When discussing high-performance cars, there are few that can match the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X—known simply as the Evo 10—in the hearts of enthusiasts. With a legacy of success, stunning engineering, and a potent aftermarket scene, the Evo has cemented its place as a go-to platform for tuners and fans. At DarkLight Fabrication, we focus on creating temperature- and strength-optimized turbo exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and exhaust systems for the Evo X—and we love it. In this blog post, we’ll look more closely at the Evo’s history and some reasons why it’s still so beloved among car fans.

A Brief History of the Mitsubishi Evo X

The series of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution began in the early 1990s, with the first model, the Evo I, introduced in 1992. It was the model that came after it, however, the Evo X, launched in 2007, that really enshrined the model's legacy in the automotive world. The Evo X was cooked up to be more refined and technologically advanced than the models that preceded it and, at the same time, to serve up the same kind of unadulterated performance and rally-bred love that enthusiasts expected.

Engineering Excellence

The Evo X had underneath its hood a turbocharged 4B11T engine with four cylinders, and it was 2.0 liters in displacement. This engine was making around 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, and any way you look at it, those are serious numbers. With that kind of power, the Evo X was truly one of the most powerful cars in its class, certainly at the time; very few cars anywhere near its price point could match or beat its output. As for the AWC system, it was an enhanced differential system dictating power and torque vectoring during use. In very basic terms, when you came around a bend (or straight line), the AWC would send the right amount of horsepower and torque to the right wheels, giving the driver a very secure, handled feel.

Rally Heritage

The storied history of the Evo series in motorsport, especially in rally racing, is something we take great pride in. The Evo X carried that legacy forward, dominating several rally championships…

Its rally stage success not only showcased its performance capabilities but also made it one of the most beloved cars among enthusiasts. You throw in its styling, which was aggressive and which was pretty much a cut-and-paste job from what was seen on the rally cars, and you had an Evo that looked killer on the street.

Why the Evo X is a Sought-After Platform

1. Customization Potential

One of the main factors behind the Evo X's strong following among automotive enthusiasts is the car's tremendous scope for personalization. Of all the potent vehicles in the Mitsubishi stable, the Evo X enjoys the heaviest aftermarket support and offers the greatest range of options for upgrade and modification. From turbo exhaust manifolds and downpipes to fully custom exhaust systems, the possibilities are almost endless. Here at DarkLight Fabrication, we pride ourselves on our capabilities to engineer and fabricate high-quality, performance-oriented components that help unleash the full potential of the Evo X's engine.

2. Performance Upgrades

People who are passionate about cars are constantly on the lookout for ways to boost their vehicles' performances, and the Evo X is no different. With the proper mods, like upgraded turbochargers, intercoolers, and exhaust systems, the Evo X can achieve some absolutely nuts power numbers. Our turbo exhaust manifolds are custom-built for this application, and designed with one thing in mind. That thing is, of course, maximizing airflow to and from the turbo, and in doing so, helping the turbocharger itself to do its job better.

3. Community and Culture

The Evo community is spirited and intense. Owners of this car platform tightly embrace a culture of performance and customization. With a shared passion for the Evo X, owners come together online and off to celebrate this car's one-of-a-kind qualities. The community aspect of owning this car intimately draws many people to the platform. It's not just the car; it's a whole other world of experiences that come along with it.

4. Track and Street Performance

The Evo X provides a heart-thumping driving experience, whether on the track or the road. Its sharp handling, potent acceleration, and all-wheel-drive system make it a guaranteed performer in either setting. Of course, many enthusiasts choose to use their Evos as a reason to go to the track, where they can fully explore the limits of the car (and themselves) and hopefully reason with the ludicrous horsepower numbers that the car's performance envelope endorses. At DarkLight Fabrication, we understand the necessity of performance on the track. We also understand the necessity of looking good while doing it.

Conclusion

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is more than just a car; it symbolizes performance, engineering excellence, and a passionate community. Its history—rich in motorsport tradition—combined with its huge personalization potential and fantastic on-road/off-road performance, makes it among the most desirable cars for car aficionados.

At DarkLight Fabrication, we are committed to high-quality fabrication services that enhance the Evo X and help you achieve your dreams. Whether it's a turbo exhaust manifold, a downpipe, or a custom exhaust system, we have the experience and expertise to make it happen.

If you are a car lover in the Denver area, you know that the exhaust systems available off the shelf just won't do — especially if your car has a turbo setup, an engine swap, or something else that makes it your own. That’s why more drivers are turning to custom exhaust fabrication in Denver — and why so many of them are going to DarkLight Fabrication.

Precision Fitment for Any Build

We have witnessed everything imaginable — frame swaps, massive turbos, air ride setups, crazy clearances — and we design exhaust systems that fit right the first time. Every inch is measured, planned, and built around your unique vehicle layout. No rattles, no forced fitment, no compromises. Whether you're constructing a: Turbo Subaru, Evo, or Civic V8-swapped drift car High-horsepower street car Custom off-road setup We build your exhaust to fit the exact performance car you have, not the one a parts catalog assumes you drive.

Built to Perform in Colorado’s Conditions 

High altitude, cold winters, and temperature variations drive demands on vehicles that are unlike any other. We build with 304 stainless steel, and TIG weld every joint, for long-term reliability — no rust, no cracks, and no blown-out welds under boost. Your car will perform — and sound — just as good 5 years from now as it did the day you drove it out of the shop.

Custom Sound, Not Cookie-Cutter Noise

Every exhaust is tuned to your taste and goals, whether you want something that is blatantly aggressive or just subtle enough to avoid unwanted attention. Input from our customers is always welcome on the following:

— Mufflers and resonators

— Tip design and placement

— Pipe routing and layout

Real Performance Gains — Not Just Looks

Unlocking power is the real reason for using custom exhaust. It's optimal:

• for pipe diameter, given your power level

• for bend radius, to minimize flow restriction

• for downpipe angle, to maximize turbo response

Combine that with our in-house turbo exhaust manifolds or downpipes, and you're looking at real performance.

Why Denver Locals Choose DarkLight Fabrication

We’re proud to be a Colorado company that supports the car culture in and around Denver. Here’s why we think we’re different: 

• All of our exhausts are fully TIG-welded, and we use only the best materials on the market. 

• We fabricate exhaust systems for all makes and models of vehicles, and we’re not into making cookie-cutter kits, so everything we do is made to order. 

• We give you honest and direct communication, so you always know what’s going on and when it’s going to happen. 

• We’re car enthusiasts serving other car enthusiasts, so we know what kind of details matter. 

And whether your vehicle is a daily driver or something you only take to the track, we know how to build an exhaust system that will work for you.

Ready to Build Your Exhaust?

If you need custom exhaust in the Denver area, DarkLight Fabrication is the spot.

Whether you need a full turbo-back system or just a custom downpipe, we make things that perform, last, and look good. 

Get in touch today to schedule a consultation or request a quote.

In the world of legendary sports cars, the Mazda Miata stands unrivaled. An international favorite since its introduction in 1989, the Miata contestants for the hearts of our driving ecstasy. The first two generations—the NA (1989-1997) and the NB (1998-2005)—are cherished for their almost cartoonishly light weight, the kind that makes them feel like much smaller cars than they actually are; for their near-perfect balance, which allows them to handle and perform in ways that feel right and good; and for their straightforward, here-to-there drivability, the best kind of pleasure you can have in the seat of a car. On this last point, too, the Miata has few equals.

A Brief History of the Mazda Miata NA

The original Mazda Miata, known as the "NA" in car enthusiast circles, hit the market in 1989 as a "homage," according to Mazda, to the British roadsters of the 1960s and '70s. The Miata NA was an open-top sports car with a convertible top that you could put down or keep up, a front end with pop-up headlights, sleek bodysides with curves in all the right places, and a rear end that couldn't help but shout "fun," whether you were driving it or just looking at it. Powering the NA was a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that generated 116 horsepower.

The NA Miata was designed to be simple. It has a light chassis, it has a direct (but not too direct) manual gearbox, and it has a near-ideal weight distribution. Because of this, it handles extremely well, and it turns in extremely well. These characteristics have made it a favorite of driving purists, who appreciate not just the Miata's performance but also the fact that it's not an overly complex machine.

The Evolution to the NB

Mazda launched the NB Miata in 1998, which built upon the success of its predecessor and incorporated several improvements. The NB sported a more refined design with a slightly more aggressive stance and updated styling cues. Fixed headlights replaced the iconic pop-ups. Performance, already quite good in the NA, got a nice bump thanks to a more powerful 1.8-liter engine that produced between 142 and 140 (most sources say 140, but 1999 was a transition year and engines were upgraded mid-year) horsepower, depending on the year.

The NB Miata adhered to the lightweight design, tipping the scales at about 2,400 pounds. This generation kept the elbow grease of making a car that wasn’t just about going fast (not that the NB was slow), but got by with the driver’s satisfaction emphasized at every turn. Even with these couple of bumps in the curve, straight ahead, the NB remains a very easy car to live with. Thanks to a stiffer chassis, better suspension, and nice electronic power-steering, you might say the NB even got better with "S"-shaped bumps.

Why the Miata NA and NB are Sought After

1. Lightweight and Agile Design

The turbo exhaust manifolds and downpipes that enthusiasts have custom-built by DarkLight Fabrication are a major reason why the Mazda Miata NA and NB remain so lightweight. Of course, that's not the only reason to consult with DarkLight in this regard; the Miata has always been about easy speeds and fun times. That's what makes it a 'neighbor' to the very light (and very small) Lotus Elise in the pantheon of "Sports Cars You Can Store in Your Garage."

2. Aftermarket Support and Customization

One of the most exuberant and supportive groups in the world of cars is the Miata community. A veritable cornucopia of aftermarket parts and accessories is available to Miata owners, and the ocean of potential customization that laps at their wheels is broad and deep. While some folks are content to throw a few Miata stickers on the ride and call it a day, others go to the nth degree in making their particular Miata an expression of their own individuality. At DarkLight, we specialize in making custom exhaust systems for these latter sorts.

3. Engaging Driving Experience

What makes the Miata truly special is its driving experience. Both the NA and NB serve up a connection between man and machine that is nearly impossible to find in modern sports cars. The "responsive steering, balanced chassis, and rear-wheel-drive layout" (as Car and Driver put it back in the early ’90s) create a harmony that is hard to replicate. And they create that at a price any gearhead can love.

4. Timeless Design

The Miata's classic design has aged with grace and remains a timeless choice for car lovers. The NA's pop-up headlights and the NB's elegant lines are nostalgic touches that still draw attention. The Miata's passion-inducing cars disruptive cruising through any form of urban space are dangerously underrated. And if you take one of these cars on a road trip through the National Park Service's 417 sites and its 12,383 miles of paved roads, there remains nothing that can whip through the wild like the Mazda Miata.

5. Community and Camaraderie

To own a Miata is to be a part of a community bursting with passion. Events, track days, and car shows bring together countless legions of roadster fanatics. They spend time in the company of their cars. When it comes to the World of Wheels, they expend a lot of daylight and moonlight, too, laboring and watching over every square inch. That $25,000 figure I tossed out at the top of this review? It don't mean a thing if you ain't Miata ownership adjacent. If you are, then unbridled joy walks hand in hand with your next pay stub.

Conclusion

More than mere automobiles, the Mazda Miata NA and NB are a celebration of driving merriment and automotive fervor. They are platforms for car enthusiasts, and the reasons for that are myriad. They have lightweight designs, engage their drivers in a way that few other cars can, and have an almost cult-like following in the aftermarket. At DarkLight Fabrication, we are proud to count ourselves among the Miata enthusiasts and to provide high-quality custom fabrication services to that platform.

If you have a classic NA or a sophisticated NB, the Miata lives on in your garage, and its spirit driving onward inspires the newest generations of drivers when they slide behind the wheel. Come with us as we honor the Mazda Miata— the roadster that redefined just how much fun it is to drive.