TUNING TUITION
Although trial and error testing proved an expensive education, Treadway had no regrets, as it was part of his learning curve. He admitted, “As with anyone without a clear picture of what they want at the beginning, I changed parts over and over. I learned something with each mistake I made though, so I don’t regret the cost of my education. But fortunately, the knowledge and performance improvements that came from the experience outweighed the cost. After a few years of spending money in incremental steps while chasing performance improvements and horsepower, I met my first objective, which was to make the EVO a quick reacting, fast responding streetcar capable of attacking the tightest corners with ease. I wanted to take it to as many time-attack events as possible under a budget. Then the horsepower bug bit me and I started looking for more. I finally did some serious research and had the good fortune of meeting Justin, Babi and Jason at Force-Fed Performance in Fayetteville.” Although he had managed to build up his EVO to a respectable 550-plus horsepower with his 2.0-liter set up and an ETS 5857SP turbo kit, he set his sights on a loftier target of 800 horsepower. With the guidance of Force-Fed Performance, Treadway was put on a path to take his EVO to the level he wanted it to be.
STROKED SENSATION
[pullquote]THE INCREASED STROKE BUMPED DISPLACEMENT UP TO 2,159CC, AN INCREASE OF 8-PERCENT OVER STOCK[/pullquote]In order to reach his new horsepower target 60-percent over his current output level, a larger turbocharger would be in order. However, with a larger turbocharger, significant lag would accompany it, unless the engine could force more high enthalpy gasses through the turbine to get the bigger compressor spooling quickly. Thus the 4G63 was pulled from the engine bay and rebuilt with a stroker kit comprised of JE Pistons, and Manley Turbo Tuff rods and 94mm stroker crankshaft. The increased stroke bumped displacement up to 2,159cc, an increase of 8-percent over stock. Up top, the cylinder head received Force-Fed’s CNC cylinder head port program for improved volumetric efficiency before being fitted with a complete Kiggly Racing valvetrain actuated by Kelford camshafts.