ZigenGTO’s 1997 Mitsubishi GTO

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to view my GTO. I actually created this account several months ago but didn't have the time to update it. Well I've finally decided to do a proper profile and use this page to record all my build, work and modifications to the car, which I plan to keep for a long time.Background -I'd always wanted to own a Mitsubishi GTO since young and was interested in acquiring one, but as prices of the GTO and Australian delievered 3000GTs were very high when I came to Melbourne Australia, I ended up buying a R33 Nissan Skyline GTST instead. I had the Skyline for about 3 years and sold it in 2006. I was interested in buying a GTO with the cash from the Skyline but prices were still very high and anyway I couldn't find one to my liking.Finally in 2010, I decided to actively look for one. I began looking on the carsales and other websites for a black Gen 2 MR model and found a couple for sale. There was one in Sydney but it sold quite fast. (It was bought by someone who has later become a good friend). Then there was another one in Darwin. To cut the story short, after some negotiation, I bought the car, and had it freighted to Melbourne.October 2010 :Car arrived in late October and I picked it up from the depot. First thing I noticed was how dirty the car was. As it had spent many days on the car transporter, it picked up rain, mud etc. I immediately drove home and gave the car a good wash.  First Impressions :Car was quite dirty inside. It was obvious the previous owner did not clean the car very often. I found like $10 in coins under the seats! Also found lots of chewing gums wrappers and 200 Japanese Yen lol. Engine Bay was quite dirty as well. Headlights were peeling, tyres were bald, and the driver's side lowbeam headlight bulb had blown! Time to get to work!

Initial Mechanical Issues :Before I bought the car I had the owner send the car to a mechanic of my choice (DPW Carmech) in Darwin. Carmech did an inspection and found the following issues :- Driver's side inner CV boot torn- Both Steering rack boots torn- Driver's side Drop Link Stabiliser missing- All tyres unroadworthy- Front brake pads wearing thin Other than these issues, Carmech said the car drove well and passed a coolant pressure test. I had my mechanic repair whatever was necessary and got a RWC for local transferNext few days were spent cleaning the interior and adding some goodies I bought for the car.- Momo Carbon Fibre Shift Knob- Razo Carbon Fibre pedals- Stainless Steel Spark Plug Cover- 235/45ZR17 Sumitomo HRTZ III fronts - 235/45ZR17 BF Goodrich G Force Sport - Whole box of Redline engine and various gear oils. Changed Engine/Gearbox/TC/Diff Oil. - Attended 3si Australia GTO meetup

November 2010 :- Repaired flaking headlights http://www.3si.org/forum/f155/restoring-my-peeling-headlights-508490/- Installed Mongoose car security with 3 point immobiliser- Installed HB4 6000K HID lights- Installed HKS D1 Oil Cap & SPAC Radiator CapDecember 2010 :- Painted some parts of the engine bay with high temp paint- Changed boost and vaccum hoses to blue silicone hoses- Removed and replaced old bolts with chrome allen key bolts- Installed Red Rocker Cover and gasket http://www.3si.org/forum/f155/fitted-my-new-red-rocker-valve-cover-510265/- Installed DBA front slotted/cross drilled Disc Rotors- Changed front brake pads (QFM HPX)

January 2011 :- Installed CX Racing Y-Pipe http://www.3si.org/forum/f155/ebay-y-pipe-511802/- Removed stock Infinity player and installed an eBay purchased 7" touch screen double din DVD player. Quality was terrible so I changed it within a week!- Installed JVC amp, front Alpine 6.5" speakers and rear 6x9 Kenwood speakers- Installed Pioneer single din MP3 player

October 2011 :I was never really satisfied with my audio setup after the install in January. With the help of my friend, the front Alpine Type S were removed and replaced with Jaycar Response speakers. Pioneer head unit was also removed and replaced with an Alpine CDE-9882Ri head deck. Amp was tuned to achieve sound balance in the car.- Changed all stock interior bulbs to T10 SMD bulbs, as well as License plate lights.November 2011 :I was happy with the sound system but thought it could be improved with the addition of subwoofers. As the GTO has limited boot space, and wanting to remain as original as possible without customizing the boot, I added a sold in japan only Kenwood KSC-SW1700 amplified 2x6.5" subwoofers. Of course they don't have the power of 12 inch subs but I'm satisfied with the decent level of bass. Also added a Pivot Voltage stablizer to act as the capacitor.I also came across a Alpine CDA-9886, was attracted to the BioLite display and decided to replace the other Alpine CDE-9882Ri even though I was pleased with it. Sold it on eBay a few days later.

December 2011 : Finally decided to get rid of my ugly cloth seat covers and replace them with some Exotikleather covers. Had to remove the seats from the car, remove the cloth covers and replace them with the leather covers. Was quite tough and time consuming but was very happy with the quality and result.