Mitsubishi Owner Day 2010 – Cypress, California
Since 2005, Mitsubishi USA has been hosting a special event for enthusiasts like us. Every summer, hundreds – if not thousands – of die hard Mitsubishi owners from across the United States make the trip to southern California to Mitusbishi’s North American headquarters in Cypress for a sort of family reunion. Gearbox Magazine was there and we’ve got a LOT of pictures to share with you. Check it out!
Justin Nault’s 90 Turbo Mighty Max
What’s your real name? (What’s your screen name?)
Justin Nault, also known as the Cobra Commander.
Where do you live?
I’m living it up in the valley of the sun, Phoenix, AZ.
What do you do for a living?
I’m the Chef/Owner of Ellas Catering Co, and I’m also a private broker.
What Mitsubishi do you drive?
1990 4g63-swapped Mitsubishi Mighty max single cab 2wd.
How long have you had your Mitsubishi(s)?
I’ve had the truck for a while now, and I’ve had both a Starion ESi-R and Eclipses in the past.
What got you into Mitsubishi?
I was raised domestic, and as I got older, I was drawn more towards the import scene. The Mitsubishi was one of the most prominent factory turbo cars out there. I’ve always had a spot in my heart for DSMs, even though I was a solid Honda guy for a long time. But the OEM platforms are just amazing.
Got a favorite story to tell about your Mitsubishi?
Driving around in this thing is a story itself. People are always looking, and questioning. However, I have one funny story. I was on the freeway one day, and I happened to pass by what seemed to be a modded 5.0 Mustang. As I pass him, he gives me this look, like “OMG, WTF?!” At this point he starts to speed up, trying to catch me. Then he’s just trying not to lose ground. Then he tried to just stay away and avoid me out of shame. None of his efforts paid off very well, lol.
What are your goals for the car and how close are you to achieving them?
Well, short term is big Evo III 16g, bigger injectors, custom clutch, AEM EMS, and re-tuned on e85, shooting for a little over 400whp. Long term goals are to get another DD (hopefully a 2g 2.3 stroker GSX), and completely build the MM. Built motor, PTE 6765 turbo, built 200r4tranny, narrowed 9” rear end, latter bars, wheelie bars, 18.5” slicks, roll cage, full interior, tuned with AEM EMS on e85. I’d like to make 700-800whp, and have a street driven 8sec truck.
What was your favorite modification? Why?
The 4g63 and the Ford 8.8 rear end. Gotta love boost, and being able to put it to the ground.
What’s next for your Mitsubishi? Why?
Well, aside from the couple of power mods, I’m going to go to an 18×9” rim with a dish. I’m also planning on some Evo 8 or 9 seats. Those are the next few mods planned.
Who has helped you the most along the way?
I have to give credit for electrical work, and swap help to one of my best friends, Riley Regan. Also to another of my best friends, Nick Packard, who has been a HUGE help in my down time, and misc needs. My photographer, Bryant Nguyen, who has shot several cars of mine, and several last minute. To the guys at UMS, for all the tuning, and help. My fabricator, Mike of AMMFAB. And lastly to my family and friends not mentioned, but supportive.
Who do you look up to in the Mitsubishi community?
Anyone that can make significant accomplishments without trampling over others to get there. People who build for themselves and not according to others tastes and style.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Mitsubishi community today?
Lack of love. Not enough true supporters.
Is there a particular shop you’d like to recommend?
UMS for tuning and knowledge, AMMFAB for fabrication needs, Element Motorsports for wheels and tires.
Do you spend time on any Mitsubishi sites? Which ones?
Mitsu-Media, DSMPurity, StarQuestClub, MightyRam50, MaxD50Scene, AZAWD.
Mod list:
Original Color: White, Re-Painted Honda Championship White by Finishline Auto in summer ’09.
Exterior Mods:
Slight shaving
Championship White paint
Custom Mighty Max/Turbo decals
Engine:
1g 6-bolt GSX 4g63 motor
Stock Block
Stock head
HKS 272/272 Cams
ARP head studs
Cometic HG
Bolt-on Engine Mods:
Ported small 16G
Greddy RS BOV
DSM 650cc Injectors
AMMFAB Intake
2g Turbo MAF
TurboXS MBC
Starion FMIC
Suspension:
Drop Blocks
Spindles
Wheels/Tires:
Caddi Escalades (for now)
Interior:
1g GSX cloth front seats
Dual gauge pod
Electronics:
GReddy Turbo Timer
AutoMeter Boost gauge
AutoMeter A/F “Narrow band”
Engine Management:
SAFC II
Drivetrain:
Stock Mighty Max narrow bolt trans
Cenerforce Dual Friction clutch *JUNK, and will be gone soon*
Ford Explorer 8.8 rear end
