119: 4WD, GT-R-Powered, 1000+WHP Evo. Why.. And How?

What does it take to build, tune, and drive a monster Mitsubishi Evolution VIII with a 4.1-litre VR38DETT putting down 1065 hp to all four treads — on pump gas, no less? On this episode of Tuned In, we talk to the Armchair Tuner to find out.

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Use “EVO100” to get $100 off HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/tuningpackageb

Conrad Bradley has been building fast cars and bikes for a long time, although he currently works outside of the automotive industry in the nuclear field. Conrad couldn’t tell us much about his current work projects for obvious reasons, but when it comes to his many interesting automotive projects, he’s an open book.

Over the years, Conrad’s built many fast cars — from rapid Subarus, to even faster Evos, to an immaculate Beams-powered AE86 — we discuss all those builds in this conversation, but it’s his one-of-a-kind Evolution VIII that we’re most interested in.

We dive deep into this build with Conrad, digging into the big questions, like:

• Why ditch the 4G63?
• Why the VR38DETT?
• How is it still 4WD?
• What was the hardest part of the build and how was it dealt with? 
• Has it changed how the car drives?
• Why even build something as unique as this car in the first place?

This is a fascinating look into a very serious build that presented a lot of problems, requiring unique solutions.

Further into the conversation, we also discuss the challenges of owning and operating a tuning shop, reflashing challenges, Evo strengths and weaknesses, and much more. This is a great listen for anyone interested in thinking outside the box when it comes to building cars and going fast.

Follow Conrad here:
IG: @armchairtuner
FB: Armchairtuner 
YT: Armchair Tuner

Photo credit: Appreciating Classics

Don’t forget, you can use “EVO100” to get $100 off HPA’s Tuning Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/tuningpackageb