Product: 08+ Mitsubishi Evolution-X ETS Intercooler Upgrade Kit

ETS Intercooler and piping upgrade installation.

Before you are ready to start installing the new parts you will want to lay out your new parts on a blanket or work table so that you can inventory all of the components that make up the kit.  (Our pictures depict additional components from air intake kit as well as exhaust system.) 

Once you have accounted for all of the parts it is time to start removing the front bumper from the vehicle as well as the radiator shield, blow off valve, blow off valve return line, air box or heat shield, and air inlet duct.

Tools Needed:

• quarter inch drive ratchet
• short extension
• long extension
• 8mm,10mm,12mm sockets
• 8mm,10mm,12mm deep well sockets
• straight screwdriver
• needle nose pliers
• standard pliers
• right angle pick
• phillips screwdriver

Once the bumper is removed and the intercooler piping mounting points are all accessible it is time to start loosening the factory clamps.  We started by removing the top intercooler pipe first, and then removed the intercooler feed flange from the turbo.  There is a gasket that is installed between the flange and the turbo so be careful not to damage it when removing the feed flange.  Next we unbolted the lower cool side of the intercooler piping and started to snake it out of the engine bay in front of the driver side wheel well.  Finally it was time to remove the stock intercooler by loosing the 12 mm bolts from the bottom and removing the side mounts from the hangers.  Be careful when handling the intercooler and place it in a safe location when removed from the vehicle.

Now that the stock system has been removed it is time to start installing the new components.  We installed the intercooler first, and then proceeded to install the intercooler feed flange to the turbo, then the upper hot side piping and then finally the lower cold side piping to the throttle body.  

When you are installing the piping it is of ultra importance that all couplers have an air tight seal.  It is tedious and time consuming to get all the connections made so we advise that you get all of the components in place and leave the coupler clamps loose so that any adjustments in piping alignment can be made to get the best fit.  Once you have confirmed everything is lined up correctly you can start tightening the clamps starting at the turbo.  Work your way forward on the system until all connections are air tight and firmly secured in place so that you will not have piping come apart under boost.  After the new system is installed you will have to reinstall the blow off valve, blow off valve return line, air box or heat shield, and air inlet duct as well as the radiator shield.

We advise that before you reinstall all of the front bumper bolts and clips that you take the vehicle for a short drive to check for boost leaks.  You will be able to feel and hear a significant boost leak and if you have a boost gauge installed in your EVO X this would be another great way to ensure that your connections are secure and air tight.

Completed Photos:

Additional products shown in the completed photos

Product Review:

We were very pleased with the quality of the workmanship that went into building this kit.  All of the welds looked really good and the parts fit perfectly.  We did not have any issues with fitment whatsoever and the performance gains are very noticeable from the drivers seat along with the new free flowing ETS catback exhaust that we installed at the same time.  We look forward to getting the car on a chassis dyno in the coming weeks to get a baseline of what the car is making before and after we start tuning the ECU.  Stay tuned for an update.