Ralliart owners, I'm sure people have discussed this, so I ask you: how similar are the parts, and what will it take to convert one of the new RA hatches into an 'Evo Hatch'? I may just be dreaming, but I like the funtionality of the hatch (I don't even have a rear seat pass-through in my X), and the trans is looking more and more promising. I don't think Mitsu has any future plans for a 5 door Evo either.

I know the fenders and wheels will be an issue, but how different or 'swapable' are the other suspension parts and brakes? The drivetrain (minus rear diff) seems similar enough to me. Again, my goal wouldn't be to save money on a DIY evo, as this will likely cost a lot more. It would be more to use up some of the 'take-off' parts from my X and give my wife and I a car with some more daily functionality, but still be trackable.

 

I don't think the suspension bits will go in as a drop-in install. Even if they did, while you can get the front quarters to meet the width of the wheels, you have a problem in the rear. There is 2" of width to add to the track using the Evo's suspension.

I would think that a good set of aftermarket springs/dampers is a better way to go here. Get 42-48mm offset 18x8.5 wheels with 235/40 tires on them and leave it at that, suspension wise.

For the brakes, keeping the stock rotors with good pads will work better than most will give them credit for. There's nothing wrong with iron rotors and a good set of Hawk HPS/Ceramic/HP+ pads to go with it.

About the only place you can get true EVO-ness is the engine. Grab the Evo manifold/turbo/exhaust, a better intake, and a tune and you'd be Evo good...though you can get great power with less hassle from AMS's stage 2, using the stock turbo setup.

 

anything is possible with money, but if i were in your position, i would just trade up for the sportback ralliart, change the rims and tires, and get some ams parts+ tune and call it a day. I'm sure it will be very trackable. ithink there is a thread about the brakes somewhere on here

 

That would be sick an AMS RalliArt Wagon do that! Could put evo front fenders on it and the the evo front bumper, the side fenders would have to be molded to the car if u wanted the evo look.