Lancer Evolution VI

The Evo VI

The Lancer Evolution VI followed in January 1999 on the same 1,770 mm CP9A body as the Evo V. New WRC rules limited the size of aero parts, so Mitsubishi reworked the nose for cooling and stability instead: smaller fog lamps, a relocated front number plate to reduce lift, ducting for a larger engine oil cooler, and a twin-plane rear wing with an adjustable angle. The intake inlet was enlarged as well.

The 4G63 stays at 280 PS through a five-speed gearbox, and the GSR keeps AYC, with softer suspension than the RS. The RS gained a titanium-aluminium turbine wheel to help the turbo at high rpm. The later Tommi Mäkinen Edition sits 10 mm lower, with quicker steering, a front strut brace and its own front bumper.

What Evo VI owners upgrade

A carefully driven Evo VI gets around 40,000 miles from a clutch, and harder use wears one sooner. That makes clutch kits from ORC, Exedy and ATS a staple, alongside Cusco limited-slip differentials. Worn discs are common too, so brake pads are a regular order.

Engine work runs to Tomei stroker kits and timing belts, exhaust manifolds, heat shields and systems from HKS and APEXi, and turbo kits. Among the electronics, Bee R rev limiters are a common fit.

Genuine parts

An Evo VI wants an oil change every 4,500 miles on fully synthetic oil, and a cambelt every 40,000. Gearbox whine points to worn input shaft bearings or a worn transfer box, and notchy changes to tired synchros. On a GSR, a squawk through corners means the AYC needs attention, and the AYC light should flash briefly at start-up.

Drop links and springs wear, the turbo wastegate can rust, and so can the rear chassis legs and the area around the fuel filler. Gearbox output shaft bearings are among the genuine Mitsubishi parts Evo VI owners order, alongside pistons with connecting rods, timing belt covers, side air dams and the front number plate garnish.

Wheels

The Evo VI uses a 5x114.3 bolt pattern with M12 x 1.5 nuts. The GSR came on 17x7.5 +38 wheels with 225/45R17 tyres and the RS on 15x6 +46; see wheels that fit the Evo VI for larger sizes.