In the market for an RA in SA and after your knowledge

[Prof_Bowser]

Hey guys, I'm just after some advice on Ralliart Lancers. I'm in the market for something sub $20k. I just have a few (well lots of) questions for people in the know.

-Any differences mechanically between RA's 2008-2011?

-Recommendations for evo/RA mechanics in Adelaide that could inspect a car before I buy.

-How much power can the trans reliably handle (no track use)?

-What's the difference in feel between a healthy sst and ones that's buggered?

-Do more frequent oil changes/trans coolers etc help with the sst?

-Does anyone work on their own RA, will it kill the resale?

-Will I see a big drop in reliability with 190+kw atw?

-And the million dollar question, will I get bored with an RA coming from an S15 with 200kw haha

Sorry for the ton of questions, I like to do my research before I buy a car

Thanks for the help everyone

[Shaun Patterson]

-Any differences mechanically between RA's 2008-2011?
None that are major that im aware of, earlier RAs are appparently known to have sst issues, but maybe due to age

-How much power can the trans reliably handle (no track use)?
300hp 300f/p torque approx

-What's the difference in feel between a healthy sst and ones that's buggered?
one works and the other is going to cost you alot of money, if you are going for power, upgrading the cluch pack and adding a beffy sst cooler will be the firstthing you want to do

-Recommendations for evo/RA mechanics in Adelaide that could inspect a car before I buy.
possibly ask a CCJ member who drives one in adelaide if they would accompany you, they know how the car should drive and so on.

-Do more frequent oil changes/trans coolers etc help with the sst?
clean oil means clean running. and yes sst coolers are a must if you plan to use the cars potenial, if it overhead you are stuck till its cools right down

-Does anyone work on their own RA, will it kill the resale?
i dont own an RA, but i know of a few people who are mechanically minded who do their own work to save $$$

-And the million dollar question, will I get bored with an RA coming from an S15 with 200kw haha
depends what type of driver you are..

Answer to my best knowledge hope it helps

[Prof_Bowser]

Thanks for the answers shaun yeah my plan would be to make sure that the trans was in good health and could handle extra power.

I don't track my car ATM and I'm sick of freaking out every time that it rains so I think 4wd will suit me nicely.

[RyanMK]

-Recommendations for evo/RA mechanics in Adelaide that could inspect a car before I buy.

Driven Motorsport in Salisbury have a good reputation. A few SA members here including myself can recommend them. Pricing are reasonable too.
http://www.drivenmotorsport.com.au/

From memory Jaustech are not bad too.
http://www.jaustech.com.au/

[D]

as for mechanics in sa,
I currently travel 500 km to go see John at Driven when I need a service,
Mike dale looked after my old VII,
Can't go wrong with either of them,
Mike has been around for donkeys years, can't fault his work, John is relatively new, but is popular in the "scene" as per say,
For transmission stuff Damian, at main North automatics is the only guy I would see, I am also going to see him on my trip down to Adelaide soon,
All of those are up north, if you are looking for someone down south SKR, was the guy.
As for the rest I think Shaun has covered it,

There is nothing like AWD + turbo, so you shouldn't get yo bored

[black_ice]

-Whats the difference in feel between a healthy sst and ones thats buggered?

If you hear some clunks coming from the gearbox, esp at slow speeds, thats quite normal.

Under heavy throttle make sure the gear changes are crisp and not slipping.

Also find a place with a steep slope and bring the car to a complete stop at the greatest angle of the slope. Take off slowly and if you feel the gearbox/car vibrating that could be a sign the SST is on its way out.

I would also consider getting a full inspection done from an evo specialist workshop in SA (only heard good things about DRIVEN Motorsport).

[Prof_Bowser]

Thanks for the replies everyone! It looks like I'll be heading up to Driven when I find something I want to drop some money on.