History
The Ralliart Magna has more than a touch of Mitsubishi’s mind-blowing Lancer Evolution VI about it, in both show and go, and is bound to please the enthusiast driver.
Externally, an EVO 6 inspired body kit gives the car a purposeful, aggressive look, particularly as it sits on 17X 7 Enkei alloy wheels shod with 225/50 Pirelli P6000 performance tyres.
However, it is under the skin where most changes have taken place, and they have turned the car into a real goer. The engine has been re-worked with a high-lift camshaft, sports exhaust, new cylinder head, increased compression ratio, stainless steel exhaust headers and revised engine management calibration. The result is a delightfully tractable engine that produces 240hp (180kW) of power and 245 ft.lbs. (333Nm) of torque.
This power is put to the ground with a revised suspension set-up. Springs and dampers have been revised to give more responsive, neutral handling, and were developed in conjunction with performance specialists, Koni. Steering components were also specially calibrated to give the feel and feedback for spirited driving. Consequently, the resulting ride and handling characteristics will be the envy of all mainstream, and many niche sports sedan manufacturers.
Inside, the Ralliart Magna is trimmed with a red, black and silver theme. It has a special Ralliart instrument cluster with red face and white markings, a premium security-coded 14-speaker 188-watt remote controlled Eclipse audio system with 7-CD in-dash facility and the ability to be expanded, uniquely trimmed sports seats for the driver and passenger bearing the Ralliart logo, Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as silver trim highlights in the center console.
I got the bug for sports Magna's when I purchased a 2002 Magna VRX in 2006 for my daily. It was a great car that never gave me any trouble. I always wanted to modify it, but never had any money that could be allocated to such things. After a few years, the family was increasing to such a size that I needed to buy a bigger car. I wanted to keep it as a project but unfortunately money was tight, and I never had any time to do it as my work and family kept me terribly busy.
Approximately 15 years later, I found a Magna VRX that was the same as the vehicle I had owned previously. At this time, I was very aware that while Magna's don't cost a fortune to buy, they are becoming hard to find. In the end it turned out the VRX wasn't in particularly good condition, so I didn't buy it. Soon thereafter I came across a silver Magna Ralliart sedan that was located in Molendinar NSW. I need to note that I live in Cairns QLD. From the photographs the vehicle appeared to be striking and after catching my attention I studied its history, and makeup. The car looked to be in an honest condition. Apart from someone's pathetic attempt to repaint the front bar to cover up the stone chips and faded paint. The vehicle demonstrated fair wear and tear that matched the Kilometers on the clock. I arranged for an independent inspection of the car and the report came back in line with my expectations. I arranged for a company named Dynamic car carrying to transport the vehicle to me here in Cairns. The vehicle arrived with no problems, and I was soon behind the wheel, under cover of a main roads permit, Taking my first drive. The vehicle had a few squeaks and rattles, but the car ran simply fine. I was loving it. Once I got the vehicle home it was parked in the garage, and I dreamed and planned which way I was going to proceed.
Modifications
I decided that I was going to aim for the vehicle to be as true to the original as possible. However, there will be some changes from stock so that the vehicle will be a little more modern and have an element of my own personality. I commenced work on the mechanical aspects with the aim of making the vehicle go and stop properly. I started with the brakes by installing new disks and shoes. I serviced the calipers and replaced the system with new fluid. The brakes now work fantastic. Next, I wanted to tackle the engine oil leaks, lack of spontaneous revving out and smooth out the rough idle. I removed the intake manifold, rocker covers, air cleaner, and numerous other parts that were in the way so I could install a new timing belt, rocker cover gaskets, spark plugs and intake manifold gaskets. My next job will be to change the oil and filters at the transmission and transaxle. I commenced some of the modernization and injection of my personality projects on the car. I removed the double radio/cd graphic equalizer set up and replaced it with a Sony double din Android compatible display screen type system. I have installed a reverse camera. Lastly, at this stage, I wrapped the center of the dash area with red vinal. It certainly stands out as being different. The best part of doing a vinyl wrap is I can remove it any time and it will be returned to the original silver color. Exhaust replacement and modification is next.
