Hi guys, I just picked up a 2002 Thunder Gray Metallic Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally as a beater car. I have a 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport as a Support Vehicle for my 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder, and the Montero Sport isn't too much fun to daily with 17mpg right now.

I thought I could get away daily driving it stock, but apparently not. I've only had it 2-3 weeks, and I've already done the following mods:

Engine: Stainless Steel Header + Downpipe, RRM Hi-Flow Cat, Megan N1 Axle Back Exhaust

Suspension: Front Tower Strut Bar, Tein S-Tech Springs (Purchased, Installation will be done 5/18)

Audio & Electronics: Eclipse CD3000 Headunit, Polk Audio Speakers, Cabin Air Filter Mod

Appearance: Evo Style Front Grill, Depo Black Projector Headlights, Evo 8 OEM Steering Wheel, Greddy Weighted Shift Knob, Various Stickers in the Trunk, Sparco Floor Mats

On with the pics:

 

You are missing the side shots. It looks nice tho.
Are those ebay headlights

 

Side shots of my 2001 MR2 Spyder (Midship Runabout):



Tein S-Tech Springs haven't been installed yet, so the side of my Lancer isn't really that special yet.

Yup, those are eBay headlights (Depo brand). They are supposedly DOT rated (according to the packaging and the stamp on the headlight).

 

your OZ looks great man

 

Looks really good! Love to see it with the springs. I want to get some soon and get them on. I guess ill be doing them myself though (because the place by my house wants to charge $500 for putting them on....they can suck it.
I wanted to know with stock motor and such. Do you notice anything with that strut bar? i would like to cut down on the roll a bit. and wanted to know if you really could tell.
Thanks .

 

Thanks for the compliments.

My front endlinks were sheared off and the bushings on the rear endlinks are cracking, so I went to Advance Auto to pick up a set of Moog F/R endlinks for about $80. Having my shop install those when they install the springs, cause it looks to be a pain in the butt taking the old ones off. Having said that, I don't know if I could give a good review on the strut bar. The welds look super cheap, but it does fit. As of now, I don't notice a difference. To me, it's more of an appearance mod...FYI, on my MR2 Spyder, I have Cusco F/R Sway Bars, H&T Endlinks, Cusco Front Member Brace, Cusco Skid Plate, Cusco Rear Chasis Bars, a stock Rear Strut Bar, Corner Balanced BC Racing Coilovers, an AutoPower Street Roll Bar, etc. You really notice a difference with all this suspension work.

Future Mods:
* Connect the stock swaybars with new Moog Endlinks (5/18)
* Install Tein S-Tech Springs (5/18)
* Get that drain connected to the AC Blower Motor cleaned out cause it's leaking (5/18)
* Painted Evo 8 Replica Wing from eBay (~$300)
* Broadway Rearview Mirror (~$25)
* OEM Mitsubishi Diamond Badge F/R
* OEM Evo 8 Guage Cluster (~$100)
* OEM Evo 8 Center Console/HVAC/Audio Dash Thing
* OEM Evo 8 Recaro Seats (~$600)

This 'beater car' sure is getting expensive...

 

Oh and almost forgot Did the Evo 8 steering wheel bolt right up?

 

Yeah, the Evo 8 Steering Wheel bolts right on. Had to buy an extended allen stud set from Harbor Freight for $15, but the locking nut came off relatively easy. Straightforward plug-and-play, with the exception of the Cruise Control plug, which I just tucked back into the Steering Wheel Column. The Horn (and airbag should) work. The Steering Wheel was about $250 shipped on eBay for a one in fair (not excellent) condition.

 

Nice clean setup

 

Quick photoshoot this afternoon to get some side shots:

 

Just replaced the plastic radio/hvac surround piece with one from an Evo 9 MR (gunmetal color). Wish it was from an Evo 8 so it would match my steering wheel and shift boot surround better, but I got it free from my friend, so I can't complain too much.

Also purchased an painted Thunder Gray Metallic Evo 8 Wing on eBay for about $260 shipped. Pretty much cleaned out now lol. Next month, I'll finish it off with an Evo 8 guage cluster, Mitsubishi diamond badge for the front/rear, some PIAA Xtreme White interior/trunk/license plate bulbs, and do some research on replacing the projector bulbs in my DEPO headlights. I might upgrade to a short shifter as well. I just hopped in the Spyder for the first time in a week and was shocked at how short my short throw shifter was in there. It used to seem kinda long.

I also might get an Injen Cold Air intake. I tried to swap out my A'pexi intake from my Montero Sport, cause it also works on the Eclipse and Evo, but I bent the plastic bolt holder thing on the inside of the stock intake box, so I guess that won't be happening.

 

Like the setup man. What's your take on the Evo 8 steering wheel compared to stock? Worth it or just for looks? I always felt like the stock steering wheel's diameter was too big making quick turns sometimes feel a bit awkward.

 

Damn! Your car is starting to look exactly how I wanted mine to look! Whats next? How many miles you rollin on it? Gonna boost it?

 

I was debating ordering a mitsu badge to fill in that front grill, I think that openness is starting to bug me.

 

Window tint... Dooooo it!!! =)