I thought about the flywheel missing teeth theory, but since I don't move the car and it eventually starts, don't think thats it.
In regards to it being the CPS, I'm pretty sure a bad CPS would still let it crank right?

 

Nope, If the wires are cut or its bad it mine wouldn't even try to turn over just the starter could be heard

I have a old thread about 3 years ago I'll dig it up.


https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...e-driving.html

 

Its worth a look couldn't hurt, but thats what my issue was & It took me 2 weeks to fig it out . While mine was having its **** fit it was doing some pretty random stuff I bought coils all kinds of stuff but it was only the sensor that was making everything go bananas

 

Hi there did u solved the problem?

 

I had a problem like this and its was the crank sensor. It would work intermittently. Got a new one and never had the problem again.

 

So I spent the last 2 weeks going through my entire Ignition/Starter system and I've pretty much solved the problem for every common scenario. ¹) If you are turning the key and you aren't hearing the starter click or w/e, the 1st place to look is the Ignition switch.By now everyone should know the problem with our cars ignition switch is very common. So rip the steering column panels off and check the single little screw that holds the switch in place. If it's loose, that could be your problem. Tighten that irritating turd up and see if it turns over.If not, remove the switch and see if it's worn out. Easy to determine, if the rectangular slot is worn into more of an oval shape, chances are you'll need a new one. But first, stick a screwdriver in the slot and attempt to start the car. If it starts, than the switch is your problem. I saw a post where the guy cuts a piece of tin into a long strip, folds it in half and sticks it into the slot to get rid of the slop & it seemed to work for him & it's a viable option if you're broke(if u own an Evo chances are high LoL), but if you can afford a new switch I recommend doing so! ²) if the car still doesn't start after checking out the switch, we will move on to the Starter Relay. It's the relay closest to the front in the skinny box under the hood.You can check if the relay is good by using a 9v battery and connecting one end of the relay to the Neg— and the other end to the Pos+ and listening for the 'click' sound. If the relay is good, you should check the battery terminal connection. One of the fuses on the battery terminal goes to the starter(ACD is the other if u have ACD).Ive seen threads dedicated to bypassing the Relay or allowing it to recieved 12v if for some reason it's not getting it. Best way to check is to use a voltmeter and check the small black wire connected to the spade on the starter. If it's getting 12V than that's not the problem. Next check the actual 12v power line to the Starter. It's the only other connection to the starter. Make sure the bolt is tight & check the voltage to it. If it's not getting 12v than there's a loose/bad connection from the starter to the fuse box. If it IS getting 12v than the next step is the Starter itself.³) If your starter has trouble in the Cold and works better after heating up, chances are that the brushes inside are getting gummed up and need to be replaced. When it's cold like anything becomes stiffer and when it warms up becomes more pliable which explains why it'll start once warm.You can either buy a new starter, which is going to cost you around $100-$250 & it's the best route if you can afford it. Or you can rebuild the starter for around $30-$40.You can buy the Mitsubishi Lancer Starter Rebuild Parts here. You most likely only need the brushes but I recommend replacing the solenoid as wellBrushes pn 5503063ASolenoid pn 66033392 So this pretty much covers every reason for the Evo not to start when we're talking Ignition/Starter issues. I hope this helps someone else figure out the problem faster than it took me. I had so much going on and so Lifetime to work on my car that I was pop starting my Evo for 2 weeks & had to leave it running LoL