From the research I've done, several evolution owners on an AWD Dynojet dyno have had numbers in the 230-240hp range at the wheels. Mach Evo even claims to have gotten 250 on a AWD Dynapack dyno. In the same section of their site they estimate that the USDM Evo VIII is truly making close to 300hp at the flywheel.

From other websites I've come across, most experts say that RWD manual cars have a loss of approx 15% to the wheels, while AWD manual cars lose approx 20%.

If these numbers are true then an Evo VIII with 240hp at the wheels is really making 300 flywheel hp.

Are the Evo VIII's performance specs highly underrated from the factory? What would a more accurate figure be?

 

Close to 300 bhp (at the crank) could very well be true. Many times the HP numbers in Japan are distorted to comply with the "Gentleman's Agreement" between the manufacturers and the government. Good examples are the previous Skyline GT-Rs and Supras. This is similar to the 155 mph limit agreement in Germany, however many Audi RS cars seem to have left out the limiter...

 

Could be true, but why does the STI trap higher in the 1/4 with almost identical vehicle weight? That's rated at 300 and it dynos a little higher than the Evo.

 

A stock evo here is no more than 271 at the crank...I suspect the actual is less than the 271 claimed by Mitsubishi NA

 

I wonder if there are slight variances in build.. My car bone stock ran a 12.93 with two 13.0x runs on one day not too long after I purchased it before it was modified. I have to think that with those numbers, I wouldn't be surprised that the car was making slightly over 300hp at the crank.

Of course, I've seen other Evo's run low 14's in the quarter... way too many factors, its only a matter of time before someone actually does put a motor on a engine dyno, but I think the results are more important than the HP numbers.. its pretty obvious that there are more factors than crank horsepower that make for a well rounded and quick car..

But thats just my opinion..

 

Like Malibu Jack said, there are variances in the Evos. Some pull harder than others. I have heard of a couple of bone-stock Evos doing 12.9 on the strip - very impressive. Keep in mind that atmospheric conditions, altitude, etc. all play a huge role in affecting dyno numbers.

I think mine is not one of the stronger ones (I baselined at 222 whp on a DynoJet in Cali), but I have had 0 problems, no rattles, etc. I am more than willing to take the power trade-off (which I've more than made up for) by having a well screwed-together car.

 

it should be based on build, cars arent created equal, especially on the days they are made. also the fas that is being used as stock and the ability of the driver. no 2 cars are the same, either way i cant wait to open her up...just waiting til 622miles.

 

6-speed transmission and ratios that are sub-optimal for the quartermile.