From Russia with love

[Grizzly]

Hi everyone!

My name is Michael and I live in Moscow, Russia.

I own '99 MMC Legnum VR-4 Type S - car I've been dreaming of for years and finally my dreams have come true :) Used as an everyday ride.

You may see it dowhhere:
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3729/dscn6154ssmby1.th.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn6154ssmby1.jpg)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/7231/dscn6151ssmdd6.th.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn6151ssmdd6.jpg)

What's done already:
Car has been ported to the Left Hand Drive (we drive on the other side here in Russia :))
Installed:
StopTech front Big Brakes Kit
Tein GT Wagon coilovers
APEX'i Power Intake sqeezed into stock air filter box
HKS SSQV blow-off
APEX'i RSM
ECU tweaked to rise boost from standart 0.6 to 0.9 bar
Walbro 255lh fuel pump
HKS Drager II muffler
straightened intermediate exhaust pipe
Walker free-flow resonator instead of cat
Custom built headlamps with HID low beam

Total vibro/sound insulation of body and doors performed and Hertz acoustics on AudioSystem Twister amplifiers added to new Poineer RS-series audio head unit

What's in plans:
change ECU or add subcomp
add meters for boost, oil pressure/temperature, transmission temperture, fuel pressure, EGT
add wide-band lambda
replace fuel pressure regulator
port intake manifold and cylinder heads
change intercooler and intake piping
maybe install bigger throttle
make new exhaust manifolds (isometric)
install isometric downpipes with biger diameter (2x2 1/4" to 1x3") and switch to 3" intermediate exhaust pipe
maybe think of twin muffler setup
add coolers for engine oil and ATF

[Nick VR4]

Hi and /Welcome2 to the Forum nice looking car

[bradc]

looks nice, check out my car, I've got a twin exhaust setup on it

[Kieran]

Welcome Michael! /Welcome

Very nice looking car. Your plans sound good - keep us updated with your progress!:afro:

[TAR]

Hi welcome to the club.

Its always good to see members cars from overseas.

One day we will rule the world!!

[Nick Mann]

Hello and /Welcome

Are you someone who knows Valmes? I think he was talking about arranging a trip to the UK with some VR4 owners in May - it would be great if we could see your cars in the flesh!

[Grizzly]

Guys! Thanks for warm welcome :)


Hello and /Welcome

Are you someone who knows Valmes? I think he was talking about arranging a trip to the UK with some VR4 owners in May - it would be great if we could see your cars in the flesh!

Yes, I know Valery (Valmes) though not in person yet - we live 4000km apart - but we communicate often on Russian VR-4 forum :)

I'm not quite sure yet about my situation in May but will be glad to join guys if there be possibility.

[Louis]

Hi, Welcome, good car,

"ECU tweaked to rise boost from standart 0.6 to 0.9 bar"
HOW did you do that?

Any more photos of your headlights?.
Looks great, cheers Louis

[ANTHONY]

hi and welcome

[Catalan]

Hi, Welcome, good car,

"ECU tweaked to rise boost from standart 0.6 to 0.9 bar"
HOW did you do that?


Hi

We wrote here on UK vr-4 forum about guy, who can reflash ec5 ecus, our club vr-4 russia made with him new flash image for ec5 ECU :) with boost up to 0,9 bar.

[swinks]

Welcome here!
Hope you speak little polish as well. Share your RHD-RHD conversion experience with guys from Poland. We have something like "VR4 fever" there :evilgrin: . At least 5 new projects are in progress now (all but one grey import from UK, one from Japan) . If you can, just vist polish forum "Mitsumaniaki" (Mitsumaniacs).

[White Lightning]

Welcome to the forums Michael ... nice looking Legnum :pimp2:

/Welcome

[MarkSanne]

Hi Grizzly, welcome!

I drive a LHD (Left hand drive) Galant saloon V6 N/A converted to a VR4 -VR2 actually-), but now we have bought a 'proper' Legnum, but we're not sure how driving on the right side will be on our roads, so I'm very interested in your experience on how much troubles you ran into converting RHD -> LHD! Do you have tips or advice? (I live in Holland, so just like Russia we drive right side).

[swinks]

MarkSanne:
Guys in Poland already fully converted 3 Legnums to LHD. Here is used a V6-24 (EA5W) chasis to built in all VR4 components (the easiest way). Fully recorded conversion to LHD by "autoR" (hope even without speaking polish you'll understand):
http://www.mitsubishi-grafix.pl/forum2/viewtopic.php?t=17176
and conversion based on Legnum EC5W chasis by "kochajj":
http://www.mitsubishi-grafix.pl/forum2/viewtopic.php?t=18818&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[MarkSanne]

thanks swinks. not really sure though... what I make of the first link is that they converted a LHD station/wagon Galant (the red one) with everything from the white Legnum and nog the red wagon is essentially a LHD Legnum?

I've used a polish to english text-convertor but it's not very helpfull. I'm eager to find out how much time it took and why they just didn't swap some parts from the red LHD Galant onto the white Legnum and made that one a RHD? Or is that illegal in Poland? Also I'm very interested in the challenges they came across. However... a already 3 have been converted in Poland, it sure seems not too much of a problem!

Thanks for any help in explaining.

[swinks]

Generally two ways of conversion - using chasis of EA5x or EC5x. Steering rack and so on is not symmetric, and front fire-wall is only RHD or LHD. Nothing universal such as i.e. Renaults have. Well, if you are making hole in fire-wall to adapt for LHD steering kit (usage of EC5x chasis) in Polish law means that you are making substantial changes to vehicle, and later you must register it as a selft-built kit-car. Later, there are problems with selling, registering and so on.
Otherwise, you can use EA5x chasis adapting suspension, mounting, electric wiring, etc. And in law it's not substancial changes to vehicle, so still you can register car as regular one with modifications, only passing few tests of safety provided by authorities.
So far we have registered 4 Legnums in Poland (none VR4 sedan). Two built on EA5x chasis, two based on EC5x (one already converted in Japan prior to grey import).
If you still interested I can translate that links for you.

[HMG1K]

Welcome along!

Loving your car! And the headlight conversion! Three bulbs in each headlight?!

[MarkSanne]

Thanks swinks, I'm not sure how the laws in Holland are on those points. One thing is sure: we can buy and drive RHD cars!

If you have some spare time, I sure would love to read the topic in english, but no hurries, there is no rush, so only if you feel like it and you have the time for it please. And when you translate, only do the 'important' parts, skip all other blabla if there is any.

again: thanks!

[flipperds]

It’s fantastic to hear that there are a couple of left hand drive VR4s roaming around.

I am from the Philippines and drive a LHD Galant VR4 also. We used a local chassis and transplanted everything from a half cut Legnum VR4 to convert it to twin turbo and AWD. The only thing that we decided not to activate is the AYC, TCL and ABS. Currently we are 4 in a our group with an 8G VR4.... most of our members have the 7G VR4 (also transplanted and converted from a local chassis).

I am usually just a lurker here at clubvr4 and decided to become a member last year..... all I can say is that it’s worth every penny.... from the info you get.

[MarkSanne]

@flippers: If you don't mind me asking: why didn't you 'activate' (not installed or just not connected?) the AYC, TCL and ABS ?

[flipperds]

Our local Galants (we don't have legnums here) don't come with ABS.

Because of this we decided not to install the AYC, TCL, and ABS.... there is no provision on the local car for the bits and pieces needed (wiring and hardware) even if the Japanese half cut legnum came with the main parts for the AYC, TCL, and ABS.

We installed everything else in the car for it to be all wheel drive. One drawback is that I get error 51 on the tranny ecu.... it is looking for the TCL/AYC ecu that was not installed, but the car runs great though.

We have a member in our group also built by the same guys that did my car that had a 6a13TT transpanted also.... but is FWD just like yours.

[Beastlee]

Welcome to the club Grizzly there are more and more VR4s popping up across the world!

Mark, you shouldn't have too much trouble with RHD on the LHD roads, I actually quite like it. The only time it's annoying is on single carriageways when you want to overtake but you compensate for this by hanging back a bit further to see. We have all that extra power anyway ;)

[MarkSanne]

Well I guess I'll have to find out for myself Lee, as you and others that I know who drive RHD cars on LHD roads who say we'll get used to it soon enough. So thanks for that support :)

(nevertheless: I like to have something to do/read/have a most-evil-backup-plan) ;)

[Grizzly]

Hi everyone!

I'm terribly sorry I've been lost for THAT long
Nice to see though that you're still coming to my post, welcoming me.

I promise to be good and post all requested info ASAP
Unfortunately I don't speak Polish and will put here my report on LHD|RHD conversion in english (photos included)

Once again - thanks for warm welcome :)

[Nick Mann]

No problems. And any info/pics/advice is always welcome from someone who has the knowledge and experience to help!

[Grizzly]

I start fulfilling my promises :)

here are close-ups of my headlights:
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/1299/img3517wc9vf0.th.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3517wc9vf0.jpg)
http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/867/img3518nf8.th.jpg (http://img296.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img3518nf8.jpg)

BTW I'm a bit disappointed with this design - modules are too close to the glass and it becomes little bit opaque and blurred because of temperature. I'm preparing new frame and cover now. Will post it as soon as it's ready.

interior after RHD->LHD conversion
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7459/p1010006de2.th.jpg (http://img141.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010006de2.jpg)

under the hood (after conversion)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/5326/p1010009vi1.th.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010009vi1.jpg)

[MarkSanne]

A bit more clearance from the plastic lamphousing would be better I guess, but also 3 (!) different design HIDs? I think it would look more stylish when the 3 projector-housings are the same. Still I have to give you credit for doing this!

Your RHD->LHD conversion looks... as it should!! nice!

[Louis]

Did you use lights form another car and fit them into your light?, or did you get all the seperate light units and make them that way?, they look good. Well done on the conversion, were there any major problems with it?

[Grizzly]

Well...

First - on headlights:

I've used 1x 90mm Low beam lensed (1BL 008 193-001) + 1x 90mm Hi beam clear (1K0 008 191-001) + 1x 50mm Hi beam lensed (1KL 009 486-001) modules by Hella per side and standart Galant/Legnum headlight housings.
2 MarkSanne: you see, Mark, there are two types of housings, not three ;)
You may find detailed info on the modules here: http://b2c.hella.com/b2c_hella/b2c/init.do?language=en&country=en&shop=de_com&scenario.xcm=hella_com
Menu is on the left. Select "Light modules->Front->Premium" (or 90mm)

Setup meant to have HID low beam + halogen hi beam + HID additional driving lights (activated by cockpit switch along with hi beam).

50mm modules were chosen because at that time I thought they are narrower than 90mm and will fit better (Hella's site were not as detailed as it is now). Now I know for sure that they are mostly the same in mounting width with 90mm modules :)

My new headlight will consist of 90mm modules only :). I too think it'll be more stylish :). I haven't yet decided on covers style, but I'm working on it :)

With regard of driving RHD vehicle in LHD country: it IS possible. And with time you're getting used to it. Especially if most of your driving is in the city.
Overtaking on single lane roads IS a bitch, but as Beastlee mentioned we've got lots of spare power to hang further back and then shoot forward to overtake.
I simply don't like it :) I feel more comfortable driving vehicle with steering wheel corresponding to the local customs (and it doesn't matter for me whether it is left or right - I used to drive a lot on both sides) ;)

RHD-LHD conversion:
as SWINKS mentioned earlier - firewall and cowl panel are different on RHD and LHD Legnums. So basically there are three ways of conversion:
1. Take LHD car, strip it to the metal. Take RHD donor, strip it too. Exchange engine, transmission, wiring, etc.
Not a bad way to go, but... LHD Legnums/Galants do not have AWD versions. This means that you'll have some trouble with fitting rear axle and diff, drive shaft/exhaust pipe placement (floor tonnel is narrower and have different config) as well as with exchanging fuel tank and lines, etc.
Positive: you're not interfering with body structure (I mean firewall, cowl panel, front deck crossmember, pedals, etc.)
2. Take RHD vehicle, strip it up to the centre pillar, take some LHD parts (dashboard with all underdash plastic, floor console, steering rack, front deck crossmember, steering column mount, hood lock, steering column levers & covers, windshield wiper arms and mechanism, etc.), work on firewall, turn and adjust wire harnesses, assemble.
Working on firewall can be done in two ways:
2a - cut firewall, cowl panel, front deck crossmember and weld in corresponding parts from LHD vehicle.
2b - trim existing firewall, cowl panel, etc., to accomodate controls and details from the wrong side.

These methods also have their pluses and minuses.

My Legnum was converted using method 2b

Tomorrow I'll try to add some pictures and description of process :)

[MarkSanne]

please do so! excellent info

[Grizzly]

So here we go...

Conversion begins with assesment and parts collection

Approximate list of parts needed for conversion:
Dashboard complete with all underdash plactic covers, glovebox, etc.
Console panel with ashtray, panel that surrounds gearshift lever (floor console could be left as it is if you don't plan to move parking brake lever which I didn't)
Heater and A/C units complete with defroster and ventilation ducts and nozzles
Front deck crossmember with steering column mount, pedals, brackets and reinforcements
Steering column front deck cover, lower shroud, switches and levers
Power windows switches for left and right front doors
Fuel filler lid and trunk cover release levers with brackets and cables.
Hood lock w/cable
A/C, power steering and brake piping
Windshield wiper arms w/links
Front deck garnish
Floor foot rest
Steering rack (from 2.5l version)

Then comes disassembly

Hood, front doors and dashboard removed, seats go off as well
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/671/p1010008ccw9.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010008ccw9.jpg)
http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6127/p1010009cyl5.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010009cyl5.jpg)
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/8278/p1010010pi3.th.jpg (http://img526.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010010pi3.jpg)

Devastation continues. Engine removed, A/C and heater dismantled

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8060/p1010004zm2.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010004zm2.jpg)
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/5797/p1010005qm7.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010005qm7.jpg)
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/742/p1010007am7.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010007am7.jpg)
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/8583/p1010010xx2.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010010xx2.jpg)
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/2436/p1010002uy9.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010002uy9.jpg)
new crossmember is pre-fit in place
http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/680/p1010003za4.th.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003za4.jpg)

While engine is out of bay, all belts and oil seals are being replaced
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/2585/p1010002xh5.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010002xh5.jpg)
Doors are disassembled to prepare for insulation and installation of new speakers
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8034/p1010003fh6.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003fh6.jpg)
Work on firewall started
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/6792/p1010004lv2.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010004lv2.jpg)
New audio system components are waiting
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9403/p1010008gm0.th.jpg (http://img206.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010008gm0.jpg)
Tranny deserves overhaul as well
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/656/p1010001di3.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010001di3.jpg)
Work on firewall continues - test-fit of vacuum brake booster
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/5415/p1010003uk9.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003uk9.jpg)
Test-fit of heater and A/C units
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8030/p1010004yq0.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010004yq0.jpg)
Interior is further dismantled
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6934/p1010006rt0.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010006rt0.jpg)
Vibro-protection placed on roof panels
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/1748/p1010007ai6.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010007ai6.jpg)
Sound insulation placed ontop of vibro-protection on roof panels
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2098/p1010002rz3.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010002rz3.jpg)
Work on firewall continues - making necessary holes and reinforcements
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3963/p1010005eb5.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010005eb5.jpg)
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3227/p1010007tw7.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010007tw7.jpg)
Floor as it is
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/9616/dscn5689xc5.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn5689xc5.jpg)
Sawig, cutting, drilling and welding almost done on firewall and crossmember
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/6673/p1010001xn0.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010001xn0.jpg)
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3272/p1010003el8.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003el8.jpg)

to be continued...

[Grizzly]

Continued...

Parts are primed
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/3906/p1010002lz6.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010002lz6.jpg)
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2413/p1010008lt6.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010008lt6.jpg)
Vibro/sound insulation placed on the firewall inside engine bay
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2708/p1010010fu7.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010010fu7.jpg)
Vibro-protection added to floor and inside of firewall
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/2425/img0215uq4.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img0215uq4.jpg)
Sound insulation placed ontop of vibro-protection
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7011/p1010002hp0.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010002hp0.jpg)
Assembly started in engine bay
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4134/p1010006fc1.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010006fc1.jpg)
Outer door panels are insulated
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/7926/p1010003tn7.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003tn7.jpg)
Insulation of interior almost finished
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4442/p1010004yn0.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010004yn0.jpg)
Assembly started
http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8381/p1010012kk0.th.jpg (http://img179.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010012kk0.jpg)
Overhauled tranny is reattached to engine
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/7426/p1010001ca0.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010001ca0.jpg)
Engine is back where it belongs
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8649/p1010005dc7.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010005dc7.jpg)
Assembly of interior continues
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4003/p1010007mo6.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010007mo6.jpg)
Dashboard is in place. Wiring continues.
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5281/p1010003pp6.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003pp6.jpg)
Rear doors are ready for speakers
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/2156/p1010005nh6.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010005nh6.jpg)
Front doors are ready as well
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/4740/p1010008mm2.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010008mm2.jpg)
Amplifiers are in place
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5600/p1010006dw2.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010006dw2.jpg)
Almost done...
http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/5946/p1010003tm1.th.jpg (http://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1010003tm1.jpg)

On the following page you can see comparison of what were (left) and what I got after (right)
http://akita-motors.ru/AdaptBase/Mitsubishi%20LegnumVR-4%20(31.03.07).htm

Questions are welcome :)