How to Properly Install a Wide-Body Kit on a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution without Compromising Stability?

As car enthusiasts, you all know the thrill of modifying your vehicle to reflect your unique style. One of the most striking modifications you can make is installing a wide-body kit. This modification can make your car look more aggressive and sporty. But, it’s not just about aesthetics. A wide-body kit can indeed enhance the performance of your car, particularly if you own a high-performance vehicle like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. However, it is essential to install it properly to not compromise the vehicle’s stability and performance.

Choosing the Right Wide-Body Kit

In the vast market of aftermarket car parts, choosing the right wide-body kit is an integral step. Different options, varying in design and material, are available to suit your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The key factor is to select a kit that not only augments the aesthetics of your car but also improves its aerodynamics and performance.

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Pay attention to the quality of the parts. Ideally, you should go for a wide-body kit made of durable materials such as carbon fiber or high-grade polyurethane. These materials are resistant to impact and can withstand harsh driving conditions. Also, make sure that the kit includes essential components like side skirts, front and rear bumpers, and fenders.

You could also consider getting a kit with an air lip system. This addition helps in reducing air turbulence underneath the car, improving its aerodynamics, and leading to better driving stability. Keep in mind that an improperly fitted wide-body kit can adversely affect the handling characteristics of your car, negating any potential performance gains.

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Prepping Your Car

Before the installation process, it’s important to properly prepare your vehicle. Clear the area surrounding the wheel arches and remove any obstacles that could hinder the installation. This includes removing the stock fenders and bumpers of your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

It’s also a good idea to thoroughly clean the car, focusing on the areas where the wide-body kit will be attached. Any dirt or debris can interfere with the adhesives and cause the parts to not fit correctly.

Remember, mishandling during prep work can cause damage to the body of your car. It’s always better to take ample time and ensure that the preparation is done meticulously.

Installing the Wide-Body Kit

Proper attachment of the wide-body kit is crucial to maintain your car’s structural integrity and performance. Start with the front parts of the kit and gradually work your way towards the rear. This approach ensures that the parts are evenly distributed around your vehicle.

While fitting the parts, make sure that they are securely attached and there is no movement once they are in place. After attaching the parts, a thorough inspection is necessary to check for any gaps or loose fittings.

Adjusting the Suspension

The wider stance of your vehicle after the installation of the wide-body kit will demand some changes in the suspension system. You may need to install aftermarket suspension components to handle the enhanced width and weight of your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

With a wider wheelbase, the vehicle’s center of gravity might shift, potentially affecting the handling and ride comfort. You should consider adjusting the vehicle’s suspension to compensate for these changes. This may involve altering the camber or toe of the wheels or installing a more performance-oriented coilover setup.

The Engine Consideration

While the suspension tweaks will ensure that your car handles well post the wide-body kit installation, remember that a wider stance means more drag. Your car’s engine will have to work harder against the increased air resistance, potentially affecting its performance.

If you’re keen on maintaining that Evo performance, it’s worth considering an engine tune or upgrade. This could include a more efficient air intake system or an exhaust upgrade to help the engine breathe better and counter any potential power loss.

In summary, installing a wide-body kit on your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution can give it a bold, aggressive look and even improve its performance if done correctly. The process requires careful selection of the kit, meticulous preparation of the vehicle, and thoughtful consideration of the changes to the suspension and engine. As always, don’t rush the process. Take your time and do it right. With the correct installation, your wide-body Lancer Evolution will not only be a head-turner but also a pleasure to ride.

Wheel Spacers and Bumper Lip Installation

Once you have the wide-body kit installed on your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, you’re ready to move on to the wheel spacers and bumper lip. Installing wheel spacers is a simple but effective way to enhance your car’s stance. They allow for a wider track, which can improve stability and handling. However, it is crucial to use high-quality wheel spacers that are fit for the Lancer Evo to ensure safety and performance.

Start by loosening the wheel studs on your car with a wrench. You can then slide the wheel spacer onto the wheel studs, making sure it fits snugly against the wheel hub. After that, place your wheel back on the studs, tightening the nuts securely.

As for the bumper lip, it is not just an aesthetic upgrade. It also provides aerodynamic benefits by reducing the amount of air flowing under the car, which can help reduce drag and increase stability. Installing a bumper lip generally involves aligning it with the front bumper, drilling holes, and then using the provided hardware to secure it in place.

In both cases, a detail click inspection is necessary after installation to ensure everything is secure and correctly fitted. Remember, improper installation can lead to potentially dangerous driving conditions and compromise the stability control of your vehicle.

Sway Bars and Active Cooling System

After installing the wheel spacers and bumper lip, you may want to consider installing sway bars and an active cooling system. Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, help to reduce the body roll of your vehicle during fast cornering or over road irregularities. They link the suspension parts of your car and provide stiffness, keeping your Lancer Evo stable even in high-speed situations.

Installing sway bars involves replacing the existing units on your Lancer Evolution. You’ll need to elevate your car, remove the existing sway bars, and install the new ones. Ensure the bars are securely fastened to prevent any movement during driving.

An active cooling system, on the other hand, is essential when you have modifications that add extra weight or drag to your vehicle. As the wide-body kit can make the engine work harder, an active cooling system can help keep the engine temperatures under control, ensuring optimal performance.

You will need to install cooling fans to your radiator and ensure they are wired to your engine’s temperature sensor. This allows the fans to kick in once the engine reaches a certain temperature, keeping it cool and ensuring the longevity of your Mitsubishi Lancer.

Conclusion

Installing a wide-body kit on your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a significant modification that requires careful planning and execution. From choosing the right wide-body kit, preparing your car, to adjusting the suspension, every step should be meticulously carried out to ensure the optimum performance of your vehicle. Further enhancements like wheel spacers, bumper lip, sway bars, and an active cooling system can improve your car’s stability, handling, and ride height.

Remember, the wide-body kit is not just about the aesthetics; it’s also about improving the performance and ride comfort of your Lancer Evo. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a street racer, a properly installed wide-body kit can transform your Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution into a head-turning, high-performance machine. Always prioritize quality over cost and never rush the process. Your patience and attention to detail will pay off in the end, resulting in a car that is just as thrilling to drive as it is to look at.