Buddy of mine's got an new Lancer and wants to build it up a bit. Anybody got an suggestions on brands and websites for parts? He's got the 4B12 2.4L Mivec motor with Auto Tiptronic trans and paddle shifters. Im planning out a total build up and overhaul for him without getting too extreme.

I found a CAI from Weapon R. Ive never heard of them is it anygood?

what Lancer he has?! An 4B12? Wtf is that?? The Diesel? The Evo??

It's just their newest n/a 4 cylinder engine. The Evolution Ten models and lesser Ralliart line have the 4B11T engine. Smaller displacement, but with 1 important bolt-on.

had an 08 lancer before the ms3. Its not worth building up to be honest. The CVT is very slow due to poor programing and launches. Best option, IMO, would be to leave it stock (CVT with intake sounds weird) OR just jump into the RRM turbo kit. Warranty would fly out the window with that obviously but its the only way to gain even a remote increase in power. The CVT mitsu has is just too novelty with its belt-driven backbone and low-rpm launch. Full bolt-ons will still yield only up to probably 140whp in the CVT sadly, likely less up here. On average the CVT sees 10-15whp less than the manual... On a road course you might also over-work the CVT and force it into "stupid" mode from heat...happened to quite a few people on the mitsu boards from hard-street driving and simple bolt ons. I never had it happen but I drove it quite litely since it was a pig on gas around town. Basically the tranny disengages and free-wheels...or you burn the CVT rubber band

Aux transmission cooler.
Suspension, brakes and tires- a great mod for just about any vehicle.
Gauges to keep tabs on things- and they look cool.

I don't know anything about the Mitsu CVT, but from what I know about them on Saturn VUEs, they are failures waiting to happen. Keeping it cool (aux fluid cooler) and fluid changes seem to be the best bet for longevitity.

MazdaTom wrote:Aux transmission cooler.
Suspension, brakes and tires- a great mod for just about any vehicle.
Gauges to keep tabs on things- and they look cool.

I don't know anything about the Mitsu CVT, but from what I know about them on Saturn VUEs, they are failures waiting to happen. Keeping it cool (aux fluid cooler) and fluid changes seem to be the best bet for longevitity.

yep, and luckily for the owners, the entire tranny is not serviceable...short of fluid changes. If anything breaks, even the belt, you need a whole new damn tranny.

If your friend is dead set on building a "Lancer", I have a simple 3 step process that will help him a ton:

1. Save money.

2. Sell current Lancer.

3. Buy Lancer Evolution.


^^^This is a fairly tried and true path

True that!

But maybe it needs to be done this way, to loophole his insurance company. (?)

revised buildup plan:

1. Sell 08Lancer ASAP (they drop value faster than you can read this thread)

2. Buy MS3...its FWD, gets better MPG, and shit, its a helluva lot faster (and insurance won't change at all)

MazdaTom wrote:Aux transmission cooler.
Suspension, brakes and tires- a great mod for just about any vehicle.
Gauges to keep tabs on things- and they look cool.

I don't know anything about the Mitsu CVT, but from what I know about them on Saturn VUEs, they are failures waiting to happen. Keeping it cool (aux fluid cooler) and fluid changes seem to be the best bet for longevitity.

Maybe just a Saturn thing. Lots of Nissans have CVTs with very little issues. Then again, those have steel belts. I think Ford has been using them with some success as well. I still don't like them...would much rather have something like VW's DSG tranny if I had to go with an auto.

But yeah, I think the general idea of this thread is that a base Lancer isn't worth building up, and I agree. I know that doesn't really answer the question of this thread but it's true.

Weapon R is ok by the way...never used one, but from what I've read they're about the same as any other non-ebay CAI.

Talked to him today. I think i sold him on giving the wife the lancer and him getting something sportier if he wants to build something. Hes goal now is just better gas mileage which shouldnt be too hard. My best guess is a fuel efficiency chip. Have a feeling this will cut down on the performance so he's kinda screwed.

please pictures!!!

I have never had any luck doing heavy mods to an NA car. They can't seem to handle the pressure, especially that is associated with a turbo charger. I would def say that you should go with a base built car, EVO, STI, MS6, MS3. They can handle those mods easier because they are better designed to do so. I had an EVO v and believe me that thing was a monster. Came from the factory too rich, so it needed to be leaned out, open up the intake and watch it perform. The mazda has been the same way. Noticed the biggest difference with my standback computer.