1995 Eagle Talon AWD- Sport Compact Car Magazine

Dedicated import enthusiasts understand the significance of the engine code 4G63. It ranks right up there with the legendary RB26DETT, SR20DET, B18C and 2JZGTE. This stout, pressurized iron-block four-banger has been connected to everything from the Plymouth Laser Turbo, Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, the rare Galant VR-4, and the even rarer (at least Stateside) Lancer EVO VI and VII. And, if rumors prove true, we may get another chance to venerate this icon of import performance in a hot rod version of a U.S.-spec Lancer.

American enthusiasts are most familiar with this powerhouse in the Diamond Star twins, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eagle Talon, following the demise of the triplet Plymouth Laser after the second-generation cars were introduced. Earl Hinds of Miami, Florida recognized the potential of this powerplant too, even before he purchased his 1995 Talon TSi. Interesting enough, the engine in the car is not the same one that came from the factory. At one time, he raced a '78 Corolla powered by this very same fire-breathing 4G63. He decided to sell the shell of that old-school racer, but wisely kept the engine, into which he sank considerable time, effort and money. Hinds says he's keeping the factory engine as a "backup."

However, the likelihood that the engine will grenade any time soon is slim, considering the great lengths he went to make sure it could handle all the additional horsepower. The build list on this engine would make any import enthusiast green with envy and hot with lust, and would probably even earn the respect of a few hardened domestic muscle-car fans.

Any self-respecting hot-rodder knows that if you're going to get serious about turning up the boost, you need to beef up the internals. To that end, the engine sports JE forged pistons and Pauder connecting rods, with the rotating assembly carefully balanced and blueprinted to keep it running strong and smooth. To take advantage of the pressure, HKS turbo cams and valvesprings and a Wrightouch ported and polished head gets the air in and the gases out.

To feed the ravenous beast, 720cc injectors and a fuel pump off a 3000GT VR-4 make sure things stay rich and powerful. A Spearco intercooler cools off the incoming charge from the MIC TS04 custom turbocharger, and a GReddy racing-type blow-off valve keeps the surge from wreaking havoc on the compressor. For optimum power characteristics under pressure, NGK cold plugs were specified, fired off by an MSD ignition and plug wires. A Haltech E6S manages the mechanical mayhem.

On the exhaust end, Hinds installed an HKS racing-type wastegate and a custom exhaust manifold and tubing, all managed by a Haltech E6S stand-alone engine management system. This extensively fortified powerplant would be more than enough for most hot shoes. But never one to be satisfied, Hinds went to wretched excess and installed a NOS nitrous-oxide system.

Getting this prodigious power to the ground is a JUN Flywheel and ACT clutch. Surprisingly, the all-wheel-drive system remains stock, and has so far withstood the punishing output of the heavily breathed-upon 4G63.

Hinds claims this combination was good for mid 10-second runs in the Corolla, although we can't honestly verify those numbers. But considering almost no engine component was left unchanged in the process, we have every reason to believe him. The larger, heavier body of the Eagle might add a second to that time, but is likely offset by the tenacious launching grip offered by the all-wheel drive.

From the above description, you'd think this vicious contraption would be a Bondo-textured minimalist speed module. But as you can see from the pictures, this is clearly not the case. Sure, this machine was built with a singular purpose in mind, but the style aspect was definitely not neglected.

The blue, yellow and gray paint scheme strikes a unique profile, offset by 18x7.5 Zen Racing wheels and Sumitomo 225/40ZR-18 tires. To let off some of the steam from all the sturm und drang going on under the hood, custom vents were cut into the bonnet.

The stock suspension would be completely overwhelmed by this amount of power, and Hinds addressed the situation with Penske adjustable front and rear coil-overs employing Eibach springs as well as a custom rear stabilizer bar.

On the inside, the interior theme emphatically says "drag racer." There are no flip-up DVD monitors, video game systems, or 12-inch woofers here, folks. Even the passenger seat was chucked to make place for the nitrous bottle. The driver is surrounded by a custom yellow powdercoated rollcage, and hugged by an OMP one-piece racing seat and a TRW Sabelt harness. Facing a meaty Momo wheel, the pilot keeps tabs on the fireworks with Auto Meter gauges, an HKS Exhaust Gas Temperature gauge, and a Haltech stoichiometer. On the floor, a custom diamond-plate driver's floorboard offsets custom-drilled pedals.

What's most remarkable about this vehicle and the extent of its modifications is that they were all done without any major sponsorship. Working as a tennis pro, he doesn't even earn his keep in an automotive-related industry. Hinds readily admits that he's seeking sponsors, and enthusiastically expresses his desire to participate more actively in the import-racing scene. Off to a very strong start, it's just a matter of time until this screamin' Eagle attracts some wanted attention.