*Sold* 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR Icecelle Blue

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly referred to as 'Evo', is a sports sedan based on the Lancer that was manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 until 2016. There have been ten official versions to date, all use two litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive systems.

There were two versions of the Evo IV available, the RS and GSR. The GSR and the RS shared a new twin scroll turbocharger which helped to improve response and increase power to 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. Mitsubishi's new Active Yaw Control appeared as a factory standard on the GSR model, which used steering, throttle input sensors and g sensors to computer-hydraulically control torque split individually to the rear wheels. As a result, the 10,000 Evolution IVs produced all sold quickly.

This Evo IV was prepped by Early Evo Garage in Knoxville, TN as a RTR (Ready-To-Race) vehicle.  Even before I introduced this Evo to the collection, under the hood were a plethora of good upgrades that made this car a great canditate. We started by doing a full overhaul of the cooling system, retaining the Blitz Racing Radiator and Saamco Cooling Hoses, we complimented those by upgrading the thermostat to a low temp racing thermostat, and flushing the coolant to fill it with a modern 50/50 coolant and antifreeze for year round cooling performance. The Intake system was already done up with aluminum piping and silicone couplers, the old dirty cone filter was replaced with a fresh K&N Intake Filter.

The battery was retained in the stock location and we kept a full size battery because we intended for this vehicle to remain a year round car that can be comfortably driven in colder climates. With that intention in mind we upgraded the battery to a high amperage battery that will be able to start in even the coldest weather, and converted the terminals to the larger American format. The old cracked motor mounts were tossed in favor of PU (polyurethane) inserts that increase stability of the engine under load, delivering power to the drivetrain in a much more responsive manner, yet not transfering as many vibrations as solid mounts would to the driver.

The vehicles AYC was serviced and bled, which prolongs the life of the Active Yaw Control system, and allows it to properly function in its full capacity. This will ensure that the car maintains maximum grip in cornering and AYC transfers full power to the wheels with most traction. I've noticed this system working incredibly well, likening it to the feeling you get when you induce good slip angle in a LSD equipped RWD sports car through a turn.

A more essential upgrade that could not be overlooked was the braking system. All four corners received attention with aggressive street pads that would function well under higher than average heat during racing yet still bite well in colder street situations. The brake lines were exchanged for reinforced stainless steel braided lines for better fluid transfer to caliper and pedal feeling. The fluid was replaced and bled with Motul RBF600 ensuring it would withstand high temperature use without boiling and introducing air into the lines. We didn't just stop there, the clutch master cylinder was completely refreshed with a rebuild ensuring best function, the slave cylinder was replaced with a brand new one, and the line was swapped for a stainless steel braided line to make sure the clutch pedal felt and worked like brand new. The rest of the vehicles fluids were all replaced with Redline, Motul, and OEM fluids to ensure best function and lifetime of the Transmission, T-Case, Diff, and Motor.