Hello everyone! I finally arrived here in the states from Japan and i'm moving from Nissans to Mitsubishis, and I figured i'd start simple and work on a 2003 OZ Lancer. I don't really know that much, but I have an idea of what I want to happen. Still need to do more research (I've been on this site pretty much all day) But here's kind of what I plan to do (Please correct me if it can't be done, or if you already know any tips or etc, I would greatly appreciate it.)

1: ENGINE
I have been reading a lot of comments saying that it would be better just to turbo the stock engine, and just live with it; and I mean, i'm not looking to race or anything, but I just came off of the SR20DET (blacktop AND redtop) so I want to at least feel some sort of push to get me places. Been looking for exhaust, and haven't found any COMPLETE sets. I browsed ebay and kept finding everything sold seperately so I don't know if they'll fit together or not. The engine that it has right now needs some "cosmetic" cleanup so of course i'll be buying new belts, pulleys, bolts, etc. I'm not sure exactly what oil to start using yet. I'll be installing a short shifter as well, and probably going to upgrade to a stage 2 clutch. yayy Anything else i'm missing? (Probably missing a lot of major things.)

2: SUSPENSION
Currently I have a 4-lug, and i'm wondering if I can upgrade to a 5-lug. I searched the site for the answers, but nothing came up. So does anyone know if I can swap it to a 5-lug? I'm currently looking at getting the WorkEmotion XT-7's. I LOVE those wheels. I'm also trying to figure out how much negative camber i'll be adding, but nothing is for certain until I can figure out if I can make it a 5-lug or not. Looking at the TEIN coilovers to add, and some new brake pads. That's about it for this section

3: EXTERIOR
Well currently I have to replace the front left fender because the previous owners messed it up. I checked for OEM parts and they run about $20 (unpainted) So I figure i'll just get that for now, and then repaint the whole car when I get the full thing. The REAR LEFT door does not open from the inside or out. I discussed this with friends and we agreed we'd have to demolish the interior door panel and open it up from there. Then purchase the new parts to get it working, and another interior door panel. Windows are already tinted, but not to my liking. I hear here in Texas the max we can get is 4% so I'm probably going to do that for the rear windows and the back window as well. I haven't decided how dark I want my front windows yet. I saw some body kits on ebay (I am completely against crappy body kits. I like things that FLOW with the lines of the car and look stock. Nothing "bozo-esque". refer to wikipage on "bosozoku") I DO like the EVO spoiler, and the antenna spoiler as well. I plan on making it look good cosmetically because I know that I won't be racing, so why not just get some good looks and a nice system and just enjoy the cruise Saw some headlights on eBay that I actually truly liked. I'll be leaving the stock tails on because I like the red and white combo for some odd reason haha

4: INTERIOR
Going to purchase some BRIDES for this baby. Change out all of bulbs to LED bulbs behind the gauge cluster, a/c unit, etc. I'm going for all black/white interior. Planning on getting some guages set it in, but saving up for those later when engine bay is complete to my liking. I'm MOST LIKELY going to place a system in the trunk (2 KICKER 10's) and just enjoy that as well. I want to keep the back seats because I have to bring soldiers with me every now and then and just having two seats would be a pain for them haha, plus if there's a system in my trunk then I might just run out of space for anything that I need to bring with me haha. I really wish I could install some TAKATA racing harnesses, but there's no need Looking at a new steering wheel, but on debate on what I want. Called friends in Japan and they'll be sending me the JDM big rear view mirrors. (so helpful)

Anyways, that about sums it up for now. Let me know what ya'll think so I can start this project. Hopefully it'll turn out good.

 

Sounds like you've got a pretty good plan. Here's a link to an all inclusive thread about general Lancer knowledge. Skimming through that might get you some answers.

People have swapped to five lug, just don't know who. Maybe someone will speak up and point you to a faq

 

Added my thoughts. Sounds pretty good overall.

 

A great guide be senate on how to do the swap I wish more people would do this I defiantly would if I had some extra funds.

But yeah turbo it. Its pretty easy at this point. And if not brides go with some Recaros. You should be able to find some cheap on here.

 

I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL YOU POSTED THIS. (currently studying...)


Checked out and read over turbos for the Lancers and I think i'm most likely going to go with RRM's 16G turbo kit. Though I'm looking more and more at the parts they have for the engine, so I might buy a little more than I thought haha. I really want to do the 5-lug conversion though because the WorkEmotion XT-7's only come in 5-lug So I guess i'll be spending some time and money but it's fine I guess haha


VERY happy you posted this, and after reading it all I will have to take the time to piece it all together and order parts, etc. This definitely helped out. Thanks plenty!



After much review the 5-lug conversion doesn't look as difficult as I expected. I guess it's just ordering the parts and piecing it all together. Time and effort! I'm all for it! Also, after reviewing RRM's site I concluded on going with the 16G because apparently that seems to be the public favorite. Now to REVIEW the whole topic on turbo for the engine because I think i'll have to purchase parts for the engine for it to support the turbo. Yay for me!

 

Oh another thing I am curious about is the rear left door. Does everyone agree that i'd have to rip and replace that interior panel to fix it?

 

sounds like you've got your hands full