1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 Build: OEM+ Perfection With 320HP

Owner: Bryan Petty

Vehicle: 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
Location: Southwest Tennessee, United States
Instagram: @Murdercornvr4

Performance: 320hp/315tq (targeting 420-470hp)

The Dream Car That Found Me

I'm Bryan Petty, an avid car enthusiast and married father of four. I'm a litigation attorney in rural southwest Tennessee, and like many of you, I've been chasing my automotive dreams while balancing family life.

The VR4 was my dream car since high school. This 1996 came out of the factory in Japan the month and year I turned 16 - talk about meant to be, right? After searching for almost a year, I located this car at a dealership in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, with 36,500 original miles and in immaculate condition. I couldn't believe I'd found such a clean example.

The OEM Plus Philosophy

The nature of my build is OEM Plus, meaning I want to maintain the overall originality and style of the car but update it with more power, modern technology, and comfort. The car maintains its OEM electronic climate controls, active aero system, telescoping antenna, cruise control, electric sunroof, and fog lights. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel here - just making an already great car better for today's world.

Interior: Saddle Brown Luxury Meets Carbon Fiber

The interior has been completely upgraded with saddle brown leather and carbon fiber throughout. I wanted something that felt special and unique, not just another black interior 3000GT. The custom trunk enclosure, amp rack, and matching saddle brown luggage area and cover tie everything together. I even found matching brown leather coach luggage that complements the interior perfectly.

For tech, I've seamlessly incorporated a full Alpine HDZ Status 12.2 sound system with an Alpine ILX-507 head unit featuring front and rear cameras. Opt7 trunk LED lighting and LED underglow add some flair for shows and evening cruises.

The driving experience is enhanced with Sparco carbon fiber pedals, a MOMO Nero shift knob, and a Fidanza short-throw shifter that makes rowing through the gears so much more engaging. I've added carbon fiber A-pillars with a driver three-gauge pod featuring AEM boost, oil pressure, and air-fuel ratio gauges so I can keep an eye on what matters.

Exterior: Clean and Purposeful

The exterior is Glacier White Pearl with carbon fiber accents - simple but effective. I've installed Next LVL Neo 80mm halos and a complete Diode Dynamics LED lighting suite for the headlights, tail lights, and interior. Five percent ceramic tint on the windows gives it that aggressive look while keeping the cabin cool.

Performance: 320HP Now, More to Come

Currently putting down 320hp and 315tq, which is plenty fun for weekend drives and rally events that my wife and I do annually. The setup includes:

• K&N FIPK intake
• HKS Carbon Titanium dual-exit exhaust
• Greddy blow-off valve
• 3SX larger intercoolers, downpipe, and manifolds
• HKS fluids throughout
• Custom painted plenum and valve covers
• JDC titanium accessories

The suspension is sorted with KW V3 fully adjustable coilovers that let me dial in the perfect ride for different situations. I'm running Volk TE37 Saga White Red Dot wheels in 18x8.5x114.3 with genuine Volk center caps and Rays lug nuts, wrapped in Continental ExtremeContact Sport tires.

Future Plans: Chasing More Power

Winter 2026, I'm planning vacuum delete, EGR delete, and adding a Seibon Carbon DV-II carbon fiber hood (paint-matched), plus further engine dress-up work.

Spring/summer 2026 is when things get serious. I'm doing a full engine modification for an additional 100-150hp, including larger turbos and intercoolers, a new ECU, and all accompanying modifications. This will all be performed at 3SX Performance in North Carolina - they're the experts on these platforms. The goal is to produce more power comfortably and reliably, targeting that 420-470hp range while keeping the car dependable for our weekend trips.

Why This Car Matters to Me

My wife and I enjoy taking weekend trips in the VR4, and we participate in rally events annually. This car isn't a garage queen - it's meant to be driven and enjoyed. At 47,120 miles now, every mile has been worth it. There's something special about driving a car that was built the month you turned 16, you know?

The VR4 platform is incredibly capable, and with the OEM Plus approach, I'm creating something that respects what Mitsubishi built while making it better for how I want to use it. It's the perfect balance between nostalgia and modern performance.

Follow the build on Instagram: @Murdercornvr4

This feature originally appeared on Stance Auto Magazine - your source for the best car builds, modifications, and automotive culture.

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UKTM no: UK00003572459