Hello everyone. I own a 2001 Evo 7 (with some Evo 8 body parts), which is originally a right-hand drive from Japan, but converted to Left Hand Drive (in Japan).
The engine is now fully built (around 700hp+). Due to Registration restrictions in Dubai (RHD to LHD plus larger turbo), registering it might be a significant challenge, or nearly impossible.

Solution that I am thinking of is to get a regular lancer, move everything from my Evo 7 (even the rear fender / quarter pannel - all the way to the bumper). I've seen a lot of videos on YouTube, and the garage I am working with is ready to do this.

My question is, what would be the year model of the Lancer that I should get to minimize body modification? Looking at the Mitsubishi Lancer's generations on Wikipedia, the 2000-2006 model might be my window. Is my assumption correct?

Thanks, everyone, in advance for your help.

 

That would be the right year range for the lancer but they are a different chassis.
Given enough time and money, this is a project that "can" be done but I would look at other options. There has to be a way to register what you have in Dubai I would imagine?

I honestly don't understand exactly how swapping everything over would even help your registration issues? If you have to tell them about the changes on the current car and that would make it un-registrable, wouldn't the same apply to the base lancer?
If its just because they won't ask on the base model, why would they ask on the evo?

 

Thank you. Modifying the firewall makes it a giveaway for inspectors that it is a right-to-left-hand drive converted car. Modifying the rear end, on the other hand, is not too obvious, I would say, which makes it much easier. Downfall is that I will have a regular lancer - in paper.

Planning to do this >>

 

I guess that makes sense. I would research other options personally. Unless you have a ton of money and/or time to throw into a project like this, it is probably easier to sell your car to a buyer where its legal and buy a non-converted evo. Or registration in a different country?

If you go for it, post up a build thread so we can follow along. It would be an interesting project to watch progress!