hey dudes,

this is my first post in this forum and basically i'm desperate for some info. Its quite simple really. I came across this HJ VR4 Galant V6 Twin Turbo. Its a 93 model... fully imported, low k's, full options and for a good price.

so whats the problem u wonder? well, there are two problems, one of which may well be nothing and just based on a lack of info.
that first problem is that me and another mate (he already has a hj galant 4cylinder) have spent a lot of time searching for a VR4 in the HJ series. that is from 1993 onwards to i think this new edition Galant VR4. But no matter how hard I tried to find anything to prove that they exist, i always ended up with the old box shape vr4 or the new one. my mate had the same trouble finding info on the vr4 and the hj in general. and yet another bloke claimed that they didnt come out as VR4's at all. even at the mitsubishi website they dont mention the vr4 after the last boxshapes in 93. however, having read a thread here about a 1997 VR4 has given me new hope. and something about a rallyart edition vr4 in that period is also goin around.

now why does that all matta? cause i can't afford to pay all that money for a homemade vr4. i've owned a car like that before and though it was very, quick it was more off the road than on it. i just need u guys to tell me, that infact there are HJ VR4's outthere.

****, written already so much and havent even discussed the real problem. the gearbox on the thing is kinda bust. no reverse and difficult shifting 1st to 2nd gear. the dude selling the car has a spare box ready to be gutted for all its intact bits, but he also mentioned that the box used in it now, isnt the original either. if its just him being a ******** who can't help to do 8grand GTR launches everytime than its cool cause it only really hurts the box. but what if its more? like a cheap gearbox not suitable for that engine/car?

so in regards to that one i guess i'm asking if VR4 boxes are known to break easily? or should i be thinking something more sinister? like him running to much power through it and selling me a all over thrashed pile of junk just ripped of all the aftermarket gear?


so finally... do u's all think the VR4 is a good car in general? do u think i'm gettin a good deal at $AU11000? I'm going to see the car on wednesday and i'd love it if u could give me handy tips on what to look for.


ok, thats it... hope i didnt make myself unpopular already by making this so long. especially considering that u guys may think my questions (especially #1) to be stupid... thanx to all who answer and ur advise and imput really do mean alot to me.


ps: i attached a pic of the same model non-turbo galant. just in case there is confusion as to what model an HJ actually is...

 

Dude... long, 'stupid' questions are exactly what forums are for! The only stupid question is the one u didn't ask, espeacially when making a big decision, like spending $11G.
Can't answer ur question though, cause I've only ever seen 1 Galant in person and I don't think it was that shape.
Goodluck

 

thanx for ur thoughts... any info is appriciated

well, thats the thing... they're extremly rare. especially if its true that they are a rallyart special edition.

well he imported it himself and has all the papers for purchase and complaince. i never bought an import b4 and never thought about whether they could be tempered with (the papers). i mean it must say on the papers that its genuine.

i might get a performance mechanic to look at it for me. they'll know if the car is stock and in original form. the only reasonable thing if its not genuine, is that its a weird 3000gt or later/earlier model vr4 combo is. after all the 3000gt has the same engine.

but again i've seen someone selling a 97 VR4 and thats almost the same shape. **** so many possibilities... guess i gotta be very careful if i get the car and hope for the best. more comments would really be most appriciated...

another thing... does anyone know how much it would cost to rebuild a gearbox if i have the parts? just a rough idea would be awesome. like its just replacing some internals...

Thanx Dudes.....

 

Well - they DO EXIST!!! in fact there is a "buying used" article on them in the latest "Speed" mag (has silver GTR and WRX on the cover)

They first came out with a 2lt twin turbo v6 and then later went to a 2.5lt TT V6.

I have only seen them with the "sedan" type body though.... with the little boot - not the hatch back... but they may have come in both shapes.

As for driver train - Mitsu's 4wd gearboxes are generally strong and the 2lt TT VR4's were only (only?) 180 odd kw's in stock trim so I would be surprised if the gearboxes were a weak link.... but personally, I would keep away from any car like this with "issues", a shady history and a price of only $11000...

I also have a old mag with a road test of one kicking around somewhere... I'll try and dig it out.

TH