Mitsubishi Evolution Coilover Prototypes: 25,000 mile checkup

When you develop a new product, you need a good test mule. This Mitsubishi Evo IX MR is owned by Jake Diehl of Dieman Motorsports. It has served as the test mule for the Zzyzx Motorsports competition coilovers for the Mitsubishi Evolution.

This Evo MR, piloted by both Jerry Irvine (Lenexa, KS) and Jake Diehl (Lees Summit, MO), took 4th and 15th places at the 2006 SCCA National Championships in Street Touring Ultra (STU). In fact, Jerry Irvine took fastest time of the class on the West course in this Evo.

What some may not realize about Jake's Evo MR is that it's his daily driver. The pictures you see here of the Zzyzx Motorsports competition coilover protoypes are after 25,000 miles of weathering the less than ideal roads of the greater Kansas City metro.

Note thickness of the flange. This adds significant rigidity and strength to the strut assembly. Also note the color - purple; this was a special request. Our standard is clear annodizing.

Note the slotted upper hole. This is a -4.0 degree sweep and provides a significant amount of camber adjustment even without camber plates. You'll also note the lack of a mounting flange for the wheel speed sensor and brake line. The revised design incorporates an OEM-compatible mount.

Note that the back of the flange is slotted and clamped together with two socket cap screws. This provides absolute rigidity in the strut assembly - far superior to a simple locking ring arrangement. You can also see the bottom "bump" adjustment screw on the Koni 8611 shock (rebound adjusts at the top).

On the rear, the lower flange also threads onto the strut body. This provides you with total control over bump/droop travel regardless of ride height. Also note the thread pitch - it's 10 thread per inch. 10 turns is 1". Easy to remember when making ride height changes. Also, unlike fine threads found on other coilover designs, doesn't require a spanner wrench.