FQ 340 findings

This information has been published to make owners and potential customers aware of our findings after tests were carried out by our technicians. These tests are routine tests done to all cars prior to modification, The car tested was a factory spec, 2004 Lancer MR FQ340.

What is an FQ

An FQ*** is a conversion done at the SVA test center in Southampton.It is not a Japanese model. In the case of this Lancer MR and others tested, Mitsubishi UK seem to have used a unichip system, which intercepts the signals from the air flow meter to control fuel and corrupts the signal from the crank angle sensor to adjust ignition timing. The major side effect of using this system is that the injector timing is delayed or advanced respectively. This then potentially results in incorrect injection timing compromising engine efficiency, fuel economy and performance.

Boost control ?

Click below to enlarge image.

The boost has been increased, as stated below. They appear to have used the existing boost control system which is stretched beyond its capabilities. It is not clear what target boost they wished to achieve due to the severe overswing and boost oscillation on all FQ340's we have tested.

Background

To extract 340 bhp from any Evolution model, with reliability, RC recommends that an after market ECU is used- not a piggy back unit that modifies the signal to the ECU - as is the case with the Unichi. An aftermarket ECU allows the ignition advance, injector timing, fuel and air mixture to be mapped to exact tolerances independently. RC also recommends an uprated boost controller which may or may not be part of the ECU. A quality item such as an Apexi AVCR would be a good choice. This is because it is capable of controlling the boost with such accuracy that avoids dreaded overboost. If uncontrolled overboost occurs, then an engine may start to detonate and this can melt a piston or breaks a con' rod, which then exits via the sump or engine block !!

Conclusion and test results

We attached a boost gauge to the MR along with our wideband lambda reader to see if all was well prior to working on the vehicle. We also took a stethoscope to listen for nasty noises - just incase.

When driving, we were disappointed to notice MASSIVE boost over-swing. Our gauge actually showed over 1.6 bar..... In fact the boost sent the needle off the gauge and then oscillated at around 1.4 bar. We would expect a max of 0.05 bar as an over-swing figure, not well over 0.2bar !

Next, as the revs climbed, we noticed that the car was running very lean. TOO lean to be safe. It was tuned like a NA car not a turbo ! We were concerned that this would causes detonation and unfortunately we were right. It was audible between 5500 -6000 rpm. and we lifted off the power instantly.

Summary

With the price of a Lancer MR FQ340 running at £5500-£6000 more than a standard MR, we would have expected a modified ECU at least, coupled with a quality boost controller. We would recommend that potential customers purchase a standard MR model and then they can be sure they are buying a genuine Japanese Mitsubishi. Unichips are not fitted to Evo's in Japan and tuning upgrades can be purchased at a later date when informed decisions have been made.

The Lancer MR is a very fine car and in our opinion, Mitsubishi have crafted an excellent vehicle which is certainly the most refined of the Evolution series. Features such as a Carbon Fibre roof section, twin boost solenoid, cast alloy recirc' valve and new turbo are all excellent performance/quality improvements on previous models. Cosmetically, the MR offers cool black light clusters with a smoke tint, all new cloth and alcantara seats with a black steering wheel centre boss, not to mention carbon fibre dash. The only negative comment we have, would be the choice of suspension setup, as the Bilsteins are some what crashy and induce a little too much body roll for our tastes.There are companies such as JIC and TEIN who are masters in this field, who we feel would offer improved road holding and comfort but also minimise body roll in a direct comparison.

RC

Ultima modifica in data Sab Nov 27th, 2004 13:24 di Andy