Ryan Gates's 311RS - or - How to Make a Better Evo -- /TUNED

The Mitsubishi Evo X is a great performer for the enthusiast on a budget, thanks to its very smart drivetrain. On top of that drivetrain sits an utterly terrible tin can of a body and an interior that seems to come with the chassis for free. Enter racer Ryan Gates. He's been competing in Evo's for years, and decided that he wants to build a better Evo. So he's improved just about everything on the car. We try to do a full test of it at Monticello Motor Club, but it doesn't exactly go as planned. Is the 311RS the best Evo money can buy? We try to find out.

[@Buttnut105]

I'm glad the builder stressed that development was the main focus, like when he says you can't just slap on new dampers and be done. Development is the most important thing, I think at least, when building a car. A slow build that's been developed properly will be more desirable to drive than a fast, underdeveloped car; it may even be more effective as well.

[@DJSkreebz]

well said

[@pw85___]

Agreed

[@ThePs3isbetterthanal]

I don't know why people don't like how it looks, I think it looks pretty great

[@Atrax1207]

Very very nice looking Evo. I like it a lot. This is a proper way of tuning your car.

[@nbwinn]

Love the attention to detail. The tartan is perfect!

[@souljaruman1]

I just love how the awesome blacked out grille on the Evo X contrasts with the white! Looks like an evil, pissed off white-clothed snow ninja wearing a black mask coming to assassinate you!

[@samuelito4721]

Love the little details he pointed out.

[@mertmalki6552]

Most people here commenting negative things about this car such as "oh I don't like the color of seats, oh I don't like the wooden handbrake etc" have probably never tracked their car, and/or never been out on a track. Because clearly they are missing the big picture here. This car has been set up for track by using all the years of experience and feedback Ryan got from his time attack record breaking events...I have a very similar set up Evo X that took me almost 1 year to build and I get really annoyed when I see bunch of Playstation kids leaving irrelevant negative comments. This car with Hoosier R6 tires is almost unbeatable in a curvy technical courses. Just ask yourself what have you accomplished in your life as far as cars are considered before throwing dirt at others efforts! Good job Ryan! You built one hell of a car, I can't wait to see one in person...hopefully on my next track day :)

[@TheSmokingTire]

the cage is quickly removable for when you're not at the track.

[@Hotsauce11294]

Saw this car in person and talked Ryan Gates. Great car and great guy! He knows his shit around Evo's!

[@MrComputerSaint]

As always, a great video Matt. Looks like a nice track motor indeed.

[@axzell2]

I like how TUNED is evolving from massive horsepower show to trackday handling car show. Keep it up! :)

[@doodzy2]

Can I just say, as a self-acclaimed representative of the viewers, that we appreciate everyday you spend making these videos. Honestly, this is one of the only channels on youtube that I can watch videos on and forget that this is youtube. Keep up the hard work (and also spend time with family!!!x)

[@TheSmokingTire]

I already have a personal trainer. Training isn't the issue. In the last four months, (while I've been filming this series), I have been home sixteen days. That's an average of four days per month. Plus, I have a permanent spinal injury. No one with that kind of travel schedule and my medical history could stay thin without giving up the traveling and driving.

[@linoleumshake]

I like seeing the cars at the track as much as i do around the street. If it's possible to get both in the same video then please do so! Keep up the great work guys

[@afinny02]

Matt, you videos are getting better and better and better. Any schmuck can find a guy with a tuned Evo (although that is a legit nice tuned Evo) and make a video about it, and any guy can ramble on about how it is fast and stuff... but you make interesting intelligent observations about the car and really bring forth the passion that went into it. Coupled with the very nice production value that you guys put into it with the camera work etc makes for quality automotive journalism

[@iamcharlesxP]

The Evolution X is a good looking car but I feel that the 8 and 9 really hit the nail on the head. Though the design is starting to show it's age it is still completely practical and classic.

[@Jamxknife]

Your so right it's not even funny. I'm really curious to see how the evo Xl turns out

[@Colt16v]

Kirei Edwards There won't be any Evo XI. They will make a performance car, using hybrid technology, but it won't be an Evo.

[@talldude06]

Audio sounds soooo mush better! Great video!

[@GrannySmith1313]

I always think "love to have a go in that" after watching Tuned episodes. This was the first time I thought "would love to get one exactly like it". Amazing car and great review.

[@jd4pc]

This is my favorite show on drive and on KZbin.

[@Heath3250]

I've been waiting on this one for a while. My setup is nearly identical to this one, except I have Ohlins rather than JRZs. Mine is setup to oversteer pretty heavily for autox. Wish you would have got more time in the car Matt! That being said, as a motorsports enthusiast/tuner, you HAVE to buy the stock car and modify it yourself to get the true experience. It's so rewarding seeing the car gradually improve as parts are added and pushing yourself to reach the new limit of the car as it improves

[@prettybadusername]

What a beautiful car. Love that evil front end, the blue touches set it off lovely. Stunning.

[@gt_grandtouring]

wow! Now that is one of the most brilliant packages I've ever seen!

[@CubanRider]

Ah, makes sense. Thanks for the clarification.

[@12389h]

Good episode, looking forward to more.

[@Xolition]

Spot on with the daily driver HP numbers for the Evo. My IX has been there reliably for years.

[@aquateen77723]

I like the design of the interior, with all the suede and Ferrari shift knob. And that blue color.....SICK.

[@7Skaryface]

Matt, continue doing what you love (and are good at). Why be thin if youre not enjoying yourself.

[@2muchbhp]

All round sick review, love the blue colour!

[@TehEyeCandy]

I absolutely love this car. It's balanced, not like that guy you see at the gym that is all chest and no legs. The akrapovic exhaust is a work of art on itself. The small customized details just make it very creative and interesting to look at. Great work Ryan Gates and nice video Matt.

[@TheSmokingTire]

it dialed out a bunch of the understeer, yea. Like all upgraded suspensions it's much more about how it's dialed in than the components themselves.

[@pskuuk]

I've been waiting for this all day

[@mvpatrone]

JRZ dampers are top notch. Glad to see the attention to detail.

[@TComsto17]

Owned straight from the man himself. Wish I could afford one of these, great job sir.

[@nuttersandy]

Wicked video as always Matt! You never told me some of your favorite driving roads in SoCal though :(

[@detmer87]

Wonderful craftsmanship! Nice to see that these man know what there talking about and truly make the car that much better and faster, unlike the typical tuner (with there bold claims).

[@LiamDrives]

That Evo is great! Awesome review Matt. Love that helmet.

[@delongedoug]

Having taken my Evo track car to Monticello, it's a delightful experience! I'm jealous how often Matt gets to run there.

[@TexasMaximus210]

These are my favorite videos.

[@EarlReagan]

Matt I really am liking this change in car selection though. Last season i loved seeing you drive cars that very few of us would ever see and even fewer of us will ever have a chance to drive them. This season its more about the driver and enjoying the culture.

[@karlo134652]

its beautiful.

[@TheTonicro]

love it, great color combo

[@ToyotaGT1Racer]

Great video matt.

[@brutalcamber]

Awesome car, love the interior details. Race car drivers should do this more often!

[@TheSmokingTire]

the cage is supposed to be a quick-release thing so you bolt it in for the track and take it out when you're using the car every day.

[@hakosuka2]

Beautiful... only a racer could develop a car like this, lots of simple changes but using the right components in the right places and balancing those changes with the right amount of usable power that the chassis can handle comfortably. Wish i had the money to order one thou.

[@89Trashmaster]

Ryan and his Evo, nice, reminds me of something

[@bradleyblackster]

Sick video as per usual!

[@duckpacker]

soo happy tuned is back....why i subed to this channel

[@MuscleVsTuner]

i wish i had an Evo...

[@nasarkhan8973]

Well u have one now sonny

[@m0rphin3_ow63]

@@nasarkhan8973 if ur santa clause i wouldnt mind repeating his wish =)

[@xer0dude]

Its refreshing to watch these. Living in Japan I actually don't see many EVO Xs let alone tuned ones. Get ready guys R32 GT-Rs are now considered classics and will be making their way stateside (Legally) very soon!

[@nvmaddog1]

If you think it rains in New York you should come to Orlando.

[@solesearched]

God I love the Evo X. Mitsubishi really keeps raising the bar every generation they release. Can't wait to get my Evo 8 in a few months when I move to Texas.

[@A0Mouse3Called1Wolf1]

Another enjoyable video Matt. Your helmet cracks me up. To all that have a problem with this car and with this video. We are all trying to make something our own. We alter we mod and we show our passion for what we love through our creations. You don't like someone's build/car choice. Go buy/build your own. He is reviewing a product. That is all. He has a passion for all things vehicles from what I see and lives around what he loves. You don't like what Matt says go watch some other review.

[@RayThompson1]

I don't really understand criticism of what is obviously a labor of love for Ryan Gates. Great attention to so many small details shows me that this is a guy who loves cars. I don't care if it's a Ferrari, McLaren, AMG, BMW "M", or an Evo. Part of the fun of the car hobby is that different companies and engineering teams solve the exact same problems in different ways. Would LOVE to take the 311RS out on track; congrats, Ryan!

[@RSPerformance-RS3EVO]

Such a beautiful evo x

[@DoseDeNet]

i love the paint job too

[@van240]

im digging that blue!

[@xer0dude]

Your comments alone can be an entire other series haha. Keep up the good work.

[@mojostevo]

And it's MT? Friggin awesome!

[@tavshedfjols]

Cant get over how great Matt's helmet is.

[@daniate839]

great as always thanks fatt marah

[@thefnbled]

kick ass episode, that car looks fun.

[@TheSmokingTire]

That's because I said "this car" which is the 311RS package plus lots of custom extras like the cage, shifter, plaid pattern on the seats. none of that stuff comes with the standard package. The 311RS starts at $49k. This one is $70k.

[@Blackner2424reborn]

Ooohoo man. That is a BEAUTIFUL car.

[@iansherman7964]

I run Girodisc rotors on my Evo x too. Thats about as baller as my car gets. Nice setup, jealous, especially of the exhaust.

[@treyrandz8515]

that blue is real nice

[@DrRyan82994]

I really like the exterior styling.

[@CO_Yeti]

Beautiful car

[@TheSmokingTire]

please send build sheets and photos to tuned at the smoking tire

[@boltonky]

Thanks Again for another awesome video, You can tell you have passion and experience and are looking for the next big thing, If i was rich i would sponsor you guys just for the pure fun..It Does sadden me though when owners wont let you really loose with there cars. You only live once why not have fun and let ppl have fun if you can provide the toys. Would of loved to see it power sliding in the rain

[@thegrandpumbaa]

Matt, thanks for the reply. *waits patiently for Panama bus racing...*

[@PepegaPig]

I think for a turn key package it's great. Like the little touches personally.

[@DaDDyDoughjr]

Really nice video

[@rubenmolina1449]

muy guapo quedo , la fiera de mitsubishi evolution .

[@nodfraction3351]

Yo guys, love your videos, very competent reviews, I subscribed a while ago. I would like to ask you about the soundtrack in this video as I deal with music a lot so I'm interested in what you have put in the background from 0:03 to 2:20. Keep up the good work!

[@mulomuleando]

Matt, your helmet is the best! The car was nice too.

[@mchale20201]

I think this is the first time I've seen Matt's new helmet with the custom paint job and it looks awesome.

[@rofipratama4]

Perfect evo I ever seen !

[@Romain1212]

I love the handbrake!

[@ChardDavis]

KZbin comments are always interesting. Persons can be so critical, either way great video.

[@Amagansett1680]

The camera angle at 3:47 is great.

[@Isaac_Evo_X]

beautiful car

[@JohnClausen]

I was really close to getting an Evo X. After test driving one, I determined I couldn't live with the sacrifices on quality the car makes. This one, however, looks much MUCH better.

[@ignitionr34]

This was a great review btw, matt's other reviews was way to biased towards the sti and you can definitely tell that. But this was one was good. Thumbs up in my book.

[@kkkrwdxa]

Looking cool Mr. Donald Farah

[@Built2Fast]

Honestly, I would have to say that the 311RS is not the best EVO money can buy. However, I totally understand that we all have our basis about what constitutes a better EVO. I went with the X MR because there was so much hate coming from the GSR owners about the SST platform. My preference is a combination of COBB Tuning parts. First upgrade was to COBB Stage II with GIROdisc Brake upgrade, AMS SS brake lines, all Motul fluids and NITTO NT05's. My idea of how the EVO should have come from the factory.

[@Ghostca]

Ahhh I see, interesting idea. 15 mins instal does sound reasonable. Would have loved to see you also drive Ryan's race car, I've seen the build and it looks proper!

[@carpetmogul007]

Matt, you had me at "Zero F***S givin! Health set aside, your passion is A+ in my book!

[@2003SCT]

Perfect car for the guy who wants this to add to his car collection...not as the only car you have/need. Tuner cars are usually quite pricey but this one seems like its well sorted and well thought out. In a way its like a ZR1 to me...WAY pricier than it should be and no I wouldn't have it be my only, but a great car to take out for certain occasions.

[@TheBANDEMIC]

now that would look sweet!

[@SH3RIFF187]

I liked how Tuned started off with a bang with the two big JDM giants.

[@TheSmokingTire]

We just made three films for this season in Panama. Japan would be awesome, but for now it's way to expensive to get over there.

[@streeatbeat]

TUNED IS BACK

[@tcmbrown]

This is how it's done. Not massive amounts of boost. No massively wide wheels and slammed. An all around car. Nice power output to be a threat on the track but nice enough to be streetable.

[@explodingevo]

I definitely agree, however running that same build on e85 would be awesome I love my evo on E

[@camcuber]

what wheels are those?! And what is done to the fog lights? It looks amazing

[@TheSmokingTire]

stock wheel with different center cap and suede wrap

[@ohhailkingbobby1073]

Beautiful evo!!!!

[@TheSmokingTire]

The first time I fucked it up I burst a disc (L4/L5) while doing the Baja 1000. Turns out you can get mega injured doing that race even if you don't crash. Then, in 2010, I took a promotional gig driving people around at SEMA for a week in that "firebreather" camaro thing. The seating position and ride were so bad, that after a week, I burst the same disc again. (part of the reason I hate Camaros). So I've had the same back surgery twice. And the only way to get rid of the pain is to not drive.

[@TCBasketball33]

This EVO is mouth watering.

[@DistrictDRIVE]

This is the first time in my life that I've liked rims in a color other than silver, grey, white, or black, this blue is very neutral and metallic looking, not ricer or just some teenager that adds stupid shit to his car, great color choice, as for the pinstripe seats though, i thought that was pretty wierd, the car looks futuristic but some things are a little tasteless in styling