Hey yall,

just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to the RA community. I just picked up a brand spankin' new Lancer RA with zero miles on it. Love the car so far but im still a noob so got lots of questions. Please feel free to answer as many as you'd like maybe we can use this thread as a FAQ or reference of some type for all newcomers to use. Anyways here are some questions:

1. Is there a break in required for the RA? If yes how and how long? I heard all kinds of stuff like drive it hard, dont drive it hard, listen to the manufacturer dont listen...etc. just needed some clarification.
2. Will an Evo X front bumper fit on the RA? any mods? How much does it cost approx and where besides the dealer can I get one?
3. Will the Evo X turbo, FMIC, and ECU fit?
4. What is the best website to shop for "stock" RA parts?
5. I like the look of the Evo engine cover (read upper piece) where did you guys get one or did u just spray paint it?
6. The test pipes for sale on some websites, are they a direct bolt on fit or do you need any kind of modifications to make them work? Are they throwing any codes? O2 sensors read ok?
7. Where can I get stock Evo X wheels? Does the TPMS need to modified?
8. Does anyone know where I can get the stock rotor glow orange color? Preferably in spray can form or an orange color that is pretty similar to the rotor orange? (i am not looking for touch up paint but actual spray paint for bigger projects)
9. How much does the routine maintenance service at the dealer cost?
10. What is the RA's turbo size? WHy is it running 17.9 PSI of boost and we get 234HP only? Is it due to its smaller turbo?
11.What is the best lowering springs on the market?
12. When do you guys recommend to do the first oil change and what milage? I heard online you will have to do it early to flush out all the metal etc from the system as a result of manufacturing errors etc.
13. Can you make this car a RWD by removing the front axles ? would that throw off the system?

Thank you people!

 

Congrats on the new purchase!
1. I would recommend driving it under 3000 rpms the first 500 miles and then after drive it "spiritedly" as in doing some hard accelerations gradually. and then after 1000 miles you should be fine.
2. Well to modify for an evo x front end, you'll need the evo x fender liners, fenders, and of course bumper. I don't know the cost but it'll probably be a bit expensive. IMO not worth it. It'll look really stupid.
3. Evo X turbo will fit as long as you have the little things that are needed to make it fit. AMS put a list up somewhere of all the parts you need (forgot where exactly so search around)
4. For stock not sure but if you modify Lancershop FTW!
5. You can spray paint it red or just buy one from the dealership.
6. If you get a test pipe make sure it has a defouler so you wont get any CEL's. Evo x test pipes will work, but if you go the exhaust route, the Evo x exhaust won't fit.
7. Search around on the forums, you can find some good deals on a set. As for the TPMS, theres no need to modify, just transfer over.
8. No idea on where the you can get orange glow spray paint. Autozone maybe?
9. Routine maintenance, well I do my own stuff so I'm not too sure. Call you dealership and ask.
10. The turbo is significantly smaller than the evo x turbo and yes the turbo is PART of the reason why we make 234hp, but there are many other factors as well such as the intercooler size, transmission, etc.
11. IMO I really like my RRM springs, but thats my opinion.
12. Well I did my first oil change at 1000 miles and every 3000-3500 miles after that.
13. Why would you want to make it RWD? and it would probably throw off the ECU.
Anyways congrats again on the new purchase.

 

1. A lot of people suggest that during break-in, you shouldn't keep the engine RPM at a constant (i.e. using cruise control on the highway)
2. Yes, it will fit, but will require a lot of work and maybe some fabrication. RallyGoneEvo has a thread about his conversion.
3. Turbo, FMIC - yes. ECU - not needed, the RA ecu is fine.
4. http://www.mitsubishiparts.net/ is good for parts
5. A lot of people paint theirs, but of course there are some EvoX owners who want to trade for a black one.
6. Most test pipes for the RA and EvoX will be direct bolt-on. You'll probably need a tune.
7. Best off looking for some used ones on the forum or elsewhere. Dealer costs are astronomical. Anytime you change wheels on the RA with TPMS, you'll need to have them reset
8. A paint/body shop can mix it up for you. I remember somewhere that could put the paint into an aerosol can....don't remember where.
9. Arm+Leg. It's a lot cheaper to do it on your own.
10. Our turbo is smaller than the X, and we have a single scroll vs their twin scroll.
11. So far the RRM springs are most popular, but Eibach just came out with some for the RA. There's a few others too: Tein, T1R...
12. I did mine after about 1000 miles. I'd recommend changing the filter as well.
13. Yes, and probably. I think the better question is...why?

 

I agree with all the above post as for that last question. Yes it would put the ECU in a frenzy because it controls all the diffs.

Just turn of the ACS and put it in gravel mode( power to rear) and drift all you want.

 

Incorrect...the bias is split 50/50.

Essentially all that the different ACS settings do is change the delay before traction control kicks in.

Tarmac: shortest delay
Snow: longest delay

 

RallyGoneEvo told me he spent $1500 on just fenders and bumper. Turbo will bolt up with right parts. OEMMitsubishiparts.com