Mitsubishi Colt Turbo Front Drive Shaft Upgrades for Track Day Performance

The Mitsubishi Colt Turbo, with its spirited performance and accessible price point, has long been a favorite among track day enthusiasts looking for an affordable entry into motorsport. However, when pushing this compact powerhouse to its limits on the track, stock components can quickly become the weak link in your performance chain. Among these components, the front drive shafts are particularly vulnerable to the increased stresses of track driving.

For Mitsubishi Colt Turbo owners serious about improving their track day performance, upgrading the front drive shafts isn't just a luxury—it's often a necessity. Stock drive shafts weren't designed with the rigors of track use in mind, particularly when the car has been modified for increased power output or fitted with stickier tires that provide enhanced grip.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about upgrading your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo's front drive shafts for track use. From understanding the critical role these components play in your vehicle's performance to selecting the right upgrades for your specific needs, we'll cover all aspects of this essential modification. With over 50 years of expertise in reconditioning drive shafts, Sing Spare Parts Co Pte Ltd brings you authoritative insights into ensuring your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo performs reliably and powerfully on track day after track day.

Understanding Drive Shafts in the Mitsubishi Colt Turbo

Before diving into upgrade options, it's essential to understand exactly what drive shafts do and why they're critical components in your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo, especially when the vehicle is used for track days.

What Are Drive Shafts and How Do They Work?

Drive shafts, also known as half-shafts in front-wheel-drive vehicles like the Mitsubishi Colt Turbo, are mechanical components that transfer torque from the transmission to the wheels. In the Colt Turbo, the front drive shafts connect the transaxle to the front wheels, allowing power to be transmitted while accommodating the steering movement and suspension travel.

Each drive shaft assembly typically consists of the shaft itself, constant velocity (CV) joints at both ends, and protective boots that keep the joints lubricated and protect them from debris. The inboard CV joint connects to the transmission/differential, while the outboard CV joint connects to the wheel hub.

The Unique Challenges for Colt Turbo Drive Shafts

The Mitsubishi Colt Turbo, particularly in its Ralliart variant, produces significant torque for its size. When stock, the vehicle delivers around 150 horsepower, but many enthusiasts increase this through various modifications. This increased power, combined with the aggressive launches, hard cornering, and frequent acceleration/deceleration cycles experienced during track days, places tremendous stress on the drive shafts.

Factory drive shafts for the Colt Turbo were designed primarily for everyday driving conditions. While adequate for normal use, they can become a reliability concern when subjected to the extreme demands of track driving, especially in modified vehicles with increased power output.

Signs Your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo Needs Drive Shaft Upgrades

Knowing when to upgrade your drive shafts can save you from catastrophic failure during a track day event. Here are the key indicators that your Colt Turbo's drive shafts may be due for an upgrade:

Vibrations During Acceleration

One of the earliest and most common symptoms of drive shaft issues is vibration that increases with acceleration. This often indicates that the CV joints are worn or that the shaft itself has become bent or damaged. During high-speed track sessions, these vibrations can worsen and potentially lead to component failure.

Clicking or Popping Noises

Distinctive clicking or popping noises, especially when turning, are classic indicators of CV joint wear. On the track, where you're constantly navigating turns at high speeds, worn CV joints can quickly deteriorate to the point of failure.

Power Delivery Issues

If you notice hesitation or shuddering during hard acceleration, particularly after modifications to increase power, your stock drive shafts may be struggling to handle the increased torque. This is particularly common in Colt Turbos that have received ECU tunes, larger turbochargers, or other performance enhancements.

Visible Boot Damage

While inspecting your vehicle before or after track sessions, pay close attention to the CV boots. Cracked, torn, or leaking boots expose the CV joints to dirt and moisture, accelerating wear. For track use, intact boots are essential for drive shaft longevity.

Previous Modifications

If you've already made significant performance modifications to your Colt Turbo, upgrading the drive shafts should be considered a preventative measure, even if you haven't experienced symptoms yet. Increased power without upgrading the drivetrain components that transfer that power is a recipe for track day disappointment.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Front Drive Shafts

Investing in upgraded front drive shafts for your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo offers numerous advantages, particularly for dedicated track enthusiasts. Here's what you can expect from this essential upgrade:

Enhanced Durability and Reliability

The primary benefit of aftermarket or professionally reconditioned drive shafts is significantly improved durability. High-performance drive shafts are constructed from stronger materials and designed specifically to withstand the stresses of track driving. This translates to fewer failures and more time enjoying your track days rather than dealing with repairs.

At Sing Spare Parts Co, our proprietary SP3G reconditioning method ensures that drive shafts are restored beyond OEM specifications, offering exceptional reliability even under extreme conditions.

Improved Power Handling

Upgraded drive shafts can handle substantially more torque than stock units, making them essential for modified Colt Turbos. This means you can confidently apply power through corners and on straightaways without worrying about drivetrain component failure. The ability to put power down consistently and reliably can significantly improve lap times.

Reduced Drivetrain Loss

High-quality aftermarket drive shafts often feature improved CV joint designs and materials that reduce friction and flex under load. This translates to less power lost in the drivetrain and more power reaching the wheels—a subtle but meaningful advantage on the track.

Smoother Power Delivery

Upgraded drive shafts provide more consistent power delivery, especially when exiting corners under hard acceleration. This smoother delivery improves driver confidence and control, allowing you to focus on your line and braking points rather than managing drivetrain quirks.

Weight Reduction

Some high-performance drive shaft options offer weight savings over stock components. While the difference may be modest, in track driving, every gram counts—especially in unsprung and rotating mass, which directly affects acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics.

Front Drive Shaft Upgrade Options for Track Performance

When it comes to upgrading the front drive shafts on your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo for track use, several options are available, each with its own set of advantages. Let's explore these options in detail:

Professionally Reconditioned OEM Drive Shafts

A cost-effective option is to have your existing drive shafts professionally reconditioned. At Sing Spare Parts Co, we specialize in reconditioning drive shafts using our proprietary SP3G method, which reinforces critical stress points and replaces wear components with higher-quality alternatives.

This option preserves the factory fit and NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics while significantly improving durability. For Colt Turbo owners with mild to moderate power increases, reconditioned OEM drive shafts often provide the ideal balance of reliability, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Performance Aftermarket Drive Shafts

For those with heavily modified Colt Turbos or who demand the ultimate in track reliability, purpose-built aftermarket performance drive shafts are available. These typically feature:

• Chromoly steel shafts for increased strength and torque capacity
• Upgraded CV joints with higher articulation angles and improved heat resistance
• High-temperature boots and premium lubricants formulated for racing applications
• Precision balancing for smooth operation at high RPMs

These premium options represent a significant investment but provide peace of mind for serious track enthusiasts who can't afford component failure during competitive events.

Hybrid Solutions

A middle-ground approach involves using stock drive shaft cores with upgraded components. This might include:

• Replacement of standard CV joints with high-performance alternatives
• Installation of heavy-duty boots designed for track use
• Use of race-grade CV joint grease with superior heat resistance
• Reinforcement of weak points identified through failure analysis

Our Constant Velocity Joint collection offers various upgrade options that can be integrated with your existing drive shafts for improved performance without a complete replacement.

Considerations for Selection

When selecting the right drive shaft upgrade for your Colt Turbo, consider:

• Current and planned power levels of your vehicle
• Frequency and intensity of track use
• Budget constraints and long-term ownership plans
• Compatibility with other modifications
• Availability of support and replacement parts

At Sing Spare Parts Co, our technicians can help assess your specific requirements and recommend the most appropriate drive shaft solution for your track-focused Mitsubishi Colt Turbo. Our extensive Drive shaft collection includes options suitable for various performance levels and budgetary considerations.

Installation Considerations and Process

Proper installation of upgraded drive shafts is critical for performance, reliability, and safety. Here's what you need to know about the installation process:

Professional Installation Recommended

While drive shaft replacement is within the capabilities of experienced DIY mechanics, for track applications, professional installation is strongly recommended. The precision required for proper CV joint seating, torque specifications, and alignment can significantly impact performance and longevity.

At Sing Spare Parts Co, our technicians have over five decades of experience with drive shaft installation across various vehicle makes and models, ensuring your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo's drivetrain performs optimally on the track.

The Installation Process

The typical installation process for upgraded front drive shafts includes:

1. Vehicle Assessment: Comprehensive inspection of the current drivetrain condition, including associated components that may affect drive shaft performance.
2. Component Selection: Selection of appropriate drive shaft upgrades based on the vehicle's specifications and intended use.
3. Removal of Existing Drive Shafts: Careful removal to prevent damage to surrounding components, particularly the transaxle seals and wheel bearings.
4. Inspection of Related Components: Examination of wheel bearings, hubs, and transaxle output seals for wear or damage that could affect new drive shaft performance.
5. Installation of Upgraded Drive Shafts: Precise installation following manufacturer specifications for torque values and assembly procedures.
6. Testing: Thorough testing to ensure proper operation, including checks for vibration, noise, and CV joint articulation.

Complementary Upgrades to Consider

When upgrading your Colt Turbo's drive shafts for track use, consider these complementary modifications:

• Limited-Slip Differential: Improves traction and power delivery, working in harmony with upgraded drive shafts.
• Motor Mounts: Stiffer motor mounts reduce drivetrain movement under load, decreasing stress on drive shafts during aggressive driving.
• Wheel Bearings: Performance wheel bearings ensure proper drive shaft alignment and reduce friction.

For vehicles used primarily on the track, a more comprehensive approach to drivetrain upgrades often yields the best results in terms of reliability and performance.

Maintenance Tips for High-Performance Drive Shafts

Even the most robust drive shaft upgrades require proper maintenance to ensure longevity and consistent performance on the track. Here are essential maintenance practices for track-focused Mitsubishi Colt Turbo owners:

Regular Inspection Routines

Develop a habit of inspecting your drive shafts before and after track sessions:

• Check CV boots for tears, cracks, or grease leakage
• Look for signs of grease sling on surrounding components
• Inspect for any visible damage or deformation to the shafts
• Check mounting bolts for proper torque

Early detection of potential issues can prevent catastrophic failures during high-stress driving conditions.

Boot Protection

CV boots are the first line of defense for your drive shaft's critical joints. Consider these protective measures:

• Install aftermarket boot protectors for additional shielding against debris
• Clean boots regularly to remove abrasive materials that might cause premature wear
• Replace boots at the first sign of damage, even if the CV joint appears functional

Cooling Considerations

Drive shafts and CV joints operate at high temperatures during track use. Managing heat can extend their service life:

• Allow sufficient cool-down periods between track sessions
• Consider supplementary cooling if consistently experiencing extreme conditions
• Use high-temperature CV joint grease formulated for racing applications

Service Intervals

Track-driven vehicles require more frequent service than street-driven counterparts:

• Re-grease CV joints every 15-20 track hours or as recommended by the manufacturer
• Have drive shafts inspected professionally at least once per season
• Consider preventative rebuilding of CV joints before failure symptoms appear

At Sing Spare Parts Co, we offer comprehensive drive shaft service packages specifically designed for track enthusiasts, ensuring your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo remains reliable throughout your racing season.

Case Study: Mitsubishi Colt Turbo Track Day Transformation

To illustrate the real-world benefits of drive shaft upgrades, let's examine a case study of a Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart that underwent comprehensive drive shaft improvements for track use.

The Vehicle

A 2009 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart with the following modifications:

• ECU remap increasing power from 150hp to approximately 185hp
• Front-mount intercooler upgrade
• High-flow exhaust system
• Coilover suspension setup optimized for track use
• Semi-slick track tires

The Problem

The owner experienced drive shaft failure during his third track day event. The increased power, combined with the enhanced grip from the suspension and tire upgrades, placed excessive stress on the stock drive shafts. The failure occurred during a hard acceleration out of a tight corner, resulting in:

• Torn inner CV joint boot
• Damaged inner CV joint
• Premature end to the track day

The Solution

After consulting with our specialists at Sing Spare Parts Co, the owner opted for:

1. Fully reconditioned drive shafts using our proprietary SP3G method
2. Upgraded CV joints with higher torque capacity
3. Race-specification high-temperature boots
4. Synthetic racing CV joint grease

The Results

Following the upgrade, the vehicle has completed:

• 12 additional track day events without drive shaft issues
• Improved lap times by an average of 2.3 seconds on a 1.5-minute circuit
• More consistent performance throughout full track sessions
• Noticeably smoother power delivery when accelerating out of corners

The owner reported increased confidence in applying power early when exiting corners, knowing the drivetrain could reliably handle the increased stresses. This case demonstrates how appropriate drive shaft upgrades can not only prevent failures but also contribute to improved overall performance.

Conclusion

Upgrading the front drive shafts in your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo is a critical consideration for any serious track day enthusiast. These vital components form the link between your engine's power and the road, and their failure can instantly end your track day experience while potentially causing extensive additional damage.

For modified vehicles especially, factory drive shafts simply weren't designed to handle the increased power, enhanced grip, and extreme conditions encountered during performance driving. Investing in high-quality drive shaft upgrades provides not just reliability but can enhance your vehicle's performance through more efficient power delivery and reduced drivetrain losses.

Whether you choose professionally reconditioned OEM drive shafts, complete aftermarket solutions, or a hybrid approach, the key is to match your selection to your specific power levels, driving style, and track usage frequency. Proper installation and maintenance are equally important in ensuring your upgraded drive shafts deliver long-term performance benefits.

At Sing Spare Parts Co Pte Ltd, our 50+ years of experience in drive shaft reconditioning and our proprietary SP3G method position us uniquely to help Mitsubishi Colt Turbo owners make the right choices for their track day builds. From component selection to installation and ongoing maintenance, our team of specialists can ensure your drivetrain is up to the challenge of performance driving.

Don't wait for a track day failure to consider drive shaft upgrades—be proactive in strengthening this critical component and enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your Mitsubishi Colt Turbo is ready for everything you can throw at it on the track.