Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-IX: Rally Legend Turned Drift Machine
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV through IX represents one of the most celebrated lineages in automotive history, dominating rally stages from 1996 to 2007 before finding a passionate second life in the drift scene. Built around the legendary 4G63 turbocharged engine and Mitsubishi's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, these rally-bred sedans have become increasingly popular drift builds after AWD to RWD conversions. From the iconic Evo IV's WRC heritage to the Evo IX's refined brutality, each generation brought improved aerodynamics, stronger drivetrain components, and raw turbocharged power that translates perfectly to sideways action once converted to rear-wheel drive.
Rally Heritage Meets Drift Culture
The Lancer Evolution IV-IX generations were born from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship domination, with each model representing homologation specials that brought race technology to the street. The Evo IV (1996-1998) introduced the aggressive "face" that became iconic, while the Evo V and VI refined the formula with improved Active Yaw Control. The Evo VII, VIII, and IX (2001-2007) brought even more aggressive styling, larger turbochargers, and enhanced chassis rigidity. While these sedans were engineered for all-wheel-drive rally dominance, the drift community quickly recognized their potential when converted to rear-wheel drive. The robust 4G63 engine easily handles 400+ horsepower with basic modifications, the chassis responds beautifully to suspension tuning, and the aggressive factory aerodynamics already look at home on any drift circuit.
AWD to RWD Conversion for Drift
Converting a Lancer Evolution from all-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive is the essential transformation that unlocks its drift potential, and it's become a well-documented process in the grassroots drift scene. Most builders remove the front differential and transfer case, fabricate a direct driveshaft connection from the transmission to the rear differential, and swap in a welded or 2-way limited-slip differential. The conversion significantly reduces weight over the front axle, improves steering response, and transforms the car's character from rally weapon to drift missile. Popular drift modifications include aggressive angle kits for extreme steering lock, coilover suspension with appropriate spring rates, hydraulic handbrake setups, and turbo upgrades ranging from TD05-16G to larger Garrett or Precision turbos. The result is a lightweight, turbocharged drift car with rally-proven chassis dynamics and the raw power delivery that makes every transition explosive.
JDM Icon in the Drift Scene
The Lancer Evolution IV-IX models hold legendary JDM status in the drift community, representing an era when Mitsubishi built some of the world's most advanced performance sedans. The Evo IV's aggressive styling and WRC success made it an instant icon, while the Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition became one of the most collectible variants. The Evo VII introduced the aggressive "shark nose" design, and the Evo VIII and IX refined everything to near perfection before the heavier Evo X took over. In drift culture, these generations are prized for their relatively lightweight bodies (especially the Evo IV-VI), bulletproof 4G63 engines that thrive on boost, and increasing availability as they age into the grassroots drift scene. While original all-wheel-drive Evos command premium prices for rally use, higher-mileage examples have become popular drift conversion candidates, offering an affordable entry point into turbocharged rear-wheel-drive drifting with genuine rally pedigree.
Building the Ultimate Evo Drift Car
Creating a competitive Lancer Evolution drift car requires careful attention to chassis setup, power delivery, and suspension geometry after the RWD conversion. The factory chassis is already well-engineered, but most builders add a roll cage for safety and chassis stiffness, along with welded seams in critical areas. Suspension setups typically include angle kits from companies like Wisefab or SLR, adjustable coilovers with 8-10kg front springs and 6-8kg rear springs, and extensive geometry correction to maintain proper suspension travel at extreme angles. Engine builds range from mild street setups with 350 horsepower to full competition builds pushing 600+ horsepower with upgraded pistons, rods, and larger turbochargers. The key is matching power delivery to driver skill and intended use—grassroots drift events favor reliable 400hp builds, while professional competition demands 500+ horsepower with custom turbo manifolds, standalone ECUs, and aggressive anti-lag systems. The Evo's rally DNA ensures the chassis can handle whatever power you throw at it, making it one of the most capable drift platforms when properly converted and set up.