come from. I've had my evo for over 3yrs and have at the highest been running high 11's and this is my day to day car with over 100k on the clock. never had to do any serious repairs only clutch and thats about it. I'll back the 4G63 any day.

 

I don't know if HKS has it in production yet, but they were developing and showing an aftermarket variable cam timing solution for the 4G63. With luck, it will fit on the Evo and not just DSMs.

HKS already offers cams, valve springs, and adjustable cam gears for the 4G63BT, for those that didn't already know.