We Bought A James May Spec Evo VIII!

A new DriveTribe project car is born! The James May spec Mitsubishi Evo VIII FQ-300! After Martin the Subaru from the Grand Tour took the channel by storm last year, we've decided to bring a fellow super saloon legend to the channel to take on the might WRX STI. Let Mike Fernie introduce you to our new project car.
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00:00 Welcome to our Evo 8!
01:26 What happened to James May's Evo?
02:09 What is an Evo 8?
04:13 What's the plan with our Evo?
07:53 How much power is our car running?
10:06 What is special about the 4G63 engine?
11:30 Smallest Cog inspection

[@Drivetribe]

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[@NikNewNik]

1) I like Evo more than Subaru 2) I think 500hp will be perfect for the evo🙂👌

[@jonbelknap777]

1. James needs to be put in that Evo 2. Race it as is against Martin and see how bad its lacking 3. Mod 4.James and Richard have a showdown after the Evo is built

[@andriusa.6444]

Insert additional point 2 - put it on a dyno as is.

[@jonbelknap777]

@@andriusa.6444 agreed

[@Yvolve]

0. Turn on the lights.

[@IvoTrausch]

He won't like it if it's not *standard!*

[@shreddedlittle]

@@Yvolve😂

[@smashkh8314]

Can we get James and richard together in a video?? Been a long time

[@eetbmx900]

Do not let James touch another bushi ever, EVER!

[@AKStovall]

@@eetbmx900 at least, not in a Norwegian tunnel...

[@benllewelyn98]

They were together on Richard and Izzy's podcast on the latest episode

[@carsandcontraband7217]

Probably end up in a big JDM crash .

[@Yvolve]

@@AKStovall In his defence, he was on studded tires on tarmac. Not the best for traction. You can see the marks on the tarmac after he crashes. He was flooring it, no doubt, but it was a huge oversight on the part of the production. Besides having a race in a dark tunnel, that has a dead end.

[@tombell3712]

I have a blob STI. And I adore it. As a kid I wouldn’t entertain the idea of an evo. But 20 years later. I’m so glad to see either a Subaru or an evo. Both incredible cars. The likes of which will never be built again!

[@markgilbert4985]

I've had an Evo the same spec, and although not an Impreza, I had 3 Legacy GTs, the Evo is way more edgy, the subaru more daily-able

[@v4skunk739]

Evo are better cars, a reason why the cost more.

[@dudeskie2000]

​@@v4skunk739 better on track, but not by much at all

[@leegoodman11]

You've got Martin, I think this car needs to be named "Stevo" 👍🏻 Oh, and as nice as Martin is I'm definitely an Evo fan, always have been 😊

[@Craiggg12345]

@@v4skunk739they always been the same cost until they got discontinued.

[@DanielH3342]

As a Subaru owner I have to say Subaru, but I think these EVOs are awesome. It's a shame Mitsubishi isnt making cars like this today.

[@cuscoothriyas5163]

I was team Evo. I really miss the days of the Impreza/Evo rivalry. Those were some exciting times

[@SpecializedRider249]

Subaru isn't comparable to the Evo especially in the performance department. Evo's punch above it's weight in what their power figure suggests. More comparable to supercars of the same era.

[@eppyz]

Evo guy here after owning 4 of them, Evo 8, 2 Evo 9's and a X. I daily drove my Evo 9 MR since new with 400awhp for 6 yrs before I sold it and had ZERO issues. That was on a stock turbo running E85. I did have Cosworth M3 Cams, and Brian Crower Valve Springs and retainers in the head, and all the other simple bolt on supporting mods, but really not much money to get it to the 400awhp figure. The Subie you guys did was freaking fabulous. Typically, Evo's don't need as much internal mods to make power vs the Subie, but since the Subie is a completely built race motor, to keep it fair, I would go after the same power figures with the same type of build effort as with the Subie. Run separate maps like you did on the Subie as well. Low map on the Evo 400-450awhp high map 500-600awhp then take them to the track. I'm putting my money on the Evo if built to the same standard as the Subie. 👍😎

[@xxxbupropion5683]

This is non related to the EVO platform, but since you talked about cams and valve springs, what other parts would you need to swap out if upgraded cams and valves are done? I’m trying to know what else would be worn out if they’re upgraded.

[@turbo_brian]

​@@xxxbupropion5683it depends a lot on the motor as the design of the lifters changes a lot motor to motor, but in most cases with modern motors nothing should wear unless it was subjected to a lack of oil pressure. Typically when changing cams and valve springs one would also change valve stem seals (cheap while you're in there) and then the springs usually come with light weight retainers. If not you could consider this if you plan on increasing the rev limiter or the cam is significantly higher lift than stock. Keepers could also be changed out but those are usually an infinite life part unless it's a bmw/porsche/jag. Surprisingly those keepers actually tend to fail if they grip the valve too well and prevent it from rotating.

[@eppyz]

@@turbo_brian all very informative points I didn't have to change valve stems seals on my Evo 9 that I put cams in because the car only had about 3,000 mi on it when I put the cams in so that wasn't necessary and due to the valve train design in the Evo all you had to do was valve springs and retainers 👍

[@sianwarwick633]

Inevitably, I'm going to be the person who says I didn't understand a word. But I did understand the concept

[@SuperiorModel]

I have never encountered anyone in the UK who says "MITSUBUSHI".

[@espenlund]

Clarkson when emulating an American.

[@SuperiorModel]

Good memory@@espenlund

[@MelSavageKiller]

Thought the same thing lol

[@Moshington]

What do you guys call it

[@toddlerj102]

Yank term all day long!

[@davidoram7348]

I have had a Black Tommi Makinen for 17years. 350bhp. Not a lot gets near it. Absolute weapon.

[@shanemshort]

Nice, I've got a white one and a white Evo 7.. Love em'

[@cholodude97]

Awesome man, never let it go.

[@djshotty1969]

If I ever had the money to buy either STi or Evo I'd choose a Makinen VI every day of the week, but in the traditional red please.

[@davidoram7348]

@@djshotty1969 sadly you won't get near them. All going into collections. As it stands the rarest colours were black 244 satellite silver 412 and canal blue 455. Red they made 644 decal cars not the 212 everyone claims and 145 non decal cars. Easy to identify as non decal had red door handles and black door trims.

[@AKStovall]

I'm an Evo girl tbf. at one time, that Evo 8 was my dream car. Almost bought one, but being sent abroad stopped me. I've owned a WRX STI before, and I had the dismal Evo X as well (Loved the look, not the drive.) glad you guys got the Evo. Now the proper play time between them can commence.

[@Umar-gw6fy]

Now you gotta race it against martin

[@BCJDM]

And have Richard in the Subaru and James May in the Evo or Mike if we need a competitive race lol

[@brianrainey2739]

Poor Martin is gonna take a beatdown. Followed by a CEL…..

[@ppppw2]

and a following BANG@@brianrainey2739

[@bartekzieba6711]

like in some kind of a tunel ?

[@Snowmunkee]

Keep it out of any tunnels

[@Drivetribe]

😂😅

[@2988jake]

4g63 is a closed deck block, its one of the strongest 4-pots you can get

[@scottmclaughlin1410]

Truth!

[@stichupman]

Certainly one of the best along with the k20 sr20 and ea888

[@v4skunk739]

@@stichupman SR20 and EA888 are garbage.

[@lokelvin84]

Heart: Subaru. Driving dynamics: Evo

[@lucasfalco9084]

YESSSSS I'm so happy yall committed to the evo

[@itsnevo8757]

I owned a BBY 2003 Evo 8 back when it was brand new and kept it a few years until i got a layoff from my job. I watched that Grand Tour episode and started to really miss my Evo so as soon as I finished watching that Grand Tour episode, I started shopping for another 2003 Evo and bought one almost exactly like my original one. Same Blue By You Blue color, same year, same options and I couldn’t be happier. I felt bad for James when his Evo was destroyed and I’m glad he will have another one to enjoy

[@Drivetribe]

That's fantastic! Assuming it's the one in your profile pic, it looks to be a brilliant bit of kit. These cars hit different! 💪

[@itsnevo8757]

@@Drivetribe Thank you!! The Evo in my profile picture is the Evo I bought after watching that Grand Tour episode! It currently has 247,000 miles and looks almost new, no rust and no leaks. I love these cars and I’m glad you guys bought that one! I can’t wait to see what you do with it!

[@petem6474]

Team evo here also a owner of a VI. 440-460hp is a good place to be power wise but saying that i have friends running 600+ and absolutely love it.

[@kelalkelal]

As a subaru fan boy. I can say. Subarus are quick, and evos are fast .

[@dalejenkins5660]

Definitely team Evo as I own a 05 Evo 8. For building it don't neglect the suspension and transmission/transfer case in the upgrades.

[@rufnek215]

I've got an 8mr fq340 running 1.8 bar around 430bhp with rods changed, perfect at that amount of power as a road car

[@ashleymccarthy6232]

My childhood friends neighbours had a Sub, and the man over the road had an Evo. When I was growing up, when we played out we used to talk for hours over which car was better while we pedeled around the estate. This content feels very nostalgic and helps me remember better, more honest times. Thank you 👍🏻

[@Mathertron]

Isaac is briliant and dry as anything. Love his presence on camera. More Isaac!

[@automationvisuals7867]

Martin’s got a new friend…

[@djoetma]

Enemy

[@Drivetribe]

Friend / sparring partner! 🥊

[@LadaBily]

@@Drivetribe More like a punching bag if its gonna run 100bhp less

[@MrSatnavatron]

That is the best one , thanks for this DT Team

[@ZeeBri]

As the former owner of a 430bhp R32 GTR, it doesn't need any more power. Cars are most enjoyed when you can use the most of their performance. I had more fun in the Clio 182.

[@silentracer911]

I told you to get an FQ-400+, I know Top Gear did an FQ420 vs Murcielago… with new technology, low to mid 400 range would be perfect. I’ve always preferred the Evo with the sharpness on road. I should have known that was your Evo in the last video

[@kafakay]

The ultimate Evo

[@MrPlum1282]

TME evo vi is considered the best one by majority

[@ATomRileyA]

@@MrPlum1282 Yep i would say that too,

[@andrewpowers2904]

Agree TME is the sweet spot in the Evo range

[@banjo7127]

They did a mega group test years ago from 1-10. The ultimate cars according to the journos were a 9 MR FQ360, TME, or 320bhp early (123) car. The ultimate 8 was considered to be an MR FQ340. They’re all great cars but an FQ300 8 is one of the least special evos.

[@v4skunk739]

@@MrPlum1282 Yes. Overall the top ones are V, VI and IX.

[@joojoosasa]

Nah, that 4G63 is barely working up a sweat at that power level. Seriously stout little engines, those.

[@scottmclaughlin1410]

Saw a 4G swapped fox body mustang that was around 1100 hp

[@jaroslavmrazek5752]

Exactly, the only dodgy thing would be the 6 speed if it has it, do a 5 speed swap.

[@garycroke6075]

I brought a wrx bugeye (Impreza) from 219bhp to 269bhp then to 327bhp on stock engine (ej20). Upgraded stock turbo to STI. De catted up pipe and de catted downpipe and a straight through exhaust 2.5 inch. Bit of overspray on the map and it snapped, cracked and popped through the gears. Man oh man that Subaru gurgle!! Never used the radio or mp3. Time of my life (so far) and I bought it for 950 euro at the time (8 years ago) as it had been in crash. Easy fix but Mike! 450 bhp is more than enough mate. 400 bhp would be more than enough. I say that because corners come at you in light speed on country roads. Needs to be drivable.

[@Hostilenemy]

We learned that putting 530 HP in Martin is very dangerous so I think the only appropriate thing going forward with this Evo is to put even more power in it.

[@RichardJones-et5we]

Around the 440 mark would be absolutely perfect to get the most out of it on B roads! My 6 is around 420 and it's absolutely brilliant on B roads! Straights etc! Incredible cars! ❤

[@vavo4902]

Well done! One of my dream cars.

[@yuukikazuki4289]

Yay, i was looking forward for this project to start.

[@hooah1986]

YES! Wonderful stablemate for the STI.

[@rlw85]

The evo was always my favourite

[@v4skunk739]

I like the older Subarus from the late 90's and very early 2000's. Evo is the top dog. Just for the fact Mitsubishi were racing under Group-A regulations in the WRC era and up until EvoX are Group-A race cars for the road.

[@jamtart606]

You actually did it, brilliant!

[@AKStovall]

I knew it when Richard had it on screen at the last video... they already bought it then, and that was the same car in this video.

[@speedfreak1509]

So glad you went with me evo.. looking forward to future episodes 👍

[@Drivetribe]

And we're looking forward to sharing them! We have some awesome plans in the pipeline...

[@-PLAYER0NE-]

Yess!! This is amazing. I was always more of an evo fan, but both are amazing cars.

[@crinklee]

Always preferred the Evo looks.

[@KingEddo8]

3:40 You might wanna ask Jezza about that one Mike😂

[@bryanperry813]

1990 DSM here. That 4g63 is mounted backwards. 200,000 and around 450hp. I've owned at least one constantly since 1994. You guys should look for a Talon or Eclipse 6 bolt. Stock bottom end and drive train and I launch all the time on 12psi!

[@simonyounger9583]

Loving this. I have an Impreza and 1 of my best mates has an Evo from new so you're reigniting the whole debate from back in the day!

[@edwatts3289]

Absolutely true about what “FQ” means! From a Mitsubishi UK HQ Manager 👍🏻

[@Drivetribe]

😂

[@harleyrobertson6746]

7:21 I think even Clarkson said in early top gear he preferred the lower horsepower spec, saying it's much more drivable

[@markgilbert4985]

Had the exact same car in black back in the day! Mods needed first is an Evo 9 turbo and if you add race bearings to it, it'll help even more. 2nd is an Injen cold air intake, really helps the car breathe. A walboro 255 fuel pump to add more fuel, that branch manifold is good, but ceramic coated is better! I also added a 1.2mm Cosworth metal head gasket to help compression with ARP head studs. If you add forged pistons you should be able to add boost and go to around 420bhp. I different turbo would be needed for more power, I reckon 450bhp would be the sweet spot. Lastly, polybush the car and decent coilovers will help it put the power down. Can't wait for this build, I can re-live my youth (if you call 38 youthful 😂)

[@unklederty]

The discussion regarding the rust protective qualities of oil leaks was a fine piece of dry English humour. Well done lads!

[@nacettaxi9648]

Watching from Kenya

[@tonydean1262]

I'm responding now hopefully you will see it What Has Happened To The V10 conversion??????????!?????????

[@Drivetribe]

It’s back on hold for now. Further build complications and very large costs!

[@theninethrees8044]

“There’s no car that handles like this one” - Jeremy Clarkson 2008

[@WW-wf8tu]

Not surprised here. Was a big give away when Richard hinted at the idea that this was what he wanted to do. Lot of folks are going to love this. While "Martin" is cool in its own right, not in love with either car tbh. Not my thing. They work there in the UK brilliantly. But I would go for an M3 or M5. The Mitsubishi and Subaru's I have tried out and they just have a spine crushing ride. Would've been ok when I was in my early 20's I suppose. Even Izzy commented on how harsh the ride is in Martin. lol.

[@smithsfan425]

Fuggin Quick Evo

[@lukeheath63]

7/8/9 are by far the best evos love them also as much as as a Subaru

[@Gadne92.5]

@@kanagawakenji7 That luke just shows how unintelligent he is about Evos =D 6,5 TME all the way, its the "B22" of Evos.

[@dantreadwell]

Evo fan for sure! Look forward to the Subbie vs Evo vids!

[@chrisscott9564]

Evo all the way.... as a kid I grew up coveting the Evo V so this ticks all the nostalgia boxes. Looking forward to seeing what you guys do with it.

[@samhorton2349]

Dream car 😢

[@MarieWest-tbic]

I still can't believe James May wrecked that Evo like he did! But Hammond saved the event by coasting down the tunnel at a snails pace.

[@TangerineGalaxy-eo9zh]

both! love them. i remember that white evo racing on the streets spewing smoke and flames going soo fast.

[@SawsCreations]

Owned my Evo 9 going on 7yrs now and absolutely love it, much better than the equivalent Subaru

[@MrZx357]

Evo and 450whp evo is solid

[@LP-bt4jk]

700whp is solid for me

[@leechamberlain5706]

400/400 people say is the magic number.

[@v4skunk739]

Nah 500 is the sweet spot. Brutal launches and nice acceleration over 100mph.

[@leechamberlain5706]

@@v4skunk739 Mine is 500, it's banging on the door of a B road basher.

[@aidanevo]

Definitely the sweet spot on an evo. Mine is 490whp and it is wild on a backroad

[@benbrandt3]

I had an '06 IX MR, an '08 X GSR and a '11 X GSR. These cars are soooo much fun.

[@AzraelsGaming]

Evo team here for me! But always liked the styling of the older evos personally! Glad u guys committed and I'm super excited to see what you do with this one

[@markdance574]

As a prev scoobie owner ( a bug eye factory pro drive uk300 ) Iv never really looked at a Mitsubishi Evo in any form - undoubtedly it’s a great car but for me the scoobie with its exhaust note will always have my heart ❤️

[@shanemshort]

without trying to start a flame war, our local evo group has a lot of people who used to drive WRX's and then got an Evo and fell in love. They're certainly not perfect but I reckon you owe it to yourself to give one a go.

[@markdance574]

@@shanemshort I moved on into the German car segment after my Impreza and some years later I’m now happily in love with my current Porsche . If I was to ever buy an Evo for me it would be a 5 or 6 but I don’t think one will ever sit on my drive as it stands

[@sodazman]

2.2lt stroker + HKS 7460 turbo + Exhaust + Suspension + Brakes + Wheels = Awesome Evo. 450hp on pump fuel with a wide power band is the best setup.

[@Anotherboost]

Hard to beat the fun analog experience the Evo offers. I’ve got two and enjoy them often. 700hp and 1100hp sequential setup. Hopefully be able to get parts for them in the coming years.

[@MrBarryaird]

Completely stock ?? Past mots say very different 😂🤐😂 Also all the HKS parts came as stock from the factory that are on that car.

[@markgilbert4985]

Not to mention the branch manifold 😂

[@feedingfrenzy123]

missing the enkei wheels as well!

[@alexanderwolf5134]

I’m evo … but why do you feel the need to push the power so much? What about trying to fix things which aren’t perfect from factory? Looking at brakes, suspension, reliability or even weight. Do an interior refresh or something. Power ain’t everything. I wouldn’t go above 400. But also, on another note, why buy a stock if you’re just going to do a power build? Buy one that’s already on the journey than doing that - you clearly loved that it was stock. It’ll wind up another evolution which isn’t stock and that will kinda be it

[@dolan-duk]

Evo person for sure. Always dreamt of owning a white Evo 9 that's around 650hp with nice carbon bits and stuff.

[@Blackburn6969]

I'm very excited for this mike! Love the fact you mention Underground 2 with riders on the storm 😂! Brilliant, i could hear the song before you even mentioned it!

[@Drivetribe]

Nostalgia bites hard! 😂

[@michelvanbriemen3459]

3:45 Reminds me of that American with the mile-long store front, they've got every brand there: Hoondee, Mitsebooshe, Tayoter, Kneeson, Djagwarr, B.M. Dubya, the list is endless.

[@Thuddster]

Yay, you bought it! I'm all over this. 😊

[@itsnevo8757]

A guy in my area has a 1400whp Evo 8. That motor can produce a ton of power!

[@Duncan23]

I was always on team Evo, can't wait to see the end result.

[@NicolasLonguet]

I'm currently on the 400-410hp mark and I really love it, I think it's the perfect balance for driving it on the roads. Love the yellow evo 8 too I can't wait to see how it turns out :D

[@TyroneLong-yp3uy]

4G63 is the most robust 4 cylinder to come from Japan IMO. Cast iron closed deck wet block paired with aluminum cylinder head capable of 500hp with the stock rotating assembly and over 800hp with upgraded bottom/top end and nice snail still through a stock block makes any car powered by a 4G63 a weapon. These are very square motors with 85mm bores and 88mm strokes they love making HP and Torque.

[@emily.evogirl]

Yas Evo all the way! ❤ hence the name!

[@FastandFun]

I’ve always been a Subaru guy, from my first one back in 1998 to my current 05 Blobeye STI. Should be a great sequence of videos once you put Martin and against the Evo 8. I can’t wait 😜

[@jamietimms4229]

Subaru STI all the way

[@pendragon6207]

Least surprising yet most joyful purchase so far! Can't wait to this one. I'd suggest aiming for 500, but having a "lesser" mapping if needed, it would still be nice to had the added potential grunt, since it's no harder than adjusting the boost, to get to the perfect drivable number.

[@pragmatist7455]

Yes, the boys have done it! 👏👏👏This is going to make for epic content. It's the underdog, but I'm camp Subie!

[@shona5512]

"Potentially a better recipe than Martin" That's an understatement. I love Subarus, but Evos are just better.

[@charliepayne3152]

Keep the colour!!

[@kellysmith1144]

I gotta say being in New Zealand in the late 90's and early 2000's getting the japanese import Evos and STi's, it was awesome seeing them blasting away from lights. Although I prefer the WRX, the Evos from 3 to 6 were always re-writing cornering speed results. And the 6.5 is probably the most aggressive one they ever did, an absolute weapon! Looked the part too!

[@TheMichaeljmanzella]

I just put an MHI TF06-18K turbo with supporting mods and E85 on my Evo 8 for 450hp. Perfection.

[@RichardBradleyUk]

Welcome to the channel James

[@peter8084]

Having previously owned an Evo 6 GSR back in the day. For me it’s Evo ,every time !

[@benjaminkaper21]

Always been team Subaru, growing up watching our man Colin McRae, along with Richard Burns, Petter Solberg et al, just fell in love with Subarus (helped that our family car was a Subaru L series and our mechanic was a Subaru mechanic that raced a 99 2 door WRX hillclimb car). In saying all this I did own a 2007 lancer wagon with a 4G69 2.4L MIVEC N/A engine and that thing was a rocket!!! Go Subaru!!! 😄

[@BoHorror]

Honestly after I saw the thumbnail, I have never been more excited

[@cameronlaw9363]

I've always been an Evo person, 440 horsepower yeah sounds brilliant

[@g6et_wrx177]

Awesome car mate!

[@jamaljames2578]

Always watching from Georgetown Guyana south America 🇬🇾🇬🇾

[@bluetitan20]

You definitely have a knack for unearthing yellow Evo's. Extra bonus points for the colour coordination with the shoes and the car lift support arms as well 😉 Would have loved to have heard Neil's opinion, looked like it was tea time and he was running upstairs in the background 😂

[@CaolanGall]

Team Evo all day! My Evo 9 is 410BHP. The sweet spot

[@pacpacpacpacpac]

Nothing like an Evo 👌🔥

[@adammarton93]

I always liked both Evos and STIs, but was always more of a Subaru fan because of McRae, Burns, Solberg. Back then it was a proper rivalry with owners “hating” eachother, these days it’s a friendship!

[@alexdebono4087]

I own both. I used to work on that EVO over 10 years ago! I know the previous owner well too.

[@kali5k877]

Yes!! Finally a nice car

[@ellisjames5438]

This build has truly made my day. Thank you for listening to your fans! Can’t we see a Evo v Miata series? Get them both to 450bhp and crown the ultimate “fun” car.

[@ftw32140]

YESSS EVO TIME

[@fernandofojo6472]

Subie all the way. Having owned a 2013 "Stink Eye" and having my friends own a "Mean Eye" back in high school, there's something about the "do it all" presence of a Subaru. You can absolutely hoon it around on the weekends, and still take it to the office by Monday.

[@TheMrpunisher77]

Team EVO all day, always wanted my own one but where I live it will never happen. Can't wait to see more of this.