Need Some Help

[P10DGR]

Hi guys,

A newbie to the jap forum here, was looking to see if someone can help me out.

I have the opportunity to purchase a Mitsubishi evo 5 rs, got a couple of questions though, so here goes.

How many RS versions of the 5 were built?
Are the RS's really worth the premium that they seem to achieve?
What are the things that I need to be aware of with an RS?
Is it best used as a weekend toy or am I best to look at something else for the cash?


Iknow a fair bit about the car that I'm looking at, from what I understand, the car is as rare as rocking horse s**t but just want to check what you guys would know. I've searched google for some of the answers but have come up with very little information.

Cheers in advance.

[yellowgriff]

I was looking for a TME 6 for months up & down the country, Before looking around the car,, walk around the back & look underneath for rust & Rott,,
Cant say about every car out there, But the cars i looked at were completley rotten,, all low milage & few owner,

[RobCrezz]

The MLR would be the best place to ask. I dont think the 5 RS is rare, but its certainly not common.

[rhinochopig]

P10DGR said:

Hi guys,

A newbie to the jap forum here, was looking to see if someone can help me out.

I have the opportunity to purchase a Mitsubishi evo 5 rs, got a couple of questions though, so here goes.

How many RS versions of the 5 were built?
Are the RS's really worth the premium that they seem to achieve?
What are the things that I need to be aware of with an RS?
Is it best used as a weekend toy or am I best to look at something else for the cash?


Iknow a fair bit about the car that I'm looking at, from what I understand, the car is as rare as rocking horse s**t but just want to check what you guys would know. I've searched google for some of the answers but have come up with very little information.

Cheers in advance.

I have a VII RS, and whilst I cannot comment on the Vs I can on the RS element.

No idea how many were built.
Are they worth the premium. It depends. The RS was much much cheaper than their GSR counterparts when originally sold as they were built purely for motorsport purposes, which meant that things like Brakes, Wheels, Interior, Radio, etc were thrown out and replaced with gravel or tarmac spec items. They also came with AFAIK, a quicker rack, different tubby (although not sure on the earlier models) and no sound proofing, no air-con, no ABS, and no rear wiper and were thus lighter.

The thing is, in my experience the essentials are: Brembos, GSR interior (or aftermarket seats) as the standard RS interior is taxi spec with no lateral support, AC - they get hot, and ABS if it's going to be a road car. Therefore, you're getting close to a GSR spec.

The two big benefits that I see are the quicker rack, and sound deadening delete as it makes the car much more raw on the road, and the key problem with Evos is they hide their speed too well - the noise and the quick rack injects some much needed drama. So to answer your question, it depends on how much you value these subtle differences.

Just to add though, the AYC cars are actually faster around a lap in standard trim, but you have the worry of AYC pump problems, that will definitely happen at some point in a 10 year old + EVO.

My car is actually fitted with the AYC rear diff - long story, I was sold a car advertised as not having AYC by a well known dealer who advertises on the MLR - and have to say, pump problems apart, I doubt I could tell the difference, especially now as I have a Ralliart Grp N ACD controller fitted to mine, which makes the handling much much more direct (some might say twitchy depending on your perspective).

I would say, don't believe the hype re the mech diff, and if you really hate it you can either fit an RS diff for £1200 + labour (if you're planning on big power mods) or put a cusco mech diff in the GSR housing. After I found out about the diff in mine, I was going to retro-fit the mech diff, but shan't bother now as the GSR + RA ACD is a nice drive.

Re what to look for. Same as the GSRs. Rot - it's a 12-14 year old car (has it been undersealed). Worn suspension - they are hard on the suspension as they get driven hard (track work is especially wearing). Worn synchros. + the stuff in the MLR buying guide. There are a LOT of snotters out there and a lot of people who cannot afford to run these cars who skimp on servicing. Buy with your eyes open, and do not buy one that has been fitted with lowering springs - they are totally unsuited for UK b roads and it ruins the handling. My advice, buy one that is as standard as possible.

Re use: Mine is a weekend toy, which gets used for the occasional school run when another car is in the garage. I also think they make a poor track car, but I'm in the minority in this view. I wouldn't dream of using a V as a daily.

They're not that rare, and not worth a big premium if you ask me. But then they do seem to attract one so it shows what I know