Intro
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III emerged in 1994 as the third iteration of Mitsubishi’s rally-bred performance sedan. Born from the crucible of World Rally Championship competition, the EVO III refined the formula established by its predecessors with improved aerodynamics, increased power output, and enhanced handling characteristics. This model cemented Mitsubishi’s reputation as a formidable contender against Subaru’s WRX STI in both motorsport and street performance.
In JDM culture, the EVO III represents a pivotal chapter in the golden era of Japanese performance cars. Its aggressive styling, technological innovation, and motorsport pedigree established it as an icon of the 1990s tuner scene. The EVO III’s 4G63 turbocharged engine became legendary for its robust construction and exceptional tuning potential, making it a cornerstone of import performance culture worldwide.
This particular build stands as a meticulously executed homage to the EVO III’s racing heritage while incorporating modern performance upgrades. Balancing period-correct aesthetics with contemporary engineering solutions, it showcases the enduring appeal of these machines and demonstrates how thoughtful modification can enhance rather than diminish a classic’s character. The attention to detail and performance-focused approach make this EVO III a standout example of Japanese automotive engineering reimagined for today’s enthusiast.
Builder Profile
A 38-year-old aerospace engineer who immigrated from Gunma, Japan to California in his early twenties, Takashi developed his passion for rally-inspired builds while growing up near the legendary Akina mountain pass. By day, he designs composite materials for SpaceX; by night, he meticulously builds his EVO with a “functional performance first” philosophy.
Tak is known in the Southern California time attack community for his methodical, engineering-driven approach to tuning. He believes in extracting maximum performance through balanced modifications rather than chasing headline power numbers. His builds typically feature subtle exterior modifications with significant mechanical upgrades.
A regular at Buttonwillow track events and an occasional competitor in Global Time Attack’s Street Class, Yamamoto has spent seven years perfecting this EVO III, sourced directly from Japan through his network of contacts from his hometown.
Why We Love It
The EVO III embodies the unhinged brilliance of 1990s Japanese performance engineering when regulations were merely suggestions. Its 2.0L 4G63T engine—producing a “gentlemen’s agreement” 270hp while actually delivering closer to 300—represents peak mechanical honesty from an era before drive-by-wire throttles sanitized driver inputs.
What distinguishes the III from its siblings is its perfect evolutionary balance. The raw, mechanical nature of the I and II remains intact, yet refined with the RS’s front differential and improved cooling. The III’s distinctive quad circular headlights and aggressive front bumper cut-outs create perhaps the most purposeful face in the EVO lineage—form dictated entirely by function, before pedestrian safety regulations softened JDM aesthetics.
Inside, the uncompromising Recaro seats and minimalist cockpit speak to Mitsubishi’s single-minded focus: Group A dominance. This wasn’t merely a homologation special; it was Tommi Mäkinen‘s weapon of choice when establishing his WRC dynasty.
The III’s active yaw control was revolutionary—distributing torque between the rear wheels before most manufacturers had even mastered basic all-wheel drive. Its chassis communication remains unfiltered in ways modern performance cars, with their layers of electronic intervention, can only simulate.
Today, finding an unmolested example is nearly impossible, as most were either rallied into oblivion or modified beyond recognition. The III represents the purest iteration of Mitsubishi’s rally-bred philosophy—a mechanical time capsule from when Japanese engineers pursued performance without compromise.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- HKS GT2835R turbo upgrade
- Trust/GReddy front-mount intercooler
- ARC titanium strut bar
- Blitz air filter
- Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system
- Cusco oil catch can
- Nismo engine mounts
- Exedy Hyper Single clutch kit
- HKS engine management system
- Samco silicone hoses (blue)
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Öhlins DFV coilovers
- Cusco front and rear strut braces
- Cusco roll center adjuster
- AP Racing 6-pot front brake calipers
- Project Mu HC+ brake pads
- Cusco rear sway bar
- KAAZ 2-way limited-slip differential
- Endless stainless steel brake lines
WHEELS & TIRES
- RAYS Volk Racing TE37 17×8.5 +35 (bronze)
- Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08R 235/40R17
- Project Kics R40 Neo Chrome lug nuts
- Cusco extended wheel studs
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Voltex Type 1S rear wing
- Varis front lip spoiler
- Ganador side mirrors
- HID headlight conversion
- C-West carbon fiber hood
- JUN Auto side skirts
- Chargespeed rear diffuser
- PIAA Super White fog lamps
INTERIOR
- BRIDE Low Max VIOS III seats
- Personal Neo Grinta 330mm steering wheel
- HKS Kansai horn button
- Works Bell quick release
- Cusco 6-point roll cage
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Defi gauges (boost, oil temp, oil pressure)
- Nardi shift knob
- Cusco floor mats
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- AEM wideband O2 sensor
- APEXi Power FC engine management
- HKS EVC boost controller
- Pioneer DEH-P8400BH head unit
- Alpine Type-R speakers
- Kenwood subwoofer
- Pivot 3-drive throttle controller
- Blitz turbo timer
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The EVO III build demonstrates a masterfully executed balance between street usability and track capability. Every modification works in concert to enhance the car’s inherent rally-bred DNA while pushing performance boundaries.
The power delivery from the built 4G63 engine with its upgraded turbocharger creates usable thrust across the rev range rather than focusing solely on peak numbers. This approach maintains the car’s streetable character while providing significant performance gains. The upgraded suspension components, particularly the adjustable coilovers and reinforced bushings, transform the handling dynamics without sacrificing daily drivability.
What makes this build exceptional is its circuit-focused philosophy that doesn’t abandon street functionality. The brake system upgrades provide track-worthy stopping power while the interior retains enough comfort features for regular use. The transmission and differential modifications further emphasize the dual-purpose nature, enhancing track performance while remaining manageable in traffic.
This isn’t built for show points or maximum quarter-mile times, but rather as a balanced time attack machine that can be driven to and from the track. The aesthetic modifications remain functional rather than flashy, honoring Mitsubishi’s original rally homologation intent while bringing performance to modern standards.
FAQ
How reliable is the 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III?
The EVO III is generally robust when maintained properly, with the 4G63T engine known for its durability. Regular maintenance is critical, especially timing belt changes at 60,000 miles. Many examples have surpassed 150,000 miles with proper care, though finding unmodified examples with complete service history is increasingly difficult.
What is the tuning potential of the EVO III’s 4G63T engine?
The 2.0L turbocharged 4G63T engine responds exceptionally well to modifications. While stock at 270hp, basic bolt-ons (exhaust, intake, intercooler) can yield 320-350hp reliably. With upgraded internals, turbo, and professional tuning, 450-500hp is achievable while maintaining reasonable drivability.
What are the most common issues with the EVO III?
Common problems include transfer case wear, AYC (Active Yaw Control) pump failures, rust around rear arches and chassis rails, worn syncros in the transmission (particularly 3rd gear), and deteriorated vacuum lines. Imported examples often suffer from aftermarket modifications of questionable quality.
What are the best modifications for the EVO III?
The most effective modifications are: improved intercooler setup, ECU reflash, exhaust manifold and downpipe upgrades, quality coilovers (Öhlins or HKS), and chassis strengthening. For street use, maintaining the stock turbo with supporting modifications offers the best balance of response and power.
How expensive is EVO III ownership today?
Ownership costs have increased considerably. Purchase prices have doubled in the past decade with clean examples fetching $30,000-45,000. Parts availability is diminishing, with many Mitsubishi-specific components becoming rare. Insurance is costly due to theft risk, and maintenance requires specialist knowledge, making EVO III ownership increasingly a passionate enthusiast’s pursuit.
What distinguishes the EVO III from other early Evolution models?
The EVO III features improved cooling over the EVO II, a larger rear spoiler, updated ECU, and 10hp power increase. It represents the refinement of the first-generation Evolution platform before the more considerable redesign of the EVO IV. Many enthusiasts consider it the purest expression of the early Evolution concept with its raw driving experience.
Conclusion
The 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III stands as a pivotal chapter in Japanese automotive history, continuing to captivate enthusiasts nearly three decades after its release. Its racing pedigree, raw driving experience, and mechanical simplicity make it increasingly desirable in an era of computerized, electronically-assisted vehicles.
The EVO III’s influence extends far beyond its production years, cementing its position as a JDM icon alongside contemporaries like the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and Nissan Skyline GT-R. For enthusiasts, the Evolution III represents the golden era of Japanese performance—when analog driving experiences, rally-bred technology, and attainable performance converged perfectly.
As modern vehicles trend toward electrification and autonomous capabilities, the EVO III’s mechanical honesty and driver-focused philosophy become increasingly precious. Its rising values in collector markets confirm what enthusiasts have long understood: the Evolution III isn’t merely a performance car from the 1990s—it’s a preserved moment of automotive passion that continues to inspire the JDM community worldwide.