There are always a few surprises with a used car and this Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is no exception. With less than 5000 miles on the odometer you would think that not much could have happened, but that is not always so. Certainly the body is straight and not had a major accident, but there are some tell tale signs that it has seen a couple of changes as well as owner stupidity.
As it was sold to me the exhaust is stock, at least somewhat. The catalytic converter, while functioning, is not the factory original. The engine side of the radiator show distinct signs of someone going wrench happy so I strongly suspect that an aftermarket downpipe was installed for a time.
When I went to upgrade the fuel pump from a factory one to a Walbro 255 I discovered that one had already been installed. I switched it out anyway.
The fender well plastic shield and under tray had all been replaced with new factory stuff and the original brake ducts had been gone missing and the brackets were bent.
There had always been a certain musty smell to the interior that I first wrote off to the car having sat idle for nearly two and a half years. Then, as I was routing wiring for the radar detector sensors I discovered that the matting under the carpet was moist. This did not make me a happy camper by any means.
I pulled the seats, center console, and floor trim and removed all the carpet. It was soaked. Some idiot had popped out a couple of the rubber plugs in the floor and rain water from the road had entered in to the under carpet.
The original carpet was useless and the floor underneath needed to be cleaned. There was no rust, but a small amount of mildew was there to be removed.
I ordered a new carpet from Mitsubishi and it took about five days to show up.
In the mean time I dressed up all the new wiring for the Escort radar unit, the Ericsson Bluetooth hands free kit, and the iPod adapter for the factory radio.
The new carpet fit perfectly and I made sure that the rubber plugs were all replaced prior to installing it. Then the trim, seats, and console went back in.
The clutch pedal was missing a floor stop and pedal arm stop so I picked those up from Mitsubishi as well.
It is nice to get these things straightened out, but it amazes me how many things can be lost, broken, or ruined in less than 5000 miles. Don’t worry, this car will be just like new when I have completed the transformation. Or should I say, better than new.
Next will be the exhaust upgrade, then the new GSC Stage 1 cams. I have a new Mishimoto radiator and hoses, as well as a Greddy intercooler that has been anodized black. The Tomei ARMS turbo is on order and should be here by the end of the month.
JIM'S GARAGE 
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