The forgotten one

Subject: 2000 Lancer Evolution VI RSII

Lost in the back of a race shop for the better half of two decades. Originally brought in for rally assignments, this Evo, went from hopefully adding to the chassis’ famed resume to becoming low mileage unicorn. After years of being put on ice; this Evo emerges. To become road worthy I was commissioned to remove and replace the aged timing belt, balance shaft and water pump as well as overhaul the spent clutch.

The year 2000 brought a new trim level to the Lancer Evolution model. The RSII. This trim level combined the hardcore features of the RS with the creature comforts of the GSR. One feature that was a first of its kind is the TiAl turbocharger. No manufacturer had used such material in a production car. Titanium aluminum on the exhaust wheel resulted in a more responsive power band. This particular machine is a factory left hand drive example. Mitsubishi produced 865 LHD RSII cars with only 183 wearing Scotia White(W83B paint code).

 This Evolution presents with just 7729 kilometers. Per factory service recommendations of 6yr/60,000 miles the timing belt and water pump were long past due for service.  In its 24 years it has done a lot of sitting. We know that time is never kind to rubber.

First order of business was to replace the most critical item on the mighty 4G63; the timing belt. On went new pulleys, hydraulic tensioner, timing and balance shaft belts. If you’ve been around any iteration of this legendary engine you know a timing job includes the water pump as it is only accessible by removing the timing belt. Each item was kept and saved. Now with a piece of mind this machine can be enjoyed. 

 Of course, when you get a machine that was bred for rally racing on a WRC stage, one must pretend to be Tommi Makinen. Doing so means you find the weak link… the factory clutch. Somewhere in those 7700 kilometers the clutch filed an assault and battery charge on the person operating the clutch pedal. In went a slightly upgraded clutch that can handle more power if it's asked to do so at a later date. A firm clutch pedal delivers feedback to the driver which is confidence inspiring during both spirited runs on twisty back roads and chasing lap times at the race track.