So, you're looking to inject some extra life into your 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, huh? Awesome choice! The Lancer GTS is a fantastic platform for tuning and modifications. It's sporty, reliable, and has a decent aftermarket following. Let's dive into some cool ways to enhance your ride, from simple bolt-ons to more involved upgrades. Whether you're aiming for better performance, a meaner look, or just a more personalized driving experience, we've got you covered. Let’s get started and transform your Lancer GTS into the envy of the streets!

Performance Tuning for Your 2009 Lancer GTS

Alright, let's talk about making your 2009 Lancer GTS faster and more responsive. Performance tuning is where you can really unleash the hidden potential of your car. We're not just talking about raw speed here; it's about improving the overall driving experience. A well-tuned Lancer GTS can be a blast to drive, whether you're carving through canyon roads or just cruising around town.

ECU Tuning: The Brains of the Operation

First up, ECU tuning. The ECU (Engine Control Unit) is basically the brain of your car's engine. It controls everything from fuel injection to ignition timing. By remapping the ECU, you can optimize these parameters for better performance. There are a couple of ways to go about this:

• Custom Tuning: This involves taking your car to a professional tuner who will fine-tune the ECU specifically for your car and modifications. This is the best option for maximizing performance, as the tuner will take into account all of your car's unique characteristics.
• Off-the-Shelf Tunes: These are pre-programmed tunes that you can flash onto your ECU using a handheld device. They're not as optimized as custom tunes, but they're a more affordable and convenient option. Popular options include Cobb Accessport or similar systems that offer pre-loaded maps and data logging capabilities.

No matter which route you choose, make sure you're working with a reputable tuner or using a well-regarded tuning solution. A bad tune can damage your engine, so it's not something you want to mess around with.

Intake and Exhaust: Let Your Engine Breathe

Next, let's talk about intake and exhaust systems. These are essential for improving airflow into and out of your engine. A high-flow intake can reduce intake restriction, allowing your engine to breathe easier and produce more power. Similarly, a performance exhaust system can reduce backpressure, freeing up even more horsepower.

• Cold Air Intake (CAI): A CAI replaces your factory airbox with a less restrictive intake system that draws air from outside the engine bay. This cooler air is denser and contains more oxygen, which can lead to increased power.
• Short Ram Intake (SRI): An SRI is similar to a CAI, but it's shorter and draws air from inside the engine bay. SRIs are easier to install than CAIs, but they may not provide as much of a performance boost.
• Cat-Back Exhaust: A cat-back exhaust replaces the exhaust system from the catalytic converter back. These systems typically feature larger diameter piping and less restrictive mufflers, which can improve exhaust flow and increase horsepower.
• Headers: Headers replace the factory exhaust manifold with a tubular header that is designed to improve exhaust flow. Headers can provide a significant performance boost, but they're also more expensive and difficult to install than cat-back exhausts.

When choosing an intake or exhaust system, make sure it's designed for your specific car and engine. Also, consider the sound of the exhaust. Some performance exhausts can be quite loud, so you'll want to choose one that suits your personal preferences.

Forced Induction: The Ultimate Power Adder

If you're looking for serious power gains, you might consider adding a turbocharger or supercharger to your 2009 Lancer GTS. Forced induction can dramatically increase horsepower and torque, transforming your car into a true performance machine. However, it's also a more complex and expensive modification.

• Turbocharger: A turbocharger uses exhaust gas to spin a turbine, which in turn compresses the intake air. This compressed air is then forced into the engine, allowing it to produce more power. Turbochargers can provide significant power gains, but they can also be laggy at low RPMs.
• Supercharger: A supercharger is mechanically driven by the engine, which means it provides instant boost without any lag. Superchargers are typically easier to install than turbochargers, but they may not provide as much of a power boost.

If you're considering forced induction, it's essential to do your research and work with a qualified tuner. Forced induction can put a lot of stress on your engine, so you'll need to make sure it's properly tuned and maintained.

Suspension and Handling Upgrades

Okay, so you've got the power, now let's talk about improving your Lancer GTS's handling. Upgrading the suspension can make a huge difference in how your car feels and performs, especially when cornering. A well-sorted suspension will give you more confidence behind the wheel and make your car more fun to drive.

Lowering Springs and Coilovers: Get That Perfect Stance

One of the most popular suspension modifications is lowering springs or coilovers. Lowering springs simply replace your factory springs with shorter, stiffer springs. This lowers the car's ride height, which improves its handling and gives it a more aggressive look.

• Lowering Springs: Lowering springs are a relatively affordable and easy way to improve your car's handling and appearance. However, they don't offer much adjustability.
• Coilovers: Coilovers are a more advanced suspension system that allows you to adjust the ride height, damping, and rebound. This gives you more control over your car's handling and allows you to fine-tune it to your specific driving style.

When choosing lowering springs or coilovers, make sure they're designed for your specific car and driving style. Also, consider the ride quality. Some lowering springs and coilovers can make the ride quite harsh, so you'll want to choose one that provides a good balance of handling and comfort.

Sway Bars: Reduce Body Roll

Sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) connect the left and right wheels together. They're designed to reduce body roll during cornering, which improves handling and stability. Upgrading your sway bars can make a noticeable difference in your car's handling, especially if you frequently drive on twisty roads.

• Front Sway Bar: A larger front sway bar will increase understeer.
• Rear Sway Bar: A larger rear sway bar will increase oversteer.

When choosing sway bars, make sure they're compatible with your car and suspension system. Also, consider the stiffness of the sway bars. Stiffer sway bars will provide more handling improvement, but they can also make the ride harsher.

Strut Tower Braces: Stiffen the Chassis

Strut tower braces connect the strut towers together, which stiffens the chassis and reduces flex. This can improve handling and steering response, especially during hard cornering. Strut tower braces are a relatively inexpensive and easy way to improve your car's handling.

• Front Strut Tower Brace: A front strut tower brace connects the front strut towers together.
• Rear Strut Tower Brace: A rear strut tower brace connects the rear strut towers together.

When choosing strut tower braces, make sure they're designed for your specific car. Also, consider the material of the strut tower braces. Steel strut tower braces are stronger than aluminum strut tower braces, but they're also heavier.

Exterior and Interior Modifications

Alright, now let's get into the fun stuff: making your 2009 Lancer GTS look and feel awesome! Exterior and interior mods are all about personalizing your ride and making it truly your own. Whether you're going for a subtle and sophisticated look or a bold and aggressive style, there are tons of options to choose from.

Wheels and Tires: The Foundation of Style

Wheels and tires are one of the most important aspects of your car's appearance. A new set of wheels can completely transform the look of your Lancer GTS. When choosing wheels, consider the size, style, and finish. You'll also need to make sure the wheels are compatible with your car's bolt pattern and offset.

• Size: Larger wheels can improve handling and appearance, but they can also make the ride harsher. It's important to choose a wheel size that's appropriate for your car and driving style.
• Style: There are tons of different wheel styles to choose from, so you're sure to find one that you like. Some popular styles include mesh, split-spoke, and deep-dish wheels.
• Finish: Wheels are available in a variety of finishes, including chrome, black, and silver. Choose a finish that complements your car's paint color.

Tires are just as important as wheels. When choosing tires, consider the size, tread pattern, and compound. You'll also need to make sure the tires are appropriate for your car and driving conditions.

• Size: The tire size should be compatible with your wheels and car. Consult a tire size calculator to determine the correct tire size for your car.
• Tread Pattern: The tread pattern affects the tire's grip and handling. Choose a tread pattern that's appropriate for your driving conditions.
• Compound: The tire compound affects the tire's grip and wear. Softer compounds provide more grip, but they also wear out faster.

Body Kits and Spoilers: Add Some Aggression

Body kits and spoilers can add a touch of aggression to your Lancer GTS. A body kit typically includes a front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper. Spoilers are typically mounted on the trunk or roof and are designed to improve aerodynamics.

• Front Bumper: A new front bumper can change the entire look of your car. Choose a front bumper that complements your car's styling.
• Side Skirts: Side skirts add a sporty touch to your car. Choose side skirts that match your front bumper and rear bumper.
• Rear Bumper: A new rear bumper can complete the look of your car. Choose a rear bumper that matches your front bumper and side skirts.
• Spoiler: A spoiler can improve aerodynamics and add a touch of style to your car. Choose a spoiler that complements your car's styling.

When choosing body kits and spoilers, make sure they're designed for your specific car. Also, consider the quality of the materials and the fit and finish.

Interior Upgrades: Comfort and Style

Don't forget about the interior! Upgrading the interior of your Lancer GTS can make it more comfortable and stylish. There are tons of different interior upgrades to choose from, including:

• Seats: Upgrading your seats can improve comfort and support. Choose seats that are comfortable and supportive.
• Steering Wheel: A new steering wheel can improve the look and feel of your car. Choose a steering wheel that's comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
• Shift Knob: A new shift knob can add a touch of style to your car. Choose a shift knob that's comfortable to hold and easy to use.
• Floor Mats: New floor mats can protect your car's carpet and add a touch of style. Choose floor mats that are durable and easy to clean.
• Audio System: Upgrading your audio system can improve the sound quality in your car. Choose an audio system that sounds great and has the features you want.

Maintenance and Reliability

Okay, so you've souped up your Lancer GTS, now let's talk about keeping it running strong. Tuning and modifications can put extra stress on your car's components, so it's important to stay on top of maintenance and address any potential issues before they become major problems.

• Regular Oil Changes: Regular oil changes are essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. Use a high-quality synthetic oil that's designed for performance cars.
• Spark Plugs: Replace your spark plugs regularly to ensure optimal performance.
• Air Filter: Replace your air filter regularly to ensure that your engine is getting clean air.
• Brakes: Inspect your brakes regularly and replace them when necessary. Upgrading to performance brakes can improve stopping power.
• Cooling System: Keep your cooling system in good condition to prevent overheating. Flush the coolant regularly and inspect the hoses and radiator for leaks.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! A comprehensive guide to tuning and upgrading your 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS. Remember, the key to a successful build is to do your research, work with qualified professionals, and take care of your car. With the right modifications and maintenance, your Lancer GTS can be a truly rewarding and enjoyable ride. Now get out there and start wrenching! Have fun and be safe! And don't forget to show off your ride once you're done – we'd love to see what you've created! Happy tuning, guys!