Burnout - Drift Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

An RMR exhaust manifold holds on to an upgraded HKS turbocharger, which breathes into an external wastegate and a custom RMR exhaust system. A PWR aluminum radiator, backed up by a Cusco high-pressure cap and Samco hoses, provides the necessary cooling capacity. Polished intercooler hard pipes, with a fitting for a HKS SSQV blow-off valve, provide a stronger seal against blowing off hoses from increased boost, but require the use of a smaller lightweight Odyssey racing battery. With the engine fully balanced and hand assembled by the meticulous technicians at Cosworth, this Evo puts out 405 rear wheel hp all day long with a huge safety margin, even during the rigors of bouncing off the rev limiter during drift competitions.

But, all power aside, the real conversation starter is the rear-wheel drive conversion carried out by RMR. Using the same exact formula as on the F&F3 stunt cars, RMR replaces the LSD connection machinery in the transfer case with their own fabricated steel to remove the connection to the front wheels and then pulls the axles. The now-empty, axle-less holes in the transfer case are plugged and that's about it, simple and easy. Tool Racing uses a stock five-speed Evo transmission and gearset, fit with an Exedy twin-plate clutch and lightweight flywheel. Driveshaft Shop rear axles and a Kaaz rear limited-slip differential provide a greater margin of reliability and control, but there's only so much one can do. When you're sending more power than stock through only two wheels out of a four-wheel- drive system, you're bound to break things. Tool Racing has found this out the hard way with a few mechanical issues during their initial Formula D season, but then again, pioneers will always lead the way.

The suspension, however, is light years beyond the simple spring and sway bar combination found on the F&F3 movie cars. Tool Racing fit the Evo with a set of double-adjustable remote reservoir Moton front struts and rear shocks. The springs are roughly twice as stiff up front as they are out back, and the rear sway bar remains stock, balanced with a Cusco front sway bar and chassis stiffeners. Virtually the opposite of every road racing Evo suspension setup, the Tool Racing drift Evo has been fine-tuned and developed by Rutherford all season to deliver the smokiest of drifts.

The chassis bushings have all been beefed up heavily with harder units, and solid metal motor mounts prevent any form of engine rocking or movement. Stock Evo Brembo brakes have proven to be more than competent on even the fastest time attack cars when fit with upgraded pads and fluid, and this Evo is no different. Upgraded brake pads provide a stronger bite than stock, and the addition of an AP Racing master cylinder and brake fluid has the entire system covered.

For now, Tool Racing uses 235/40/18 front and 265/35/18 rear Bridgestone RE-01 tires mounted on gunmetal Volk Racing GT-V wheels, although wider rubber could easily fit under the APR Performance wide-body kit. From the bumpers, wide fenders, side skirts, front carbon wind splitter and formula mirrors to the GT wing, APR Performance builds all its products for aerodynamic efficiency while still maintaining a clean, factory-like appearance. 305mm wide race tires are capable of being placed under the APR bodywork, and with the power of the Cosworth engine, Tool Racing is sure to have some changes in store.

Weighing in at 2700lbs., a lightweight for an Evo, this Lancer Evolution is as Rutherford puts it, "not worth a shit in a straight line." Take our word for it, rear-wheel-drive Evo's have serious trouble putting down any power, much less from a built engine. This car was professionally designed and assembled with one sole purpose in mind-to go drifting. With multiple events and loads of experience now under their belt after the end of the 2006 Formula D season, Tool Racing has high hopes for a win next year. Plans are to build an even lighter, more powerful and further-developed sister Lancer Evolution VIII to pair up with this car in future drift events. Team Orange, watch your back.

By Joey Leh

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