2006 Mitsubishi Evo IX MR: A Decade of Daydreaming

Car enthusiasts know firsthand just how territorial they are and brand loyalty that usually borders on obsession isn't at all uncommon. Of the available makes and models both past and present, few carry as much appreciation and fanfare as the Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution family. Robert Krajecki, owner of this pristine 2006 Evo IX MR has been smitten with the Evo line ever since he first laid eyes on an Evo VIII, which was purchased by a close family friend around 2003. After riding shotgun in that car which, at the time, was one of the very first in the Midwest, the celebrated AWD sedan would live rent free in Robert's head for the next decade.

When he was finally in a position to buy an Evo of his own, luck was on Robert's side, and he wasted no time. "It fell into my lap. I purchased the car sight unseen as it was hard to find a one-owner, unmolested Evo; let alone an MR trim in Rally Red. It was a dream come true." There are two trains of thought when it comes to this car, and the first is that it's designed to be driven through the toughest terrain, no questions asked. The other is that a car like this, destined to become a long-term project car keeper, might be better suited for hibernation during the unforgiving winter months. "For the first year or so, I daily drove it, then quickly realized that the car and winter don't get along. It has a 'snow' ACD setting, but the salt and Midwest roads aren't ideal for keeping a car clean." In order to ensure the Evo's longevity, an Impreza was purchased for those winter months and the MR was officially deemed a project car.

Almost every build starts with a wheel and tire package and something to rid the car of its wheel gap, and Robert's Evo was no different. It was enough to keep him content but that would change the moment he laid eyes on Kelvin Hsiu's Evo on the cover of Super Street in 2016. "His car became the new standard and I made it my mission to hunt for every ARC part made for the CT9A platform. For the next 4 years, I was able to source nearly every part, including the 2 holy grails: upper intercooler pipe and 1:1 ARC exhaust for Zama Mitsubishi."

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Almost as if to taunt Robert, the lengthy search and rescue mission was completed and not long after, the ARC intercooler called it quits. Taking a step back, it was time to assess the upgrades that were holding the car back, rather than improving performance. "I switched to an ETS intercooler and started looking at the ARC parts that wouldn't allow me to make power. One of these, unfortunately, was the infamous upper intercooler piping that was suffering from heat soak." Robert reached out to Strictly Modified in a collaborative effort intended to help make more power and maintain a clean, functional look.

Eric at Strictly Modified added a stock frame turbo manifold, routed the aforementioned custom titanium intercooler piping, ported the intake manifold and throttle body, and more. This is all based around a built block that uses a Manley 88mm crank, H-Beam rods, and Wiseco 9:1 pistons, while up top, GSC S2 billet cams are backed by Kiggly beehive valvesprings. An FP Red turbo was brought on board and on pump gas, a safe 470whp is pumped out using only an ECU reflash, for now.

Organization under the hood is key here, as a healthy helping of titanium and selective use of carbon fiber and polished bits combine for an eye-catching display that isn't so far removed from the Evo's original layout that it seems forced. Instead, the engine room feels tidy, purposeful, as if it was thought through rather than a bucket of aftermarket parts tossed at it - a delicate balance and one that could've fallen either way given the lengthy list of upgrades.

In terms of power output and engine aesthetic, Robert was happy with the result, but wanted to spice up the car's exterior to match. "I began to source some of the legendary parts that I'd read about my whole life, including Voltex and Varis. While the lead times on these parts were 6 months or more, it was well worth the wait. Ironically, I'm still waiting on a Varis bumper, lol!" As for the parts that did arrive, a vented Voltex carbon fiber hood was colormatched with its vents left exposed, similar to the VictoryFunction carbon fiber front fenders that were also partially painted. The widened front arches add some additional clearance for more aggressive wheel measurements. In Robert's case, a square set up consisting of 18x9.5 +22 SSR Professor MS3 with 255/35 Toyo Proxes R1R fill the front and rear wheel wells.

Along the sides, Rexpeed carbon fiber diffusers and spats were added to the lower half, while Ganador aero mirrors updated the upper portion of the Evo's profile. If you look closely, right where the fenders meet the door, you'll spot one of Robert's favorite additions in a set of authentic Ferrari side marker lights. Additional carbon bits include a Seibon Carbon front lip and a Varis rear diffuser mounted to a JDM bumper.

Robert's instincts told him to maintain an OEM+ feel inside the sedan's cabin, and at this point, it's remained relatively mild. The sporty factory Recaros are still in place, as is the factory steering wheel, though it's been reworked with carbon fiber additions - again looking toward that OEM approach with just a touch of aftermarket. A trio of AEM gauges keep a watchful eye on the built powerplant and there's a fire extinguisher at arm's length in case of the unthinkable.

Future plans for Robert's keeper include Ohlins coilovers and a set of Bride seats to better keep him planted as the next phase of his build calls for some spirited time behind the wheel. He adds, "I recently had the opportunity to join the team at Autobahn Country Club. As a result, I think the next iteration of the car is going to be more track oriented. I've done the show scene for quite a few years, but I think I'd like to now see what the car can really do."