Mitsubishi Mighty Max Evo: A 500-Horsepower Hot Rod in Disguise
Jake Plender's Mitsubishi Mighty Max has been transformed into a fire-breathing hot rod with nearly 500 horsepower.
Key Takeaways
- Jake Plender’s Mitsubishi Mighty Max has been transformed into a 500-horsepower hot rod.
- The engine is a modified version of the 4G63T found in many Mitsubishi models.
- Plender’s goal is a quarter-mile run in the ten-second range, a 100 percent improvement over the truck’s original time.
- The truck features a Toyota Supra gearbox, Ford 8.8-inch limited-slip rear end, and Sparco seats.
- Plender uses an AEM ECU and digital dash spliced into the engine harness from the Eagle Talon donor car.
A Blast from the Past
Mitsubishi needs a redemption arc here in the US. The once performance-minded automaker now basically builds five variations of the same crossover. There was a time, however, when Mitsubishi made exciting machines.
Jake Plender remembers those days. In fact, he has a daily reminder of the good ol’ times that were possible at Diamond Star Motors. You see, Plender took an old Mighty Max pickup truck and has turned it into a fire-breathing example of past Mitsubishi glory, making nearly 500 horsepower.
The Build Process
Plender might not go so far as to call this a Mighty Max Evo, but we’re happy to do so. That’s because the 4G family engine under the hood is shared with a host of great hits from Mitsubishi history. The list includes the Galant, the Starion, Eclipse, Montero, Pajero, FTO, and yes, the Lancer Evolution.
This Extra Mighty Max uses a built bottom end from a 1991 Eagle Talon, an HX35 turbocharger from a diesel-powered Dodge, and the DOHC head from a 4G63. On pump gas, Jake says the truck delivers around 420 hp, but can crank out almost 500 hp on E85.
| Engine | Power Output |
|---|---|
| 4G63T | 420 hp (pump gas), 500 hp (E85) |
Under the Hood
There’s a lot more going on here than a simple engine swap, too. The gearbox comes from a Toyota Supra, which required quite a bit more cabin clearance to fit. There’s a Ford 8.8-inch limited-slip rear end, Sparco seats inside, and a sleeper-style roll cage fabbed in place.
Jake uses an AEM ECU and digital dash spliced into the engine harness from the Eagle Talon donor car.
What’s Next for This Mighty Max?
Like any proper project car, this one is still a work in progress. Since getting the truck rolling, Jake says he’s upgraded the intake manifold, fitted a larger throttle body, and added more under-hood heat management.
Next up for Plender and his wicked Mighty Max Evo? Faster passes at the drag strip. His current goal is to run the quarter-mile in ten seconds. Considering the Mighty Max was originally capable of doing that run in 20 seconds, that’s an impressive improvement over the stock performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the engine used in the Mitsubishi Mighty Max Evo?
A: The engine used is a modified version of the 4G63T found in many Mitsubishi models.
Q: What is the power output of the engine?
A: The engine delivers around 420 hp on pump gas, but can crank out almost 500 hp on E85.
Q: What are the future plans for the Mitsubishi Mighty Max Evo?
A: Plender’s goal is to run the quarter-mile in ten seconds, a 100 percent improvement over the truck’s original time.
