I was wondering is my evo considered under powered. It pulls really hard on 1,2, and 3rd gear, but forth gear seems to be not so exciting. It doesn't have the same "pull" to it as the other 3 gears. I feel that the car is not very powerful at speeds over 85mph.
My car is a evo 9 MR and here is the mod list so far:

greddy catback
bucshur downpipe
test pipe
walbo 255 fuel pump
injen intercooler and lower IC piping
ACT clutch
Tuned at GST motorsports on mustang dyno 290wtq 300whp (2.5 years ago)

Car runs smooth with no problems, but at high rpms like 5500 and WOT I can hear small little backfires. Mini popping noises and Im thinking it may just be due to the test pipe. Is this normal?


What should my next cheapest mod be for a nice little power gain?

Thanks for any advice

 

backfiring means the car is running pig rich, so check for boost leaks and check all the intercooler couplers and make sure nothing has come loose.

 

From what I've seen with those mods and a 9 turbo you should be in the 330whp range.
The power levels you are at is where an 8 should be with those mods.

Edit: I didn't realize you were on a mustang dyno. My statement was for evos on a dynojet.

 

I don't think there is any boost leak because the boost gauge goes up to max which is at 22psi.

Oh, forgot to mention that the tune was done before the Injen FMI and piping. Will this cause a problem?

 

Your boost will reach peak with a boost leak... but your turbo is trying way too hard to get it there.

Injen piping fits like crap.... I would start there, as I had a major leak when I put my injen junk in and it actually caused me some serious problems. My recommendation is to go back to stock, and save yourself the headache of the injen. Or at least do a BLT and get your tune touched up.

Also, check your plugs. Breaking up might be because the plugs are fouled or not gapped properly.

Hope that helps.

B

 

You should get re-tuned with the addition of the IC and Piping, and should perform a boost leak test before the tune.

 

because the boost goes all the way to 22psi doesnt mean there is no leaks. Look at your boost gauge under vacuum and see what it says. If you come to realize that there isno leaks take it for a retune, and do a little touch up on the tune. Dont run the car too rich other wise you will be washing cylinder walls.

 

like stated boost leak test,new plugs gapped right, and maby try and get a logger cable and takes some loggs to see if your knocking or pulling timing.

 

definitely check your plugs and boost leak test and get your booty back on the dyno and make some more power..