I'm not sure this is a build thread, since it was "built" plenty in 1997, so let's call it a "living with..." thread?

Those on the MitsuUSA FB page have sifted through my verbosity far too much of late, so to you guys I apologize. But it is nice to have a place where you can add on to what you've done, and it all stays in one place. Plus, this place is owed more of my time than I've given it in a long time, so its time to pay back...

For many many years I've wanted the Dakar Homologation special edition Pajero Evolution. I researched for a long time, chickened out a couple of times, and finally began the search officially (cash in hand) last fall, in the Japanese Domestic Market (In Canada our grey market imports have to be 15 years old, not 25, like in the USA). Starting in December, I bid on 6 or so pretty good specimens, but didn't win an auction until January. By the end of Feb my Paj Evo was in my garage. Needless to say I've been stoked ever since!

Here's what I ended up with...

1997 Pajero Evolution, Satellite Silver, 5speed auto with 139k kms (86k miles)

This is build number 581 (according to the chassis number) of 2500 made from October 1997, till the end of that year, and then released slowly to the public over the next two years. So you can buy a 1999 PajEvo, but it was made the same time as my 1997. They did it this way, as far as I can tell, to legitimize their T3 category entrants in the 98 and 99 Paris-Dakar campaigns. As a side note, the 98 Dakar was 1st-2nd-3rd for the Pajero Evo, and the Challenger (Montero Sport) rounded out 4th place.

Mine had to go though a rigorous inspection before I could register it, which it passed with zero deficiencies. I've imported three other JDM's, but this is the first that passed with no work to do first. Woohoo!

In terms of condition, it is completely stock, right down to the radio/cassette, except for the wheels, which had been swapped to expensive aftermarket 18"x8" two-piece Bradley Alloys. Too bad, as I really wanted the OE Evo wheels.

Pre shipping pics (saw these pics from Japan, after I had paid my money, and took my chances)

MT156358-5 by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

MT156358-7 by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

MT156358-23 by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

MT156358-10 by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

The night I picked her up (this was my first look)

Paj-evo dark by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

Back to the hotel to hang with her new sister:

20160226_202907 by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

Pics beyond this will showcase any work I do, etc. I also hope to show some of the differences between this rig and the "normal" Montero/Pajero.

Where's the "Like" button on here?

LIKE

nice mate. How does it go with the MIVEC motor & 5 speed auto?

LOL. Thanks guys. Thought I'd continue the narrative, and then into a few details of the first mods/fixes/maintenance, once it was home at last, in the garage next to the 3rd gen, which shares more than a passing glance, when it comes to parts...

Home at last by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

Polished the hood and rewaxed. Still some work to do here, and the hood intake needs paint (peeling clear) but this is a start.

Home at last by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

First things first - this will be seeing some gravel, so I added mudflaps. They are cheapo Sparco flaps, but will do the job. Also swapped the 18" wheels that came with it, for 16" OE gen3 wheels, from the 01-02 Montero. These are wrapped in Toyo Open Country's, in a 265-75R16, so a slight upsize from the factory 265-70s.

Home at last by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

Home at last by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

Toolkit was missing screwdriver, torch, wrench and pliers, so thanks to some helpful members, I was able to fill in the missing holes, and things are now complete back there.

Home at last by Phil Hansford, on Flickr

Also did an oil change, replaced the accessory belts, and changed the front diff oil, as I redid the cover gasket, which had a small drip.

It goes really well! Definitely takes some getting used to after having a few diesels. Even makes the wifey's 3.8 seem a little sluggish in comparison. At about 5k rpm the MIVEC cam profile kicks in and you get a savage downshift and a strong pull to redline. I've switched over to the manual mode but I find I don't hold the gear as long as the auto does! Its quite funny. It also downshifts out of 5th if you crest a steeper hill and come off the throttle. Very very cool. Great trans/engine combo, although definitely more of a hauler than a crawler, with the 7k redline and the 4.22 gears.

Hey! You bastard! You stole Phil's identity...and his dog!

Bahahah! Mitsu the dog is still kicking, just turned 11. As for "PHIL", he's still kicking too, but felt it was time for a change of costume. Lol.

Phil, that is a sweet Paj and makes many of us sooooo jealous!