NZ New VR4 owner from NZ

[eliotbnz]

Hi all,

Picked up a 1998 Facelift Legnum VR4 last weekend, so figured it prudent to join up here (fully paid up).

It's an early facelift, being a December 1998 model. I'm typing this from memory, so bear with me if some details seem off!

• 148k
• 5 speed INVECS transmission (which I am loving)
• Stock as a rock, no mods at all aside from a lame stereo
• Indigo Blue (I think this is right?) with the classic fading roof
• Tan leather interior, which was a big selling point for me

My first course of action is a serious service - it has been well looked after with fluids being topped up and regular oil changes, but I suspect the transmission, diff, engine, brakes, AYC etc could all do with a fluid change.

I'd also like to get a transmission cooler fitted before summer - it shifts beautifully at the moment but I have been told this is a good step.

Once these have been addressed, I'd like some larger rolling stock - I assume EVO wheels will work, I quite like the EVO IV 17" wheels. Decent tyres too - currently rolling on Chinese junk! Along with a wheel and tyre change, a subtle lowering would be great - nothing dramatic though. Then, maybe a new exhaust with a nicer tone, high flow panel filter, and a bunch of cosmetic maintenance!

Having owned the SOHC 6A13 powered ST model prior (stolen), the upgrade is incredible - I love the power! I'm a Mitsubishi fan since day dot with my cars, having owned a couple of 1970s and 1980s Lancers/Celestes/Sigmas. My old man owned a 1998 Diamante Wagon, which really sparked my interest in quick wagons (155kw was a big deal!)

Last thing - what's my best bet for parts locating? Do we have any kiwi Mitsy parts department guys on here?

Also, I am still figuring out all the correct fluids/filters/what actually needs to be serviced! If anyone could point to a thread that succinctly covers these, that would be superb! I've had a look around but there is a lot of info to digest here - it's great!

Glad to be here, look forward to failing my masters due to spending too many hours reading project threads!

 

[GMan]

Welcome! I believe Bill Morton is still the guy to see about parts in NZ.

His email address: bill@teamralliart.co.nz

Ph +64 9 2385359

 

[Gt_Galant]

Hi and
Welcome To OzVR4

For correct oils . Heres a link:

https://www.ozvr4.com/threads/oils-greases-and-fluids-for-your-vr4.8897/


Im sure very soon our Admin will welcome you with easy to find links to maintain and upgrade your VR4.

 

[Bender]

Welcome to OZVR4,

As GMan said, Bill from Ralliart is who you want to contact about genuine part's, He a s great guy to deal and good prices too,

 

[mookers]

Welcome aboard, Eliot.

Have a template

Unclepaulie's infamous welcome template, version 15.15a

Stuff you need to know:
- Forum rules

Stuff that could save your life:
Do not buy aftermarket suspension parts, especially Lower Control Arms (LCAs)
- This is what happens if you don't replace your control arms
- Recall check using your chassis number

Useful threads:
- INDEX - Look here FIRST
- Guide to Galant & Legnum common problems
- The most important thread on the forum. MUST READ
- Staged Upgrades
- Legnum/Galant Production Info

Posting new threads is restricted by default, for full access become a Premium Member:
- Upgrade to Premium Membership benefits

Please read before selling anything on this site:
- Rules for posting in the classifieds

 

[eliotbnz]

Thanks for the welcome all - i will certainly be contacting Bill Morton in the near future.

Thanks for the template too - I have gone through it previously, some great info there.

 

[low+vr4]

Welcome Eliot, definitely Bill from Ralliart for parts - occasionally nice aftermarket parts pop up on Trademe, i got my cibies (a rare headlight) super recaros, cusco braces and Teins off trademe so keep an eye out. Where in NZ are you?

 

[eliotbnz]

Welcome Eliot, definitely Bill from Ralliart for parts - occasionally nice aftermarket parts pop up on Trademe, i got my cibies (a rare headlight) super recaros, cusco braces and Teins off trademe so keep an eye out. Where in NZ are you?

Excellent - are we talking stock parts, aftermarket or both from him? I have a few cosmetic things I'd like to sort out such as door and headlight rubbers - does he do fluids and filters too? I'd like to do a "big" service with as much mitsy stuff as possible.

Yes my headlights are a touch faded - replacing those is on my wishlist so I will keep an eye out. Am I right in thinking there was a glass option later in the model run that will work? I quite like the stock headlight look. How do these things respond to a simple set of lowering springs? Adjustables are probably a bit overkill for me.

I'm in Wellington CBD. Many kiwis on here?

I'm studying architecture (final year of my masters) - my productivity has gone to shit since I got this car and joined this forum! Trawling for days!

Sorry for questions - so much to know! I'm super keen to get this thing tidied up for summer, gonna try and do a massive South Island roadtrip in it.

 

[Bender]

The glass headlight from NZ New model will work, I've got a set in my FL and number other's also have them,

If you keep an eye out on Trademe, You will come across some good finds once in a blue moon, Bill does all genuine part's you may need. Best to send him a email with what you're after and he will reply with what he could help with,

Is a number of kiwis on there,from all over the country, I'm from Tauranga myself.

 

[eliotbnz]

Wow, what a peach your Legnum is. Nice work.

Thanks - will email Bill once I complete my catalogue of bits.

 

[low+vr4]

There are a few kiwi members on here, i used to use clubvr4 but the site is too slow. I'm in Wellington too. Here's mine:

 

[eliotbnz]

Very tidy, no build thread yet?

 

[low+vr4]

Very tidy, no build thread yet?

I bought mine off a clubvr4 member and he had done the majority of the work on it. I've done some minor engine work, suspension work and some exterior stuff.

 

[Interloper]

Nice colour dude , im up in auckland

 

[eliotbnz]

Nice colour dude , im up in auckland

Thanks man, I think it's my favourite colour I've seen them and yours is pretty much a clinic in how to do it! Lovely example there mate.

 

[sidewayswizzard]

Welcome to the forum. I'm from NZ Nice car too, I love the color combo.

 

[eliotbnz]

Hi all,

Loathe as I am to ask, I couldn't find anything via search, so here we are...

Who do you guys use in NZ for fluid supplies? Bill at Ralliart can't help, and I'm not sure if Repco/SCA are the best bet. Mitsubishi direct? Don't wanna be ripped off but also don't want to buy junk!

I've spent a bit of cash recently, picked up some EVO 7 rims that I plan on respraying in a dark bronze, a bunch of little bits and pieces, new tools, etc etc. I will start a proper thread once I start fitting things/doing something!

Thanks

 

[sidewayswizzard]

Hi all,

Loathe as I am to ask, I couldn't find anything via search, so here we are...

Who do you guys use in NZ for fluid supplies? Bill at Ralliart can't help, and I'm not sure if Repco/SCA are the best bet. Mitsubishi direct? Don't wanna be ripped off but also don't want to buy junk!

I've spent a bit of cash recently, picked up some EVO 7 rims that I plan on respraying in a dark bronze, a bunch of little bits and pieces, new tools, etc etc. I will start a proper thread once I start fitting things/doing something!

Thanks

http://www.syntheticoil.co.nz/ if you're prepared to spend the coin then Amsoil stuff is very good! I use Penrite or Castrol which you can get from Supercheap.

 

[6A13TT TYPE S]

depends what fluids your after.

I reccomend
-Engine, Amsoil 0W-30 SSO with amsoil filter (from the link above Wayne Hill is a very helpful chap)
-Gearbox, Amsoil ATF (Link above) for an auto or Redline lightweight shockproof for a manual (BnT)
-Transfer case, Redline heavyweight shockproof (BnT)
-Rear diff, Redline heavyweight shockproof in the gear oil section and Amsoil ATF in the AYC pump and clutch system with the same Amsoil ATF in the center speed gear section

AYC diffs are usually overlooked in servicing so getting that sorted would be my first port of call. the ATF I drained out of the AYC in my purple wagon was jet black like molasses new oils and bleeding the AYC System made the car handle a shitload better because the diff was actually vectoring torque correctly.

 

[eliotbnz]

http://www.syntheticoil.co.nz/ if you're prepared to spend the coin then Amsoil stuff is very good! I use Penrite or Castrol which you can get from Supercheap.

Cheers for that guys. Not sure I can quite stretch to the Amsoil stuff - which of the Castrol and Penrite do you opt for?

I'm thinking i will use the Redline for the AYC, and opt for something a little more accessible for the transmission (though not junk). My AYC makes the donkey noises at low speed hard cornering, so I will do the fluid bath change with the Redline stuff - though I understand it can take a couple of flushes to sort this - am I better using a more standard ATF, then finishing with the Redline? Similar to an overdue oil change.