Understanding the Greddy Turbo Kit for the Mitsubishi Evo 8

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII remains one of the most celebrated platforms in the turbocharged four-cylinder world. Its 4G63 engine, already robust from the factory, responds exceptionally well to forced induction upgrades. Among the many aftermarket options available, the Greddy turbo kit stands out for its comprehensive design, build quality, and proven power gains. Designed specifically for the Evo 8’s engine bay and factory plumbing, this kit replaces the restrictive stock turbocharger and supporting systems with a larger, more efficient setup. The result is a significant increase in airflow capacity, allowing the 4G63 to produce substantially more horsepower and torque while maintaining good drivability.

The Greddy kit is not merely a larger turbocharger bolted onto the existing manifold. It represents a complete system that includes a turbocharger, cast exhaust manifold, large front-mount intercooler, wastegate, oil lines, and all necessary hardware. This integrated approach eliminates the guesswork of piecing together components from different manufacturers and ensures that every part is matched to work together under high boost conditions. For Evo 8 owners seeking a reliable 400–500 wheel horsepower level, the Greddy kit is a well-respected choice.

Components and Specifications

A full Greddy turbo kit for the Mitsubishi Evo 8 typically includes the following major components:

  • Turbocharger: Greddy T67 or T78 series, depending on the kit variant. The T67 offers a faster spool with good top-end power, while the T78 favors higher peak horsepower numbers. Both feature journal or ball bearing options.
  • Cast Exhaust Manifold: High-quality cast iron or stainless steel designed to reduce turbo lag and improve exhaust gas flow. Flanges are precision-machined for a leak-free seal.
  • Large Front-Mount Intercooler (FMIC): Typically a bar-and-plate design with significantly more volume than the stock unit. Entirely replaces the factory side-mount intercooler for reduced intake air temperatures.
  • Wastegate: An external wastegate (typically 38mm or 44mm) is included to precisely control boost pressure, eliminating boost creep issues common with higher-flow setups.
  • Oil and Water Lines: Braided stainless steel lines with proper fittings for turbocharger lubrication and cooling.
  • Hardware and Gaskets: All nuts, bolts, gaskets, and silicone couplers needed for installation.

Some kits also include a blow-off valve, downpipe, or intake pipe, but these may be sold separately. It is essential to verify the exact contents of the kit before purchasing, as Greddy has released several iterations over the years.

Pre-Installation Considerations

Before beginning installation, assess your Evo 8’s current condition and supporting modifications. The stock engine can handle approximately 350–400 wheel horsepower reliably, but pushing beyond that with a Greddy kit requires attention to the following:

  • Fuel System: The stock fuel pump and injectors will be insufficient for the increased airflow. Upgraded fuel injectors (750cc or larger) and a high-flow fuel pump (e.g., Walbro 255 or AEM) are strongly recommended.
  • Engine Management: A standalone ECU or a piggyback tuner (like EcuFlash, Cobb Accessport, or AEM EMS) is mandatory for proper fuel and timing maps.
  • Clutch and Drivetrain: The stock clutch may not hold the additional torque. Consider an upgraded clutch kit and possibly a stronger flywheel.
  • Cooling System: Increased power generates more heat. An upgraded radiator and oil cooler can prevent overheating during sustained driving.
  • Exhaust System: A full turbo-back exhaust (3-inch diameter minimum) will reduce back pressure and allow the turbo to spool efficiently.

Budget for these additional modifications when planning the total cost of the upgrade. Attempting to run the Greddy kit without supporting mods increases the risk of detonation, blown head gaskets, and engine failure.

Breakdown of Costs

The total investment for installing a Greddy turbo kit goes beyond the price of the kit itself. Here is a realistic cost estimate, including typical labor and necessary supporting parts:

  • Greddy Turbo Kit (new): $3,000 – $4,500, depending on the specific model and turbo size.
  • Professional Installation Labor: $600 – $1,500, based on shop rates and region. Expect 8–15 hours of labor.
  • Tuning (dyno or road): $400 – $800 for a proper custom tune by a qualified Evo specialist.
  • Supporting Fuel Upgrades: $300 – $700 (injectors, pump, possibly fuel pressure regulator).
  • Engine Management (if not already equipped): $500 – $2,000 depending on standalone or reflash option.
  • Clutch Upgrade: $400 – $1,000.
  • Exhaust System (if not upgraded): $500 – $1,200.
  • Miscellaneous (gaskets, fluids, hardware): $100 – $300.

In total, a fully supported Greddy kit installation with professional labor and tuning can range from $5,000 to $10,000. While that may seem steep, the performance gains are transformative.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

The following outlines the general procedure for installing a Greddy turbo kit on an Evo 8. Always refer to the specific instruction sheet included with your kit and work on a cool, elevated vehicle with proper safety supports.

1. Preparation and Disassembly

  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
  • Drain the engine coolant and engine oil.
  • Remove the stock intake, air filter box, and intercooler piping.
  • Detach the stock downpipe and exhaust manifold heat shield.
  • Unbolt the factory turbocharger from the manifold and oil lines. Be prepared for coolant spillage.
  • Remove the stock side-mount intercooler and associated piping.
  • Remove the factory wastegate actuator and any remaining brackets.

2. Installing the Greddy Manifold and Turbocharger

  • Clean the cylinder head exhaust ports thoroughly.
  • Install the new Greddy manifold with new gaskets. Torque bolts to factory specifications in a cross pattern.
  • Mount the wastegate onto the manifold if not pre-attached. Ensure the wastegate actuator arm moves freely.
  • Bolt the Greddy turbocharger onto the manifold using the supplied gaskets. Tighten the bolts evenly.
  • Connect oil feed and drain lines. Use Teflon tape on threaded fittings to prevent leaks. Ensure the drain line has a smooth path back to the oil pan.
  • Connect coolant lines to the turbo, routing them to the engine’s coolant system as per the manual.

3. Intercooler and Piping Installation

  • Mount the Greddy front-mount intercooler behind the front bumper. You may need to trim the bumper support or crash bar for clearance.
  • Route the intercooler piping from the turbo outlet to the intercooler, and from the intercooler to the throttle body. Use supplied silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps. Ensure piping does not rub against sharp edges.
  • Install the blow-off valve on the cold-side piping if included.
  • Reattach the intake pipe from the air filter to the turbo inlet. A high-flow cone filter is recommended.

4. Final Assembly and Checks

  • Reconnect the battery, fill the engine with fresh oil, and refill coolant.
  • Check all connections – boost lines, vacuum lines, and especially the wastegate reference line.
  • Prime the turbo by disabling the ignition and cranking the engine for 10–15 seconds (this circulates oil before start).
  • Start the engine and inspect for leaks, unusual noises, or smoke. Allow the engine to idle until warm, then perform a brief low-load test drive.

If any issues arise during the test, shut down immediately and rectify them before proceeding to full driving and tuning.

Tuning and ECU Management

Installing the Greddy turbo kit is only half the battle. Without proper tuning, the engine will run dangerously lean or rich, potentially causing detonation and catastrophic failure. The stock Evo 8 ECU cannot adjust for the massive increase in airflow and injector size. Therefore, aftermarket engine management is non-negotiable.

Common tuning solutions for the Evo 8 include:

  • OpenECU / EcuFlash: A popular free reflash option that allows a tuner to modify the stock ECU’s maps. Reliable and cost-effective when performed by an experienced tuner.
  • ECMlink (formerly ECMLink): A widely used standalone ECU replacement for the 4G63 platform. Offers full control over fueling, ignition, boost, and auxiliary systems.
  • AEM EMS Series 2: A powerful standalone unit with advanced features like traction control and launch control.
  • Haltech Elite 2500: Another premium standalone option favored by serious track enthusiasts.

Expect to spend several hours on a dynamometer (dyno) to dial in the air-fuel ratio (target around 11.5:1 under boost) and ignition timing. A conservative tune will prioritize safety over peak numbers, while an aggressive tune will extract every horsepower at the cost of a shorter engine lifespan. Seek a tuner familiar with the 4G63 and Greddy kits specifically. Many reputable tuning shops offer remote tuning services as well. DSMTuners is a good resource to find local specialists.

Expected Performance Gains

The power increase from a properly installed and tuned Greddy turbo kit is substantial. Real-world dyno results from Evo 8 owners show consistent gains. Here is what you can typically expect with supporting mods:

  • Stock Evo 8: ~240–260 wheel horsepower (whp).
  • With Greddy T67 kit, fuel upgrades, and conservative tune: 380–420 whp on pump gas (91–93 octane).
  • With Greddy T78 kit, race gas or E85, and aggressive tune: 480–550 whp.
  • Torque gain: Typically 320–400 lb-ft at the wheels, with a much broader powerband than stock.
  • Boost levels: Kit is designed for 20–28 psi depending on turbo and fuel.

These figures are validated by numerous forum posts and dyno sheets on platforms like EvolutionM. Keep in mind that drivetrain loss on the Evo 8 is roughly 20–25%, so crank horsepower will be correspondingly higher.

Beyond raw numbers, the Greddy kit dramatically improves throttle response and mid-range punch. The larger intercooler and free-flowing manifold reduce exhaust backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely. The result is a car that feels significantly faster both on the street and at the track.

Reliability and Maintenance Considerations

A well-installed Greddy turbo kit, with proper tuning and supporting mods, can be reliable for daily driving or weekend track use. However, pushing beyond 450 whp on the stock block requires careful attention. Common reliability tips include:

  • Frequent Oil Changes: Turbocharged engines generate more heat and stress. Change oil every 3,000 miles using a high-quality synthetic (5W-40 or 10W-40).
  • Cool-Down Idling: After hard driving, let the engine idle for 30–60 seconds before shutdown to prevent oil coking in the turbo bearings.
  • Boost Leak Checks: Inspect silicone couplers and vacuum lines regularly. A boost leak can cause erratic air-fuel ratios and potential detonation.
  • Wastegate Function: Verify that the wastegate opens and closes correctly. A stuck wastegate can lead to overboost and engine damage.
  • Watch for Knocking: Install a knock sensor gauge or rely on your ECU’s knock detection. If you hear pinging, back off the boost and have the tune adjusted.

The 4G63 block and head are robust, but the stock rods and pistons become a weak point around 500 whp. If you plan to run the T78 kit at high boost levels, consider forged internals.

Alternative Turbo Upgrades for the Evo 8

While the Greddy kit is excellent, it is not the only option. Other popular upgrades include:

  • Stock Frame Drop-in Turbos: Companies like FP (Forced Performance) and MHI offer upgraded turbos that bolt directly to the factory manifold (e.g., FP Green, FP Red, Evo 9 10.5 hotside). These are simpler and cheaper to install but offer less peak power than a full Greddy kit.
  • Garrett GTX3076R / GTX3576R: Often used with custom manifolds. These ball-bearing turbos spool quickly and support up to 600 whp. Requires more fabrication and tuning complexity.
  • Precision Turbo 6266 or 6466: Common choice for high-horsepower builds (500+ whp). Usually require a custom setup.
  • Greddy TD06-20G: A smaller option for quick spool and 400 whp potential.

The Greddy kit has the advantage of being a complete, bolt-on system with proven results and good resale value. For most Evo 8 owners targeting 400–500 whp, it remains one of the most reliable and convenient options.

Final Thoughts

Installing a Greddy turbo kit on a Mitsubishi Evo 8 is a major but rewarding project that transforms the car’s performance. The costs are significant when factoring in supporting modifications, labor, and tuning, but the end result is a vehicle that pulls hard to redline and delivers an exhilarating driving experience. Choose a reputable Greddy kit matched to your power goals, invest in proper engine management and fuel system upgrades, and do not skimp on professional tuning. With careful installation and consistent maintenance, your built Evo 8 will remain reliable and fast for years to come.

For further reading, visit Greddy’s official product page and the detailed owner review on EvolutionM for first-hand experiences.