Improving upon the handling of a car like the Evo isn't easy, but there are aspects of the chassis that can be improved upon with bolt-ons. When it came time for me to further beef up my car's suspension game, I turned to the fine folks at Cusco.
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tech Cusco Chassis Bracing Cusco Type OS Front Tower Brace 2
Cusco's Type OS three-point front strut tower brace is a great addition to the Evo's engine bay. Not only does the Cusco piece look a lot cooler than the factory item, it is also lighter. Functionality is improved with the addition of thicker braces and a cool brake master cylinder stopper integrated into the strut tower bar's mounting plate. This will no doubt come in handy during track sessions and spirited driving. Just like the OEM bar, the Cusco brace bolts to the car's firewall, forming a triangular and rigid setup.
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tech Cusco Chassis Bracing Cusco Type OS Strut Tower Brace 03
I chose to add a second Cusco Type OS strut tower brace for the rear of the car. The Evo doesn't come with a rear strut bar from the factory, so this is a great addition to stiffen things up. I also chose to install the optional add-on bars to the rear strut tower brace. Like the front, these bars form a triangular mounting solution to further tie the strut towers to the trunk pan. I had to drill two holes into the trunk pan to install them, but I was able to do so easily without having to remove anything from the under side of the car.
| Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Tech Cusco Chassis Bracing Rear Strut Tower Brace 04
After installing the rear strut tower brace, I wanted to be able to continue to utilize the factory trunk panels and carpeting. I notched the two side panels to allow them to be reinstalled for a cleaner look. The trunk mat was also cut to persist an OEM appearance and keep things tidy. While a gutted trunk can save a little bit of weight and look kind of cool, I prefer to have a level and carpeted surface for my groceries and other cargo.
Cusco offers a large variety of chassis bracing for the CT9A that can be installed in a variety of locations inside and underneath the car. It's up to you to decide just how much rigidity you need for your car's use. I'm planning to add more chassis bracing from Cusco in the near future, so stay tuned to see more of what they have to offer.