One of the shining stars of the import world; the all-conquering Lancer Evolution is nearly unstoppable. Having developed nine iterations so far and with a tenth soon on the way, Mitsubishi has spent decades working on its crown jewel. Now fit with an electronic center differential, variable valve timing, a quick-spooling turbocharger system, advanced aerodynamics, sticky tires and monster brakes, the Evo is the car to have for under $30k.
That is, unless you want a Subaru.
The Evo's ridiculous handling and power is almost simultaneously matched by its eternal nemesis, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Packed with just as many computers and processors as the Evo, the STI is equally as brutal and impressive in the performance department. Both of these rally-bred creatures are able to deliver acceleration and handling numbers that rival cars with price tags twice as hefty. From rally to road racing, no venue has escaped the Evo and STI, including drifting.
All-wheel-drive drifting is entirely possible; it just requires more momentum to maintain than is normally recommended. Thus, the glory of the rear-wheel-drive conversion. As campaigned by Nobushige Kumakubo in D1 Grand Prix competition, the infamous orange drift STI features a two-wheel-drive conversion and a host of drivetrain mods that all seek to turn an STI into everything that isn't an STI. Tool Racing's Lancer Evolution VIII drift car is no different, featuring a nip here and a tuck there to become a Subaru-crushing sideways drift monster.
Tool Racing's Formula Drift driver, Rich Rutherford, is a multi-year stunt-driving veteran who has performed in Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, Chevy, Mitsubishi and Jaguar commercials as well in such big screen projects as Talladega Nights, Dukes of Hazzard and Herbie. Beyond the stunt world, Rutherford's impressive driving resume extends to Formula Ford, Indy Lights, Trans-Am, NASCAR and endurance racing competition. To put it lightly, he's no slouch. But Rutherford's turning point would come while working on the recent Fast And The Furious 3: Tokyo Drift. After spending some time behind the wheel of the rear-wheel-drive, RHD Evo used for filming, Rutherford grew a distinct taste for the drift-converted hero car.
For the 2006 Formula D season, Tool Racing listened to Rutherford's suggestions and decided to build the first full-on Evo competition car. Much like everything that comes out of Tool Racing's beautifully accented garage, which includes a few retired Formula One and CART racecars, this Evo was professionally built with meticulous care. As a testament to its build quality, this Evo is one of the few FD cars that sport a full air jack system on board.
The first order of business was to strip down the EVO and acid dip the chassis to remove all remnants of paint and body filler. Then it was off to have the full competition-spec roll cage fabricated. After painting the interior, the cockpit was fit with a full assortment of Sparco racing gear including a suede steering wheel, five-point safety harnesses and a pair of Evo (what else?) racing buckets. Critical readouts on engine health are read out by a Stack dash display system, custom mounted on to a carbon-fiber backing plate. As built by Frank Brown of RMR and TJ Griffith of Tool Racing, Tool's Evo is sparklingly clean on the inside, featuring flawless welding and construction.
Originally campaigned in early 2006 with a stock 4G63 engine, Rutherford and Tool Racing have since switched over to Cosworth power. With experience in Champ Car, rally and Formula One racing, Cosworth has trickled down its experience to the street level with their own line of performance parts. Dropping off two Evo engines with Cosworth, Tool Racing went forward with a full build-up. Cosworth disassembled and machined the block to accept stronger connecting rods and a set of their own forged pistons before reassembly. Cosworth's own ported cylinder head was then bolted down on to a set of upgraded head studs and then fit with a set of Cosworth camshafts and HKS cam gears.