Owning A 1998 Mitsubishi Evo V – A JDM Legend

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Tim Cook - 1998 Mitsubishi Evo V 

Instagram: @evov_nut

Photographer: Steve Valentine

Instagram: @steve_valentine_photography and @George_sw_cs

Performance Stats: Just under 400Hp 

The Journey to Owning My Dream Car

Like every true car enthusiast, I have an undying passion for cars and, of course, spending more money than I probably should. Owning a Mitsubishi Evo has been my dream for as long as I can remember, and finally getting my hands on one was both the best feeling and the worst financial decision I’ve ever made.

Anyone who owns an Evo knows the struggle—having an empty bank account but a full heart. Yet, every time I fire up the engine and take it for a spin, it reminds me why it’s all worth it.

I live in the Devon area, and at 43 years old, my love for cars has never wavered. Ever since I was young, I wanted something special—a car that would stand out and truly feel like my own. After years of dreaming, I finally got my hands on this beautiful 1996 Mitsubishi Evo V.

A Tribute to My Mum and a Reminder That Life Is Short

Sadly, my mum passed away a few years ago from cancer, and it changed my perspective on life. Her passing made me realize that life is too short not to chase the things that bring us happiness. She always found it amusing how many cars I’d owned over the years, often greeting my latest purchase with, "TIMOTHY! What have you bought now?!" I can still hear her voice whenever I start working on my Evo.

The Nostalgia of the Car Scene

My passion for cars started with my very first ride—a Renault Clio 1.2 with an obnoxiously loud exhaust. Yes, I was that guy.

What I miss most are the good old days—nights spent chilling with friends in parking lots where we probably shouldn’t have been, traveling to Western Wheels, and sharing laughs with my mates. Being a grown-up has its perks, but nothing quite compares to those carefree days of car meets and late-night drives.

The Evo V Build – From Neglect to Perfection

I bought the Evo V around 14 months ago from a guy up north. It had been sitting untouched in a corner for about four years, waiting for someone to bring it back to life. Taking on this project was no small task, but after 13 months of hard work, the results are beyond satisfying.

Despite being a 25-year-old car, it still looks brand new, and every time I see it parked up, it brings a massive smile to my face. You don’t see many Evo Vs on the road these days, making this build even more special to me.

Sunday morning drives are my favorite—just me, the open road, and the sound of the turbo spooling. The attention this car gets is unreal, but more importantly, it’s been a great outlet for my mental health. It allows me to escape from the stresses of life, and I know many reading this can relate.

Performance Specs and Modifications

Performance Stats: Just under 400HP

Engine and Performance Mods

• Tubular manifold

• Evo 9 turbo with a screamer pipe

• Full HKS 3.5" exhaust system with a downpipe

• FMIC & hard pipes

• Painted rocker cover and dressed-up engine bay

• Upgraded gearbox (rebuilt, costing around £3K)

• Stage 2 clutch

• Walbro 450 fuel pump

• 3-port boost solenoid

• Turbosmart Blow-Off Valve

• Mishimoto 55mm radiator with Samco coolant pipes

• Modified intake and intake spacer

• Upgraded coils and spark plugs

• Modified catch can with braided lines

Suspension, Brakes, and Wheels

• Fully poly-bushed with Powerflex bushes and a torque damper

• BC coilovers

• Standard Brembo brakes with braided lines

• Bola 9.5J wheels wrapped in 225/40 tires

Exterior and Interior Upgrades

• Carbon rear diffuser, side and rear extensions

• Carbon vented bonnet

• Full custom gauges

• Custom steering wheel

Restoration and Tuning

• Underside restoration

• Mapped at FCM Motorsport

Future Plans for the Evo

My plan is simple—just to enjoy the car and eventually pass it down to my son. This Evo is more than just a car to me; it’s a legacy, a dream fulfilled, and a tribute to the passion that has shaped my life.

Shoutouts

@steve_valentine_photography @ollie_5gsr @george_sw_cs

Dream Car?

I already own it.

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UKTM no: UK00003572459